Natural swimming hole
Lake Storey Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Lake Storey Beach is the City of Galesburg's free public swimming beach on Lake Storey, inside Lake Storey Park on the city's north side. Swimming is permitted only in a designated roped-off area and only during posted open hours. The beach area also rents kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and stand-up paddleboards in season, and news reports confirmed the beach and boat rentals reopened in 2026 after lake levels returned to normal.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) |
| Fees | Free admission; boat rentals $14 per hour ($20 per hour for tandem kayaks) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 8:00 AM-7:00 PM daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day |
| Parking | Parking within Lake Storey Park, 1572 Machen Drive, Galesburg. |
| Amenities | boat rentals (kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards), kayak launches |
| County | Knox |
| Nearest town | Galesburg |
| Safety notes | Unguarded beach - swim at your own risk; there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimmers under 16 must be supervised by someone 16 or older, and the beach and lake close for 30 minutes after thunder or lightning. |
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 Lake Storey Beach?
Yes — Lake Storey Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: Unguarded beach - swim at your own risk; there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimmers under 16 must be supervised by someone 16 or older, and the beach and lake close for 30 minutes after thunder or lightning.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Lake Storey Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Lake Storey Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Lake Storey Beach?
Reported fee info: Free admission; boat rentals $14 per hour ($20 per hour for tandem kayaks). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Lake Storey Beach?
The best season is typically Summer (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day).