Lincoln Street Beach
Evanston, IL
Lincoln Street Beach is a small beach at the north end of Northwestern University's lakefront in Evanston, operated by the university rather than the city. It's mostly used by students and the neighborhood. The view south along the lakefill campus toward Chicago's skyline is one of the best in Evanston.
A quiet spot with a skyline view, though it's small and university-run.
How we score beachesWalk south along the lakefront path through campus toward Clark Street Beach for a long waterfront stroll.
Street parking in the neighborhood; campus lots have their own rules.
Paths from Sheridan Road lead to the shoreline.
The beach is busiest when students are back in late summer. It's quiet in early summer.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
New Buffalo, MI · Great Lakes
New Buffalo City Beach is the first real Lake Michigan beach you hit crossing from Indiana, a wide stretch of sand at the end of Whittaker Street beside the harbor and the Galien River channel. Chicago weekenders fill it in summer. The town's shops and restaurants are a five minute walk back up the street.
Warren Dunes State Park
Sawyer, MI · Great Lakes
Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer has roughly three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and some of the tallest dunes in southwest Michigan. Tower Hill rises about 260 feet above the lake, and climbing it and running back down is a rite of passage. On a hot July Saturday the beach feels like a small city.