LOCATION:  Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Drive, Zion

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: During the summer season, swimming is a major attraction along the sandy shorelines, and both units provide ample parking and a bathhouse with showers. There are no on-duty lifeguards so please be careful. No one should swim alone!

 

Hiking | Biking | Camping | Fishing | Boat Launch + Marina | Picnic Area | Showers + Restroom

 

FREE! No swimming fees or parking fees

LOCATION:  1000 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: This handicap accessible beach has WiFi and a tropical vibe as the Chicago Park District plants palm trees at this beach every year.

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Accessible | WiFi | Lake Michigan

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FREE! Parking in the city is never fun... use an app or site like SpotHero.com to help find affordable parking.

LOCATION:  1200 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: This beach on Northerly Island Park has narrower sandy beach, but plenty of grass beyond the sand to sprawl out on Lake Michigan's shores. Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are on the same beach.

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Accessible | Restrooms | Lake Michigan

 

FREE! Parking in the city is never fun... use an app or site like SpotHero.com to help find affordable parking.

LOCATION:  3100 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Often referred to 31st Street Beach, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach offers visitors incredible views of the Chicago skyline from the south. 

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Burroughs Beach sits next to 31st Street Harbor, a new facility that offers 1,000 floating slips for yachts. Adjacent to the harbor, patrons can find an ADA-accessible playground, along with a “green roof” picnic area above an indoor parking garage.

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Accessible | WiFi | Concessions | Restrooms | Fishing Docks | Lake Michigan

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FREE! Parking in the city is never fun... use an app or site like SpotHero.com to help find affordable parking.

LOCATION:  4611 E. 22nd Road, Leland

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HOURS: Call for reservations DAILY from 10:00am - 6:00pm DAILY

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DISTANCE: 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: For parents that like to relax, you'll enjoy our lounge chairs overlooking the lake or laying out on the beach. Young kids will enjoy the moonwalk, slide and making sandcastles on the beach. Whatever type of beach activity you're looking for, you'll find it at Hi-Tide.

 

Floating Iceberg Climbing Wall | Water Trampolines | Cabins + Campgrounds | Log Roll | Balance Balls

 

FEE: Monday - Thursday, $12/person | Friday - Sunday and Holidays, $14/person 

LOCATION:  10214 W. Algonquin Road, Huntley

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HOURS: Monday - Friday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm | Saturday - Sunday: Reserved for SEASON PASS HOLDERS ONLY

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Historic Glencoe offers this beautiful area of Lake Michigan beachfront nestled in beautiful homes. Lots of stairs to access the beach, beware, but there is also a ramp to get down.

 

Beach House | Locker Rooms | Restrooms | Spray Ground | Playground on Beach | Sun Shelters | Beach Rentals | Sand Volleyball | Lifeguards on Duty | Scenic Pier 

 

FEE: $24/per person 2 and older, plus processing fee (Season Passes are $72 per person 2 and older)

LOCATION:  5517 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake

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HOURS: 10:00am - 7:30p DAILY

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DISTANCE: 1 hour from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: The City of Crystal Lake reclaimed the long-abandoned Vulcan Lakes quarry and turned it into an amazing recreation experience. Enjoy pristine waters, natural habitat, and incredible fishing. Personal watercraft is prohibited here.

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Sandy Swim Beach | Beach Rentals | Fishing | Spray Ground | Lakeside Restaurant | Recreational SCUBA Diving + Certification

 

FEE: $5 for parking | Guests 16+, $10 | Seniors 62+, $6 | Youth 4 - 15 years old, $6 | Kids 3 and under, FREE

LOCATION:  201 Sea Horse Drive, Waukegan

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HOURS: 6:00a - 9:00p DAILY

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: 400-acre lakefront, with a mile-long beach also has the Stiner Pavilion, home to the Waukegan Band Foundation on Tuesday nights and a variety of other concerts and festivals throughout the summer months.

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Sandy Beach | Fishing | Weekend Mobile Food Vendors | Dockside Dining | Sand Volleyball

 

*Always confirm availability before traveling to the farm.

LOCATION:  200 S Rand Road, Lake Zurich

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HOURS: Paulus Park Beach is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, May 25, 2024, and close Labor Day weekend, September 2, 2024, with Breezewald Beach to open May 28, 2024, and close August 4, 2024. 

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DISTANCE: 1 hour from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: A popular visitors destination, as well as a favorite gathering spot for local residents featuring a picnic area, playgrounds, beach, athletic field, concert stage and annual events.

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Sandy Beach | Spray Ground | Bathrooms | Picnic Area | Concert Stage

 

FEE: 

3 and under is FREE

Ages 4+ is $11

Twilight Rate from 5:30pm and later is $6

LOCATION:  Clark Street Beach, Evanston

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DISTANCE:  1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES:  Sandy Beach with grass beyond on Lake Michigan shorelines

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Lake Michigan shores | Sandy Beach

 

FEE: $12 per person

LOCATION:  112 Park Street , Wauconda

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HOURS: 11:00a - 7:00p DAILY

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Bangs Lake is a natural glacial lake located in northeastern Lake County and is considered a popular destination for family recreation in the Chicagoland area.​

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Summer Boat Rides | Sandy Beach | Fishing | Concessions | Splash Pad | Showers + Restrooms | Board Walk | Inflatable Water Attractions

 

FEE: $10 per person, Seniors (62+) $5, 3 and under are FREE

LOCATION:  801 N Lake Road, Lake Forest

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HOURS: 6:00am - 11:00pm DAILY (Lifeguards on duty 9:30am - 7:00pm DAILY)

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Visitors to our 29 acre park can enjoy the large beach and grass areas. Open year round, park amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launching ramp and storage area, walking paths and a concession stand open during the summer months.​

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Sandy Beach | Lake Michigan waters | Boat Launch

 

COST: $25/person ***No onsite parking***

LOCATION:  7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: ​Enjoy the sun and fun at Rock Cut’s own Olson Beach. Volley ball nets are waiting for you. Just ask for the ball from the concession station. Please be aware that food is prohibited on the beach. We are working hard to have clean environment and the food attracts animals to the beach. We have provided picnic table just outside the beach area for you to take advantage of. We also do not allow smoking on the beach. We do not have lifeguards.

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Sandy Beach | Sand Volleyball | Water Sport Rentals | Concessions | Restrooms | Camping | Hiking Trails | Accessible

 

FEE: $5 for anyone over 48"| $2.50 for any under 48"| Free for all kids three years of age and younger

LOCATION:  899 Sheridan Road, Winnetka

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HOURS: 9:00a - 9:00p Monday - Wednesday, May 25 - September 2, WEATHER PERMITTING

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Tower Road Beach is available for swimming. No boats, paddleboards, kayaks, Jet Skis, or vessels of any kind are allowed. New elevated stairs and platforms were installed to give users a comfortable and unique route through the treetops with views of the lake. ​

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Lifeguards on duty during beach season | Restrooms + Showers | Vending + Concessions | Sand Volleyball Courts | On Beach Playground 

 

FEE: Non-Resident Non-Passholders ONLY allowed Monday - Wednesday, $22 per person

LOCATION:  200 Marquette Dr, New Buffalo, MI

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DISTANCE: 2 hours from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: New Buffalo’s City's nearly 800ft of sandy beach and Lakefront Parks are located on the North end of Whittaker Street, just across the Galien River Bridge. Animals are NOT allowed on the beach.

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Sandy Beaches | Kayak + SUP Rentals | Boat Launch 

 

FEE: Parking ranges from $7.50 - $20 depending on duration of visit 

LOCATION:  101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI

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HOURS: Dawn - Dusk DAILY

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DISTANCE: 2 hours 30 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Silver Beach County Park is located in St. Joseph, Michigan at the mouth of the St. Joseph River. Silver Beach County Park features a clean, wide beach on Lake Michigan and public access to the South Pier. Of the Park’s 2,450 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, approx. 1,600 feet are dedicated for a public swimming area in the summer months

 

Sandy Beach | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Accessible Beach | Concessions | Kayak + SUP Rentals | Lifeguards | Outdoor Showers | Restrooms | Pavilions | Picnic Tables | Sand Volleyball Courts

 

FREE admission, but parking rates vary (free street parking to $15 for Silver Beach Parking Lot)

LOCATION:  45 Lakeshore Drive, South Haven, MI

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DISTANCE: 2 hours 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: The North and South Beaches are the largest and most frequently used. Parking fees collected through the "park and pay program" are used to operate the beach cleaner, providing the public with the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Southwest Michigan.

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Sandy Beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Concessions | Playground | Parking Lot | Sand Volleyball Court

 

FREE Admission, $10 daily parking fee per trip

LOCATION:  5301 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 

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DISTANCE: 2 hours 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Weko Beach Park & Campground has 900 feet of Lake Michigan beach, 43 developed sites, 22 primitive sites, six log camping cabins, bathhouse, restrooms, dump station, swimming, picnic area & playground

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Lake Michigan Shorelines | Sandy beaches | Kayak + SUP Rentals | oat Launch | Concessions | Restrooms | Beach House available for private celebrations | Campground

 

FREE Admission, but $15 daily parking fee Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
Except Concert Sundays when parking is free after 6:30 pm

LOCATION:  12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI

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DISTANCE: 2 hours 15 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Warren Dunes State Park provides 1,952 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan in southwestern Michigan. The rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views and excellent for hang gliding. The park has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round.

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Accessible | Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Pet-Friendly | Campgrounds | Kayak + SUP Rentals | Concessions | Restrooms | Hiking | Shelters | Picnic Area

 

FREE Admission, but $10 daily parking fee

LOCATION:  812 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI

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HOURS: 9:00am - 6:00pm DAILY

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES:  The beach is always open.  Daily admission to the beach is enforced in the summertime.  

The beach is open to the public every day of the week. Admission is charged during business hours when Lifeguards are on duty.

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Sandy Beach | Across the street from several restaurants | In historic Downtown Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Cruise Line based here

 

FEE: Children 6 and under are FREE

Guests ages 7 and up are $10

Street Parking, $2/hour for 5 hours MAX

LOCATION:  2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI

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HOURS: 6:00am - 9:00pm DAILY

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DISTANCE: 2 hours from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: This popular downtown beach has been voted as one of the top ten urban beaches in the nation by USA Today readers.

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Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Accessible (beach wheelchairs available) | Restrooms | Parking | Hiking | Sand Volleyball | Food + Drinks from 'The Dock' | MooSa's Custard

 

FREE!

LOCATION:  5001 4th Avenue, Kenosha, WI

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HOURS:  Sunset - Sunrise, DAILY

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DISTANCE:  1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES:  Simmons Island Beach has become more accessible to people with disabilities, with the addition of portable mobility mats on the sand. 

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Sandy Beach | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Accessible | Hiking + Biking | Playground | Picnic Pavilion | 

 

FREE!

LOCATION:  598 N. Grand Blvd., Gary, IN

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HOURS:  Dawn - Dusk DAILY, Lifeguards on duty from 10:00am - 6:00pm

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DISTANCE:  1 hour 30 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: This 241-acre park offers 1.4 miles of Lake Michigan beaches, inland ponds, tall dunes, and wetlands as well as a lagoon, indigenous oak savanna, and two historic Prairie School structures—the stately Recreation Pavilion built in 1924 and the Gary Bathing Beach Pavilion “Aquatorium” built-in 1922

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Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | 

 

FEE: $5 Parking Fee for Non-Residents

LOCATION:  6 on the Lake. Michigan City, IN

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HOURS:  5:00am - Midnight, DAILY

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DISTANCE:  2 hours from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: This 140-acre park has 2 miles of pristine beach, the only working public operating lighthouse in Indiana

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Sandy Beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Amphitheater | Accessible | Concessions | Hiking + Biking Trails | Restrooms | Boating | Fishing Playground | Picnic Shelters | Boat Launch | Washington Park Zoo | Splash Park

 

FREE Admission, but $15 per car parking fee

LOCATION:  1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN

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HOURS: 9:00am - 4:00pm DAILY

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DISTANCE: 1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES: Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan.

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Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Nature Center (open Wednesdays - Sundays, 10am - 4pm)

Picnic Shelter | Hiking + Biking Trails | Fishing | Dune Climbing | Campground

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FREE Admission, but $9 per car parking fee for non-residents

LOCATION:  One mile north of U.S. Highway 12 on East State Park Road (300E), Beverly Shores, IN 46301

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HOURS:  6:00am - 11:00pm, DAILY

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DISTANCE:   1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES:  Hike and bird watch along the Dunes Ridge Trail. Smelt fishing in the spring (no permit required). Pets permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).

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Sandy Beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Restrooms | Parking Lot

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FEE: Parking is $25

LOCATION:  Lake View Beach, Beverly Shores, IN 46360

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HOURS:  6:00am - 11:00pm, DAILY

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DISTANCE:  1 hour 45 minutes from Tri-Cities

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FEATURES:   Walk past five historic homes from the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair, which are located 1/3 mile to the west along Lake Front Drive.

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Sandy beaches | Lake Michigan Shoreline | Picnic Shelters | Restrooms | Parking Lot

 

FEE: Park is $25 per car