Fort Sheridan Beach
Highland Park, IL
Fort Sheridan Beach sits below a 70 foot bluff in the Lake County Forest Preserves' Fort Sheridan preserve, on the grounds of the former Army post. It's one of the few free public Lake Michigan beaches in Lake County. Swimming and wading are banned because of possible World War II era ordnance offshore, so people come to walk the shore, watch the waves, and take in the bluff-top overlook.
A free, wild stretch of shore with a great bluff view, though swimming is banned entirely.
How we score beachesStart at the bluff-top overlook for the view, then follow the trail down to walk the beach. Keep out of the water.
Free parking at the forest preserve lot.
Trails lead down the bluff to the beach; the overlook up top is easier to reach.
The preserve is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fall storms throw big waves against the bluff, a good show from the overlook.
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