Information
Landmark: Waukegan Municipal BeachCity: Waukegan
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Waukegan Municipal Beach, Waukegan, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
The address is 201 E., a corner spot with a faded brick wall and a blue door.Sea Horse Drive in Waukegan, IL 60085 - call 847‑599‑2525 - is open daily from dawn to dusk, and in summer the gates stay open a bit later to catch those golden evening hours.Waukegan Municipal Beach sits on Lake Michigan’s western shore, where visitors can step straight onto the sand and look out over one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes.It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, blending winding trails and shady picnic areas with plenty of ways to relax and play.Natural Features – Sand and Dunes: About a mile of soft, pale sand stretches along the edge of Lake Michigan, where the water laps gently at the shore.Among the few natural sand dunes left here, their golden slopes frame the view and shelter native plants and wildlife.These dunes are fragile, so stick to the marked trails-let your feet crunch on the wooden boardwalk instead of shifting the sand.You can slip into Lake Michigan’s cool, clear freshwater right from the beach.You can swim, but no lifeguards are on duty-step into the water at your own risk.Swimming & sunbathing: On warm days, the soft, pale sand makes a perfect spot to stretch out under the sun or slip into the water for a refreshing swim.The beach has fishing piers where anglers cast lines and wait for the tug of a catch.There’s a fish-cleaning station close by, handy if you want to rinse off your catch while it’s still fresh.Right next to the beach sits the Waukegan Marina, one of Lake Michigan’s largest, with more than 1,000 boat slips lined up like rows of gleaming masts.You can enjoy all kinds of water sports here-sailing with the wind in your hair, jet skiing across choppy waves, or kiteboarding under a wide blue sky.The marina buzzes with sailing races and all kinds of related events, from colorful regattas to lively dockside gatherings.On the beach, you’ll find sand volleyball and sand soccer courts, perfect for a quick game under the sun and a little friendly competition.The beach is dotted with picnic tables and sturdy barbecue grills, ready for sizzling burgers in the sea breeze.Dockside is a special spot where you can grab ice cream, sizzling brats, and other snacks, and sometimes a food truck rolls up with something new.Bird watching and nature walks await at the beach, where, with the Lake County Audubon Society’s help, you can follow a quiet trail on your own and spot a heron lifting off over the water.It helps people learn about the environment and sparks a real appreciation for the local ecosystem-like noticing the sharp scent of pine after rain.Stiner Pavilion sits right on the sand, an open-air spot where the music drifts out over the waves.It’s home to concerts and community gatherings, especially the Waukegan Band’s summer shows every Tuesday night.The pavilion hosts lively festivals, vibrant performances, and cultural gatherings where the air fills with music and laughter.Summer brings a flurry of seasonal festivals, from lively street parades to open-air concerts, drawing in both locals and curious travelers.Need a beach wheelchair?We’ve got two sturdy models ready to roll, free of charge, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.Call the Beach Office at 708‑533‑5192 to reserve your spot-just make sure you do it at least a day ahead.Borrowers need to show a valid ID and hand over a signed liability waiver, ink still fresh on the page.We offer clearly marked parking spaces near the entrance for visitors with disabilities, along with ADA-compliant restrooms, so everyone can get around comfortably.Visitors will find restrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor showers-perfect for rinsing off the salt after a swim.Parking and Fees: Visitors will find a roomy lot by the beach, big enough for plenty of cars and shaded by a few tall palms.From the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends and federal holidays come with parking fees for any car without a current Waukegan city sticker.If you’ve got a city sticker-or you’re an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a first responder-you can park for free, no meter coins needed.Parking’s usually free in the off-season-no meters ticking, no tickets under the wiper.You can walk onto the beach without paying a cent-the sand and surf are open to everyone.Beach Rules & Safety - No lifeguards on duty.If you choose to swim, you’re on your own, so keep an eye on the waves.No alcohol allowed, and leave glass bottles at home.Pets aren’t allowed on the sandy stretches of the beach, though you might be able to bring a leashed dog along the grassy paths nearby.You can’t blast music or light fires on the beach; even a single crackling log is off-limits.You can’t use a charcoal grill on the sand-stick to the marked grill spots, like the ones by the picnic tables.Please keep off the dunes and other protected spots so the wind-swept grasses and fragile habitat can stay intact.The beach puts conservation first, urging visitors to protect its dunes, tide pools, and the wildlife that call it home.Summer hours run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day-doors open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m., seven days a week.Off-season, we’re open every day from the first pink light at dawn until the last shadows stretch at dusk.Waukegan Municipal Beach blends shimmering lake views with plenty of ways to play outside and a calendar full of community events.The wide sweep of sand, wind-carved dunes, and bustling marina make it a one-of-a-kind spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and simply unwinding with your toes in the water.With ramps, clean restrooms, and easy parking, the beach welcomes everyone-from kids building sandcastles to hikers chasing the lake breeze-making it a favorite spot for families and outdoor lovers in Waukegan.
