There are many things that make Illinois a fantastic place to live and travel, and one of the best is Lake Michigan. Though our state only lays claim to a small portion of this Great Lake, the views are best from our shores and beaches. The sights are so stunning, in fact, that you’ll forget about the ocean and only ever traverse the seas and shores of Illinois.

These 15 images of beaches, waves, the open sea, and more will prove that Illinoisians have it made when it comes to outstanding views.

1. It's easy to forget about land when all you see is clouds and endless, open sea from the shores of Illinois.
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
2. This breathtaking photo of rolling clouds over crashing waves is at Illinois Beach State Park.
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
3. Sunrises are best over Lake Michigan from Illinois' side.
Pixabay/rlobes
4. This additional photo at Illinois Beach State Park proves the lake can be just as serene as the ocean.
Good Free Images
5. If you didn't know better, you might think this photo of an endless shore line was from an ocean coast.
Wikipedia/Wrongdave
6. The ocean has nothing on this stunning shot of lake waves crashing against barriers.
Good Free Images
7. Waves and endless sea make gigantic Lake Michigan look as vast as any ocean.
Good Free Images

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8. Belmont Harbor, one of the biggest docks in Chicago, is gorgeous day or night.
Wikipedia/Gerald Farinas
9. Beautiful Chicago Harbor Light is picture-perfect from any angle.
Wikimedia Commons/Lisa Andres
10. You'll never find a sunset as beautiful as the one over this Lake Michigan lighthouse.
Pixabay/Joseph John
11. Speaking of sunsets, check out this gorgeous, pink sky reflecting off the water.
Pixabay/tpsdave
12. Images of Chicago are best when they include the lake.
Flickr/Roman Boed
13. Pictures are stunning whether you're looking out from the tops of skyscrapers...
Pixabay/tpsdave
14. Or peering in from a yacht on the calm waves of this outstanding lake.
Wikimedia Commons/Ashokf11
15. Whether you're in the city or out enjoying the Illinois countryside, stunning shots of Lake Michigan abound.
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen

Love the lake? Here are 14 more lakes in Illinois to visit!

What’s your favorite part about Lake Michigan in Illinois? Share your thoughts and photos with us below.

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