Most Polluted Beaches In Illinois

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Most Polluted Beaches in Illinois

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4.25

North Avenue Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

North Avenue Beach

Frank Fujimoto

creativecommons (Unmodified)

North Avenue Beach, located in Chicago, United States, presents an iconic front to Lake Michigan with its broad stretch of sand and striking city skyline views. This well-loved beach is not only known for its light golden sand but also for the plethora of activities available. Here, visitors can enjoy volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, and a fresh breeze ideal for kite flying. North Avenue Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty during the appropriate season, access to bathrooms, and facilities catering to individuals with disabilities. However, it's worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the beach, there's no provision for camping or surfing, and sun-seeking naturists will have to look elsewhere as nude bathing is also not permitted. This bustling Chicago spot ensures a well-rounded visit with its comprehensive facilities.

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4.15

Rainbow Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

Rainbow Beach Eagle

Graham Cook

CC BY 2.0 (Unmodified)

Located in the southern portion of Chicago, Rainbow Beach – also previously known as Rocky Ledge Beach and Lake Michigan Beach – is a curve-shaped beach with light brown sand and a nearby rocky breakwater. This beach is a part of a larger recreational park named Rainbow Beach Park. Rainbow Beach is open between 11 am to 6 pm.

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4.15

Fullerton Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

Fullerton Beach

Nikhil G

CC BY 2.0 (Unmodified)

Nestled along the vibrant shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Fullerton Beach offers a picturesque urban retreat with its moderate length of golden sand contrasted against the vast blue waters. This beach is a hub of activity, offering visitors a range of experiences including volleyball, sunbathing, jogging, and picnicking. Fullerton Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does not have lifeguards on duty, bathroom access, or allow dogs, making it a more focused beach-going experience aimed at simple leisure and sports activities.

Sandee South Shore Cultural Center Beach Photo

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4.1

South Shore Cultural Center Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

Amy Morrow

CC BY 2.0 (Unmodified)

Nestled along the vibrant shores of Chicago, the South Shore Cultural Center Beach presents a scenic waterfront escape within the city's limits. This picturesque beach spans a considerable length, boasting fine, golden sands that glisten under the Illinois sun. Visitors can indulge in a plethora of activities ranging from leisurely strolls, picnicking with breathtaking views of the Lake Michigan horizon, to engaging in volleyball matches on its sandy courts. South Shore Cultural Center Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty during designated hours ensuring a safe swimming environment, accessible restrooms for comfort, and a strict policy disallowing dogs to maintain its pristine conditions. However, those looking to camp, surf, or bring their furry friends will need to find alternative locations, as these activities are not permitted here.

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4.2

Montrose Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

Strand in Chicago, Uptown

dronepicr

CC BY 2.0 (Unmodified)

Located in Chicago’s neighborhood of Uptown, Montrose Beach – also known as Montrose Avenue Beach – is a popular beach with light brown sand and a nearby curved cement pier. Montrose Beach is a part of a larger recreational park named Lincoln Park.

Montrose Beach has been listed as one of the “The 9 best beaches in Chicago for a taste of the lake life” by Lonely Planet magazine and it was also listed as one of the “The 25 best Chicago beaches” by Time Out Chicago magazine. It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. Montrose Beach is open from 6 am to 11 pm.