Illinois Beach State Park is the state’s only remaining beach ridge shoreline. The area’s topography was created by glaciers that advanced and retreated, and steady winds blowing across Lake Michigan. The “Dead River” that we also follow along is a misnomer, and actually very beautiful. This park is well worth the drive for the views, wildlife, and the joy of finding smooth stones to skip across the lake. This hike brings the joy of Lake Michigan’s rolling waves and dunes without the crowds! We also hike inland through the oak savannah’s while looking for wildflowers and prickly pear cacti.
The first half of the hike will be on a sand/gravel beach, the other half will be on a sand/gravel/dirt path. It is a level path, but walking on sand is more strenuous.
Even though we are on the beach much of the time, we recommend wearing hiking boots, as sand/rocks can get into the sandals. After the hike, we will put our toes in the warm sand! About 3.5 miles total.
NEW hikers, please click the “+” sign below to fill out the Annual Registration Waiver, after you “Add to Cart” the hike purchase. Check out by going to “CART” in the upper right corner of screen.
Illinois Beach State Park is the state’s only remaining beach ridge shoreline. The area’s topography was created by glaciers that advanced and retreated, and steady winds blowing across Lake Michigan. The “Dead River” that we also follow along is a misnomer, and actually very beautiful. This park is well worth the drive for the views, wildlife, and the joy of finding smooth stones to skip across the lake. This hike brings the joy of Lake Michigan’s rolling waves and dunes without the crowds! We also hike inland through the oak savannah’s while looking for wildflowers and prickly pear cacti.
The first half of the hike will be on a sand/gravel beach, the other half will be on a sand/gravel/dirt path. It is a level path, but walking on sand is more strenuous.
Even though we are on the beach much of the time, we recommend wearing hiking boots, as sand/rocks can get into the sandals. After the hike, we will put our toes in the warm sand! About 3.5 miles total.
NEW hikers, please click the “+” sign below to fill out the Annual Registration Waiver, after you “Add to Cart” the hike purchase. Check out by going to “CART” in the upper right corner of screen.
Click the “+” sign above to fill out the Annual Waiver (once/year) Thank you!
