Illinois Beach State Park Office — Attraction in Zion

The office people ( Porsha and the site manager? Tamon? ) are very friendly and responsive, the grounds staff work very hard to clean up all the CRP the PIGS leave behind, I guess that it's too much trouble for the PIGS to put their CRP in all the garbage cans that are available. The park covers a very large area that I am still exploring but it appears that roads to some large beach areas are closed off or made hard for the public to access. There is a nice store, hotel/restaurant and campground here. Unfortunately big parts of the beach have been lost to erosion and are filled with large rocks or seawalls to prevent further damage. No dogs allowed on the beach which is great, who wants to step in poop barefoot. A dog friendly beach is a few miles away, so you can go step in poop there if you wish. Too bad the park opens so late!!! I would really like to see the park open at 6:00 AM, at least in summer, to be able to catch the beautiful sunrise and take advantage of the cooler part of the day along with the many artists that also frequent this park. This is a fantastic resource for...

This park is one of the best in the state in my opinion. Not only does it have plenty of wetlands and fishing ponds ripe with life, it also has the best beachfront experience in the midwest. Growing up, Lake Michigan used to be one of the best places to swim in. Offering cool, clean and calm waters to swim in with lots of sand to rest on. Over these past few years it seems the tide has intensified to the point it is no longer safe to swim in. The rock barriers meant to slow the waves barely do anything anymore. I had always heard of beach erosion in the past and figured it was a slow process. My heart dropped into my stomach when in the matter of 30-45 minutes i was on the beach at least a half foot of sand (or more) had been washed away due to the high tide and winds. Ironic for the Illinois State Beach to be losing all of its beaches. Hopefully in the future we are able to do something to restore this beautiful park to its...

This is a secret hidden gem. I’ve been gatekeeping this specific spot for so long. If you’re out of town you will probably go to the north beach and stay there. But this office is halfway to the south beach and is a little hideaway with a great view. Can’t believe it’s free! Restrooms are available indoors weekdays 8-4. Great place the see the beach without getting your feet sandy. Good shade depending on when you go (afternoon). Great for sunrise where you can view it over the whole lake, and great for hanging out in the evenings. Good amount of seating and doesn’t get too busy. I hope me reviewing this doesn’t make it crowded😭 I come here three times a week I...