Our snazzy new Swim Guide lets you locate beaches near you, figure out which ones are safe for swimming (the green ones!), and plan your next trip to the beach. It’s free, and it’s fun, and it’s available now online, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android devices.

Forest Park: Forest Park is located just north of Chicago, Illinois. Forest Beach is a 29 acre beach that offers swimming, boating and other water activity opportunities. Forest Beach also has walking paths and grassy areas for non-aquatic adventures. Forest Beach has a concession stand, pavilions, fishing pier and boat launch onsite. The beach is monitored by lifeguards during the summer season.

Illinois Beach State Park North: Illinois Beach State Park North Beach is a historical district that houses many hiking and biking trails and is great for bird watching. It was once an army shooting range that is now the home of the Lake Michigan Biological Station. The Illinois National Guard used Illinois Beach State Park North Beach as a training facility throughout World War I and II. This long beach is divided into three parts: North, Resort, and South.

Illinois Beach State Park Resort: Illinois Beach State Park Resort Beach is an area rich in wildlife diversity and home to many different outdoor activities. There are many hiking and biking trails, as well as a great beach for swimming and fishing. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, however they are allowed on the campgrounds. There are sleeping accommodations located at the resort that also include a restaurant, lounge, pool and games room. There are also parking and washroom accommodations located on the beach. This long beach is divided into three parts: North, Resort, and South.

Illinois Beach State Park South: Illinois Beach State Park South Beach is home to a campground, beach and numerous hiking and biking trails. There are fishing opportunities and an enjoyable rocky-sand beach. The hiking and biking trails allow you to experience the nature of Illinois Beach State Park and there are many picnic tables located throughout the beach. This long beach is divided into North, Resort, and South sections.

Lake Bluff Dog Beach: Lake Bluff Dog Beach has a rocky sand shore with designated swimming areas that are life guarded when the beach is open. Residents of Lake Bluff Park District are able to bring their dogs to the beach. Non-residents of Lake Bluff Park District are required to purchase a dog beach pass, as well as a beach pass for themselves. Dogs must also have up-to-date proof of vaccinations and owners must sign the Dog Responsibilities Contract. More information can be found at : http://www.lakebluffparks.org/beach.html

Moraine Dog Beach: The Moraine Dog Beach, located in Highland Park, Illinois is a dog park that also has paths leading to the beach. Dogs must be registered with the park office and have proof of vaccinations. The dog area on the beach is fenced off and allows for off-leash exercise by dogs between April 1st and October 31st. The park has access to parking, a picnic area and washrooms.

North Point Marina Beach: North Point Marina Beach is a public beach located in Illinois State Park on Lake Michigan. There is a large marina for water craft storage, nearby hotel accommodations and public washrooms. The beach and the marina are right beside the Wisconsin/Illinois state border.

Nunn Beach: Nunn Beach is located at the Great Lakes Navel Training Center in Chicago, Illinois. The beach is located near a campground and marina that have amenities such as boat docking and rentals, snack bar, washrooms, a library and movie theater. There is a nice swimming area which has a lifeguard on duty. The beach is only open from Thursday-Sunday.

Park Avenue: Park Avenue Beach is home to the North Shore Yacht Club that provides boat rentals. There is also boat access to Lake Michigan via sand or concrete launch ramps. There is on-site boat storage. There is a swimming area that is not life guarded.

Rosewood Beach: Rosewood Beach is apart of Rosewood Park, in Highland Park Illinois. It consists of 11 acres of park land with paths leading to the swimming area at the beach. The beach is life guarded throughout the summer season and has such amenities as washrooms, picnic areas and playgrounds. There is a fee for acquiring picnic permits. More information can be found at: http://www.pdhp.org/index.cfm/fa/parks.park_detail/object_id/54e755ab-d861-441d-81b4-bac69d00533a/Rosewood_Park_and_Beach.cfm

Sunrise Beach: Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach is located in Lake Bluff, Illinois, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Access to the beach is free for residents of Lake Bluff Park District, however there is a fee for non-residents. There are shelters available for rent on the beach to residents of Park District that include a fireplace and picnic tables. The beach has designated swim areas that are life guarded during the beaches hours of operation (Weekdays: 9am-8pm, Weekends: 8am-8pm).

Waukegan North Beach: Waukegan North Beach is a sandy beach with ample parking and washroom facilities. This windy area of Lake Michigan also provides the opportunity for kite and windsurfing at different levels of experience. Throughout the summer there are areas of the beach zoned off for swimming that allow swimmers to enjoy the beach away from boats.

Waukegan South Beach: Waukegan South Beach is located east of Waukegan, Illionois. The beach is a great location for swimming and has on site washrooms. The beach is also in close proximity to Waukegan Harbor and the marina.