State Parks and National Parks

Illinois Beach State Park

This Lake Michigan park, accessed in the town of Zion, contains the only beach ridge shoreline left in Illinois.

The two separate areas of the 4,160-acre park include dunes, marshes and woodlands, and harbor a wide variety of wildlife, much of it threatened or endangered. More than 650 plant species, including prickly pear cactus, have been documented in the dunes area alone.

There are about 20 miles of park trails, with 10 open to cyclists. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also practiced in the park.

Swimming is a major attraction. Canoes may be carried in to the lake. Fishing is permitted both in the lake and in small inland ponds.

There are 244 developed campsites and a lodge.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.