Natural swimming hole
Forest Park Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Forest Park Beach is the City of Lake Forest's Lake Michigan bathing beach, in a 29-acre lakefront park at 801 Lake Road; the city code designates the bathing beach between its jetties. Lifeguards are on duty daily in season, and the parks department states that swimming is allowed at your own risk when lifeguards are not present. The park also offers sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, a boat launching ramp and a summer concession stand.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer |
| Fees | Residents admitted with proof of City of Lake Forest residency; non-resident daily fee $25 per person (credit cards only), and non-residents have no on-site parking |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Park open 6:00 AM-11:00 PM daily; lifeguards on duty 10:00 AM-6:00 PM daily in season (weekends only from late August through Labor Day) |
| Parking | Resident beach lots require a current City of Lake Forest vehicle sticker; non-residents use public lots in the business district or at the train station, about a 3/4-mile walk to the lakefront. |
| Amenities | sheltered pavilions, fishing pier, boat launching ramp, concession stand, walking paths |
| County | Lake |
| Nearest town | Lake Forest |
| Safety notes | When lifeguards are not present, swimmers under 16 must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old and swimming alone is not recommended (per the IDPH rule cited by the city). No jumping off rocks or piers. |
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 Forest Park Beach?
Yes — Forest Park Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: When lifeguards are not present, swimmers under 16 must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old and swimming alone is not recommended (per the IDPH rule cited by the city). No jumping off rocks or piers.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Forest Park Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Forest Park Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Forest Park Beach?
Reported fee info: Residents admitted with proof of City of Lake Forest residency; non-resident daily fee $25 per person (credit cards only), and non-residents have no on-site parking. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Forest Park Beach?
The best season is typically Summer.