Natural swimming hole
Clark Street Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Clark Street Beach is one of the City of Evanston's six public swimming beaches on Lake Michigan, located at 1811 Sheridan Road by Northwestern University. The city lists it as an accessible swimming beach with its own beach office, and lifeguards staff Evanston's swim beaches during the season. The Clark Street Beach Bird Sanctuary borders the beach at its south end.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer (season runs late May through Labor Day) |
| Fees | Beach pass required for admission - Evanston residents receive free season access and non-resident daily passes are sold; see the City of Evanston beach pass information for current rates |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Seasonal swim beach hours vary by date (e.g., 10:30 AM-8:00 PM in peak season); beach office at 1811 Sheridan Road |
| Parking | Street and public parking near 1811 Sheridan Road, Evanston (see the city's lakefront and beaches page). |
| Amenities | beach office, accessible swimming beach |
| County | Cook |
| Nearest town | Evanston |
| Safety notes | The city may prohibit swimming or close the beach entirely under certain conditions; check Evanston's beach status page before visiting. The beach is closed July 3-4 for fireworks setup. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Clark Street Beach?
Yes — Clark Street Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: The city may prohibit swimming or close the beach entirely under certain conditions; check Evanston's beach status page before visiting. The beach is closed July 3-4 for fireworks setup.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Clark Street Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Clark Street Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Clark Street Beach?
Reported fee info: Beach pass required for admission - Evanston residents receive free season access and non-resident daily passes are sold; see the City of Evanston beach pass information for current rates. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Clark Street Beach?
The best season is typically Summer (season runs late May through Labor Day).