With so many lovely city beaches, neighborhood pools, and indoor waterparks in Chicago, finding a location to float around and enjoy swimming is not difficult. But perhaps you choose a location for your summertime cool-down session that is a little more wild or off the main road. Here are some of our top swimming spots, which range from man-made to spectacularly naturalistic.
Centennial Beach
For more than 80 years, Centennial Beach has been a popular swimming spot for the community, and it is still a terrific destination to spend a sunny summer day. Two rock quarries originally stood where this pool is now.
The pool has experienced multiple modifications over the years. The pool’s current capacity is 6.2 million gallons, and its depths range from zero to fifteen feet. This beach welcomes visitors of all ages, and it even provides swimming instruction, aquatic fitness, adult floats, and special needs events.
Centennial Beach is the ideal location in the Windy City, with its six acres of shade-giving trees and expansive grassy areas. If you intend to visit Centennial Beach frequently, a season pass will save you money. Daily admission prices range from $4 to $14.
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Three Oaks Recreation Area
The long-forgotten Vulcan Lakes quarry was reclaimed by the City of Crystal Lake, which transformed it into an incredible recreational space. Take in the beautiful surroundings, crystal-clear lakes, and fantastic fishing. Paddle boats, sailboats, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rental.
Consider having a picnic while admiring the stunning views of the lake and lakeshore islands. Create memories at the family-friendly spray park while enjoying a lakeside meal on the patio. Explore recreational scuba diving or earn your certification at one of the many local scuba courses in the Scuba Zone.
In the beach area, swimming is only permitted while a lifeguard is on duty. It is strictly forbidden to swim anywhere but in the buoyed section of the beach or when a lifeguard is on duty.
It is not permissible to utilize flotation equipment such as rafts, noodles, couches, water wings, etc. Only life jackets that have received Coast Guard approval are permitted. At the Lake House Complex, life jackets can be borrowed for no additional cost.
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West Beach at Indiana Dunes
A wide range of outdoor activities is available along Lake Michigan’s southern shore’s fifteen miles of beachfront. You may experience the beach year-round, whether it’s taking a stroll at dusk in the summer or taking in the frigid splendor of Lake Michigan’s shelf ice.
The Indiana Dunes National Park has a number of beach parking lots. Every beach has potable water, and bathrooms, and is open every day from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm for swimming and sun bathing. From the Friday of Memorial Day weekend until the Monday of Labor Day weekend, West Beach also has showers and lifeguards on duty.
Close to the West Beach parking area, there are 8 wheelchair-accessible picnic shelters. It’s important for guests to understand how to spot rip currents and what to do if they get trapped in one before their next trip to the beach. Always be cautious and keep an eye out for any warnings in the local beach forecast.
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Fish Lake Beach
Family outing to Fish Lake Beach! For a trip with the family, camp out overnight in your own RV or tent. On weekends or from mid-April to mid-October, seasonal spots that may house an RV or park model are useful as summer residences.
Campers enjoy the sandy beach and the lake’s exquisite clarity. From the beach or using one of the small boats or canoes, you can fish inside the limits set. In addition, they offer kayak and pedal boat rentals.
For a beach picnic or a meal at a table in the shade, pack your own foldable chairs. Visit the beach shops at Fish Lake Beach. They offer refreshments, slushies, ice cream, and rentals of paddles, canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and rowboats. The concessions are located within the same building as the bathrooms and showers.
Kinkaid Lake Spillway
It makes sense that the Kinkaid Lake Spillway would be guarded as it is something of a local mystery. Outside of Carbondale, they enjoy a small slice of paradise. Getting here can get a bit confusing, but once you do, you’ll discover a picturesque, three-level waterfall that empties into a refreshing pool of pure water.
Keep in mind that the area might draw a crowd with occasionally boisterous residents throughout the summer if you plan to bring kids. To enter the region and navigate the falls, be sure to wear shoes with stiff soles. The rocks can get quite sharp.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where is a long standing swimming spot locals enjoy?
For more than 80 years, Centennial Beach has been a popular swimming spot for the community, and it is still a terrific destination to spend a sunny summer day. Two rock quarries originally stood where this pool is now.
Where is a great place to swim, fish and set up an RV?
Family outing to Fish Lake Beach! For a trip with the family, camp out overnight in your own RV or tent. On weekends or from mid-April to mid-October, seasonal spots that may house an RV or park model are useful as summer residences.
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