Illinois Beach Nature Preserve

Shamus Thornton

Had a beautiful walk through the woods to the beach. Saw deer and many birds.

Craig Gernhardt

The hiking trails are excellent. This bike trail on the south end heading north is horrid. Not maintained and erosion has washed up portions of the trail. Just to get to the area is a hike. Could use a concession stand. There is restrooms and a campsite. A visitor center is a nice stop. The maps and information signage is everywhere, with plant and wildlife information. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park is it's official name. From the government website. "Illinois Beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation. More than 650 species of plants have been recorded in the dunes area alone, including dozens of types of colorful wildflowers. Prickly pear cactus thrives in large colonies in the dry areas, and the wet prairies are carpeted with a wide variety of grasses and sedges. Large expanses of marsh in the swales support dense stands of cattail, grasses, big bluestem and sedges. The sandy ridges are crowned by black oak forests with an open, savanna-like appearance. For much of the year, a stream known as Dead River is blocked by sandbars formed by waves at the mouth of the river, creating a sluggish marshy habitat." It's a great way to spend a day. Directions From the South are: I-294 north to Rt 173 east (approx 8 miles) to Sheridan Road. Make a right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road, make a left and you will be in the park. From the North are: I-94 South to Rt. 173, east on Rt.173 to Sheridan Road, right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road and make a left on Wadsworth into the Park.

Will Harrelson

Very cute, a lot of trails. Beach is nice. Nature center is nice. They offer guided tours.

David Coniglio

Look like ocean but is not ,interesting .