4 Best State Park Beaches in Illinois To Visit To Close Out Summer

I've begun to notice the days getting slightly shorter and kids scurrying around with their backpacks, some riding their bikes to school, others milking August for all it has left. I'm not sure where summer went, but I know it passed too quickly. Despite August quickly turning to September, I'm still searching for spots to lie out on the sand and "lizard" as I like to say. To help you make the most of your end-of-summer days, we've put together a few of the best state park beaches and recreational areas in Illinois to check off your list before the leaves begin to turn.

1. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

The  4,900-acre Clinton Lake offers a 1,000-foot beach for eager summer adventurers. Complete with a small concessions stand, this beach is perfect for saying goodbye to summer with an ice cream cone in hand. In addition to the swimming area, Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers boat launches, fishing spots, and hiking trails. The state recreation area is located in central Illinois, just an hour northeast of the state capital of Springfield.

2. Illinois Beach State Park

You'll find Illinois Beach State Park located just 15 minutes from the Wisconsin-Illinois state line and 90 minutes north of Chicago. The sandy shores of Illinois Beach State Park stretch 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. There are two designated swimming areas, as well as opportunities for boating and camping. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline in the Land of Lincoln. This means you can finally visit “the dunes” without driving all the way to Indiana Dunes National Park.

3. Moraine View State Park

For just $3 per person, you can spend the perfect summer day swimming at the Black Locust picnic area in Moraine View State Park. The state park is 30 minutes east of Normal, Illinois, making it the perfect getaway for anyone visiting a student at Illinois State University. 

While the facilities at the swimming beach are limited to a picnic area, restrooms are scattered throughout the park and campground, as well as a concession stand located across the lake in the Wild Sumac area. Kayak launches, fishing areas, and hiking trails will keep anyone busy all day long.

4. Wolf Creek State Park

Also in central Illinois, Wolf Creek State Park joins with Eagle Creek State Recreation Area to offer 250 miles of shoreline. A 200-foot swimming beach is available for visitors looking to take a dip after a long day exploring the park's trails. In addition to swimming, visitors are welcome to engage in boat fishing, windsurfing, or pontoon boating. Furthermore, explorers can try land-based activities like camping or enjoying one of the horseback riding trails. 

Although one may not expect it, Illinois is home to more than 2,900 lakes. No matter where you're located in the Prairie State, you're never too far from a body of water. Inspired to check out these Illinois State Parks? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.