Rosewood Beach — Attraction in Highland Park

First time I visited, I was told all I needed was a beach pass. This time, I was told I needed a pass and had to pay hourly for parking—just to access a public beach. I dropped off my handicapped mom and kids at the resident entrance (was told that was fine), but while I was buying the pass, they refused to let her in—so she had to buy one too.

When I asked for a refund, I was sent back and forth between entrances, only to be told they don’t handle refunds there. I ended up having to drive all the way to the park district office just to request my money back. That pass had used the last of what I had on my card, so I had to go deposit cash just to pay for parking—while my mom, who’s disabled, was left managing my kids alone in the heat.

The entire situation was confusing, disorganized, and unnecessarily expensive. Staff gave conflicting info, no one seemed trained, and the system felt more like a trap than a day at the beach.

I’m not someone who usually complains, and I rarely ever write reviews—but this felt important to share. I know this is just my experience, just my opinion—but I hope it plants a seed or sparks some food for thought.

We’re talking about a natural shoreline, something that should be available to all—yet families are being charged like it’s a private resort. People work long, exhausting hours. A day to relax with loved ones shouldn’t hurt financially or feel like an obstacle course.

Monetizing nature is inhumane. It creates a system where joy, rest, and connection become privileges instead of birthrights. I truly hope the city reconsiders how it handles spaces like this—because no one should have to go through what we did just to touch the water.

Aside from that, it was a beautiful beach. My family enjoyed the experience besides what happened in the beginning. The staff there definitely needs more training tho and better customer service. They were not very compassionate or understanding. If somebody is paying an arm and a leg to enjoy some water and sand- the people working there could at...

The beach is absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed our time there!

Some of our complaints follow: The parking fee for nonresidents is very high at $40 for 4 hours and the parking lot is extremely small. The entrance for the beach is $10 per nonresident. Make sure you get there early or expect to walk a very long distance to get to the beach. To get to the beach you have to walk down a large amount of stairs many of which vary in size. Which can make it harder to navigate especially with children. Our daughter slipped and skinned her knee on the way back up.

The bathrooms are what you would expect for a beach, sandy and wet floors but clean. However, many locks did not work. Also, there is only one outdoor shower.

The biggest issue for us was online it says they have a concession stand, they do not. Make sure you pack food! We only had snacks, we made do however.

They also have a nice covered playground!

Overall I would definitely return if ever in the area again. We also met a few locals and they were so nice and welcoming!! We even met one of their...

It's still a mistake to give one star. Zero is what the service of this beach deserves. We live quite remotely and came here to look at the beautiful nature and spend good time. Then the beach workers saw my kitty, which I carried in my arms on a leash, they were horrified, how dare I go to their beach with a pet. They warned if I didn't leave the beach with my pet immediately, they would call the police. POLICE Really? Perfect, everybody loves ❤️ ther pets, but not if it sombodie's. Two very young guys, one of whom had black nails!!!(so, I didn’t understand what my cat was more afraid of, this "worker" with black nails (: or still the police) They followed me with my cat and wanted me to leave the beach. What a shame!!! Never bring money such "business". They made this beach quite expensive, parking and more entrance for each includes children and are rude. Oh, where can people finally go to just walk around. We can found much friendly place lakeside, I definitely Don't Recommend! and also think before you go there because the same thing could...