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Old 06-22-2012, 12:12 PM
 
Location: Chicago
2,884 posts, read 4,995,964 times
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We spent Father's Day at Loyola Park beach and had a great time - not crowded at all! The Heartland has a small food stand with basic fast food on the menu - we didn't get anything there as my sister lives steps away.
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Old 06-23-2012, 11:25 AM
 
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And there are a few municipal beaches, including Wilmette and Waukegan, open to the public. I believe Lake Forest is as well but parking is restricted. Illinois Beach is good.
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Old 06-23-2012, 01:30 PM
 
298 posts, read 580,464 times
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There is an express train from Union Station to New Buffalo, MI. It is about an hour and 15 minutes train ride with no stops, and you are dropped off at the pier, walking distance to the beach. Great ride, great beach.
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Old 06-24-2012, 04:31 AM
 
Location: Chicago, IL SouthWest Suburbs
3,522 posts, read 6,110,181 times
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To answer your question one wold need to know if your looking for a beach that has easy access to restaurants and shops?

If this is what your looking for then New Buffalo is a great spot albeit to me the beach is a bit crowded.


If your looking for a quiet spot , one to get out of city traffic, noise and chaos then visit the National Lake Shore in Indiana


There are a few spots along the Dunes National shore line along U.S. 12 that are quiet and out of the way.

One spot is Mt. Baldy along U.S. 12 just before you get to Michigan City there is a sign along the highway.

Nice uncrowded not overwhelming beach.....

The downside you do not have restaurants, ice cream parlors, shops like you do in N. Buffalo.
Mt Baldy - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
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Old 06-24-2012, 06:07 AM
 
185 posts, read 595,323 times
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If your objective is to visit Lake Michigan itself, why not try one of the ferry boats that cross the lake?

The SS Badger is a traditional steam ship with many amenities on board.

Lake Express is a high speed boat with fewer amenities. Because of the wind, they discourage sitting outside after they get up to full speed.

You can park at the dock or you can bring your vehicle on board both boats for an extra charge. Ride the boat round trip or bring your car along and drive back along the shore of Lake Michigan.
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Old 06-25-2012, 01:16 PM
 
247 posts, read 689,509 times
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I just spent a day last week at Whihala Beach in Whiting, IN. It was a nice beach and wasn't crowded at all. Very quick drive on the Skyway. We had a perfectly clear view of the city. It has a nice beachhouse and concessions. Downsides...$15 for out-of-state vehicle parking and the BP refinery is nearby.
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Old 06-28-2012, 04:23 AM
 
Location: Chicago, IL SouthWest Suburbs
3,522 posts, read 6,110,181 times
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Seems a lot of folks go to the beach to escape the city.

Not sure the skyline is something they would like to see.

Maybe for some but others are just looking to escape the city and get to nature.

Albeit the Chicago Skyline in the background is a cool sight.
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Old 06-29-2012, 11:50 AM
 
4,152 posts, read 7,953,673 times
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The reason why people head towards Indiana and SW MI for beaches is that the east side of lake michigan is home to the world's largest collection of freshwater dunes meaning sand. The beaches on that side of the lake are some of the best sandy beaches in the whole great lakes system. The beaches as you drive north outside of Chicago are not any where near as nice, sandy and "beachy" as those that you get in Indiana and Michigan. I am not saying there are no good beaches up that way, as other posters have said their is Illinois Beach State Park, but still I think the Indian Dunes National Lakeshore is great as is Warren Dunes. Personally I would pick either of those two if it was a day trip and if I was going to stay over night I would look into places such as Sagatuck, South Haven or Grand Haven. Also New Buffalo is closer by.
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Old 07-01-2012, 12:42 AM
 
Location: the Great Lakes states
801 posts, read 2,568,569 times
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New Buffalo, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. All are great beaches. Of the three, New Buffalo has the best assortment of shops and restaurants that would compliment your beach day.
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Old 07-04-2012, 08:51 PM
 
Location: Chicago
6,359 posts, read 8,848,946 times
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a chicagoan can take that short, short ride to milwaukee and enjoy another great urban lakefront.
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