Follow A Sandy Path To The Waterfront When You Visit Illinois Beach State Park In Illinois
It may come as a surprise to some, but Illinois has some incredibly gorgeous sand dunes that everyone needs to see. Along the coast of Lake Michigan lies Illinois Beach State Park which has the last remaining beach ridge shoreline in the state. While you are here, consider a hike along a sandy path that leads to the beach and the water.
Along the gorgeous shoreline of Lake Michigan is Illinois Beach State Park. With 4,160 acres, there is no shortage of recreation including hiking, viewing wildlife, camping, biking, geocaching, swimming, and even SCUBA diving.
This state park has five miles of trails allowing visitors to easily traverse through oak forests, marshes, swales, dunes, and sandy beaches. And with over 650 plant species that have been recorded by the dunes alone, you'll have plenty to explore!
If you want to see as much as possible at Illinois Beach State Park, it's best to explore on one of the hiking trails. One of the best hikes you can do is a combination of two trails, the Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail.
This 2.5-mile loop is rated as moderate and has an overall elevation gain of 26 feet. There is light foot traffic along this route, so you may experience some peace, quiet, and solitude along the way.
The Dead River itself is a sight to see as it is blocked by sandbars most of the year, forming more of a long, narrow pond. Once in a while, however, the water level rises over the sandbars, changing the landscape as the river then flows into Lake Michigan. It's a fascinating natural wonder!
Aside from the Dead River, the trail becomes sand and leads to the spectacular Lake Michigan! Make sure to spend some time on the beach enjoying all the beauty around you.
If only all pathways could lead to the beach! Are you ready to take the Illinois Beach Trail to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan? Let us know if you’ve trekked along this trail in the past. For more information on the Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail, head to the AllTrails webpage and to the Illinois Beach State Park website to plan your visit.
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
