PLAN A ROAD TRIP AND ENJOY THE SUMMER SUN
Nothing says summer like warm sunshine and the sand between your toes. Most local pools may still be closed due to COVID-19, but there are plenty of beaches to visit in the area that are located over the Illinois state line. Each is inviting you to come relax and play. So, pack up the car with your sun gear and take a beach-bound road trip.
1. NORTH BEACH PARK
RACINE, WISCONSIN–North Beach Park is a popular spot in this midwest town. The huge stretch of white and clean sand along the Lake Michigan shore is a nice place for a stroll, fish or play. There are many restaurants nearby for you to get refreshed after you relax the day away at this unique find across the state line. Located 1hr 40min from west suburban Chicago http://www.realracine.com/outdoors/north-beach/
2. FONTANA BEACH
FONTANA, WISCONSIN–Enjoy the beauty of Geneva Lake while sitting on one of Fontana’s most beautiful gems. The large sandy beach has a wide grassy area and changing rooms- perfect for picnicing. Beach hours are 9am-9pm with Llifeguards on duty. Daily beach passes and concessions are available at the beach house. Located 1 Hour and 30 Minutes from west suburban Chicago . https://villageoffontana.com/visit-fontana/
3. RIVIERA BEACH
LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN–You’ll love this favorite summer and weekend destination among locals as well as tourists. The sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing or viewing the calm lake and sailboats. You’ll find a few eateries nearby to grab some quick bites. The beach is open to the public between the Memorial Day and Labor Day every year. Located 1 Hour and 30 Minutes from west suburban Chicago . https://www.cityoflakegeneva.com/beach
4. WHOAZONE AT WHIHALA BEACH
WHITING, INDIANA–Just a smidge over the Illinois border on Lake Michigan, this beach and attraction is loads of fun for the whole family. Challenge yourself to an adventure with acrobatic thrills and safe, yet fun athletic challenges. WhoaZone is an inflatable on-water obstacle course that is divided into four levels of challenges. You can also rent paddle boards and kayaks or just relax on their beach.Visit the website for age and height restrictions. Located 1 Hour from west suburban Chicago . https://whoazonewhihala.com/
5. INDIANA DUNES
NORTHWEST INDIANA–Plan a fun day trip to experience the majesty that is the Indian Dunes. Located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, it boasts of more than fifteen miles of sandy shoreline and rolling sand dunes to explore.It’s a perfect place to spend a summer day. Located 1 Hour and 20 Minutes from west suburban Chicago . https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
6. GRAND HAVEN BEACH
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN–A classic summer beach that includes a 48-acre state park, Grand Haven is one of the most popular vacation spots in Michigan. The beach features all the amenities you’d expect – the entrance fee to the state park is $9/day. There is a picturesque red lighthouse and a beautiful boardwalk that goes all the way to the center of the town. Located 3 Hours and 9 Minutes from west suburban Chicago. https://visitgrandhaven.com/things/beaches/
7. WARREN DUNES STATE PARK
SAWYER, MICHIGAN–Warren Dunes State Park is a 1,952-acre (7.90 km 2) Michigan state park, located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Berrien County. The park's large sand dunes and lakeshore beaches make it one of the most popular of Michigan’s state parks with an average of about one million visitors annually. Located 2 Hours and 19 Minutes from west suburban Chicago . https://www.michigan.org/property/warren-dunes-state-park
