Are you looking for somewhere to spend your summer vacation? If so, look no further. We have you covered! The following eight beaches will make your day, weekend, or vacation unforgettable in more ways than one. They’re also some of the best hidden beaches in Illinois that are certainly worth discovering. You’ll want to make plans to visit them all.

1. Leone Beach
Leone Beach, Illinois 60626, USA
flickr/renee_mcgurk
This Lake Michigan beach is tucked into a corner of northern Chicago between other beaches. It is not frequented as much as the other city beaches, making it an excellent spot to find a place that is all your own. Take a look at this article to learn more about Leone Beach.
2. Keyesport Beach
103 Republican St, Keyesport, IL 62253, USA
Facebook/Carlyle Lake
Centered around the largest man-made lake in the state, Carlyle Lake, this beach in southern Illinois is fun for the entire family. It is surrounded by natural wonders like forests with hiking trails, making it a semi-private beach. For more information about Keyesport Beach, be sure to take a look at this article.
3. Pearl Lake Beach
Pearl Lake, South Beloit, IL 61080, USA
Facebook/Pearl Lake
This beautiful lake is used for camping and other resort-style fun. The beach is large enough for 100 guests at a time. It has a unique shape that locals love. This is certainly a place to add to your bucket list if you love beaches. For more information about Pearl Lake, which is home to Pearl Lake Beach, you'll want to take a look at this webpage.
4. South Sandusky Beach
Rend Lake, Illinois, USA
Facebook/Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center
Families can enjoy a full day of fun on this sandy patch of land that stretches around the edges of Rend Lake. In addition to the beach, there are picnic areas and places to change and wash the sand from your feet. Take a look at this webpage to learn more about South Sandusky Beach.

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5. Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach
784 E Prospect Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, USA
Flickr/Lucy Gray
Residents of Lake Bluff can access this most astounding of hidden beaches for free. Situated on Lake Michigan, it is one of the northernmost beaches in the state that exists on this expansive Great Lake. Though small, guests love the private feel and exclusivity. To learn more about Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach, be sure to visit this webpage.
6. Rosewood Beach
Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA
google/Pete Fussle
Open from dawn to dusk, this pristine beach offers excellent views and is a great place to swim. There is plenty of parking as well as picnic areas for families to enjoy. For more information about Rosewood Beach, check out this webpage.

Note: Rosewood Beach is closed for swimming until after Memorial Day.
7. Oakwood Beach
Oakwood Beach, Chicago, IL 60653, USA
TripAdvisor/Annaline
This Chicago beach is another hidden spot along Lake Michigan that Illinoisans love to use for access to the water. Summer days are so much better when you're here. Take a look at this webpage to learn more information about Oakwood Beach.
8. Olson Lake Beach
Rock Cut State Park, 7223 West Lane Rd, Caledonia, IL, USA
TripAdvisor/Jennifer S
Located at Rock Cut State Park, this is a beach that few people know is in Illinois. It is situated near our border with Wisconsin and is a wonderful place for all sorts of nature attractions. For more information about Olson Lake Beach, take a look at this website.

If you’ve ever been to one of these eight hidden beaches, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experience(s) and photos with us in the comments below.

For a list of more fun things to do in Illinois this summer, be sure to take a look at the following article: 15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Illinois Summer Bucket List.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best hidden beaches in illinois

Jennifer Young | March 30, 2022

What's one of the best private beaches in Illinois?

Illinois is filled with many beautiful beaches, several of which are somewhat private. One of the best secret beaches in Illinois is Kathy Osterman Beach in Chicago. It's located at the northernmost tip of Lincoln Park and is also great for a relaxing day trip. Although private when compared to most other Illinois beaches, Kathy Osterman Beach still receives many visitors each summer. For more information about Kathy Osterman Beach, including hours and rules, be sure to take a look at this webpage.

What are three beaches in Illinois that belong on everyone's summer bucket list?

Have you ever asked yourself "Where are the best beaches near me that belong on my summer bucket list?" If so, you're in luck! Listed below are three of the best Illinois beaches to visit this summer.

1. 57th Street Beach

Illinois' 57th Street Beach is located within Jackson Park and is one of Chicago's most popular beaches for swimming. It also offers incredible views of the Chicago skyline. Visit this webpage for additional information about Illinois' 57th Street Beach.

2. Waukegan Municipal Beach

Waukegan Municipal Beach is located in Waukegan, Illinois and is easily accessible by most all means of transportation, including car, plane, bicycle, train, and boat. This beach is also open daily year round. What makes it unique is the fact that it boasts some of the area's only remaining natural dunes. For more information about Waukegan Municipal Beach, be sure to take a look at this webpage.

3. Montrose Beach

Illinois' Montrose Beach is located in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood within the city's Lincoln Park. It's open for public swimming between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Be sure to take a look at this webpage for more information about Illinois' Montrose Beach.

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