A full range of recreation opportunities complement the expansive shoreline of Illinois Beach State Park. Stretching leisurely for 6 1/2 along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois, Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state. The park has dunes and swales with sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation. The 4,160-acre park, consisting of 2 separate areas, offers ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and just appreciating nature.

Prickly pear cactus thrives in large colonies in the dry areas, and the wet prairies are carpeted with a wide variety of grasses and sedges. Large expanses of marsh in the swales support dense stands of cattail, bluejoint grass, prairie cordgrass, reed grass, big bluestem and sedges. The sandy ridges are crowned by black oak forests with an open, savanna-like appearance. Just north of several kinds of fragrant pines is the Dead River which actually is a stream that is blocked by sandbars much of the year forming an elongated pond.

• Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings with a hike. More than 650 species of plants have been recorded in the dunes area alone, including dozens of types of colorful wildflowers.
• While in the area, be sure to visit North Point Marina, Illinois' newest and largest marina. Located 5 miles north of Illinois
• Beach, this full-service marina has 1,500 slips, a boat service center and food concession.