Natural swimming hole
Sunrise Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Sunrise Beach is the Lake Bluff Park District's guarded Lake Michigan swimming beach at Sunrise Park in Lake Bluff. Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty, and the district flies a green/yellow/red flag at the beach entrance to communicate bacteria levels and rip-current risk. Amenities include play equipment, two shelters with fireplaces, charcoal grills, restroom facilities and complimentary beach chairs and games.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer (2026 swimming season: scheduled days from late May through Labor Day) |
| Fees | Free for Lake Bluff Park District residents with a free season pass; non-resident daily passes $25 adult (15-64), $20 child (2-14) and senior (65+) (2026) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Swimming 9:00 AM-7:00 PM on scheduled days (daily June 6-August 16, 2026, plus select spring and late-summer dates); beach closes nightly at 10:00 PM |
| Parking | Parking east of Moffett Road is available until 9:00 PM (per Park District guidelines). |
| Amenities | guarded swimming beach, play equipment, shelters with fireplaces, charcoal grills, restrooms, complimentary beach chairs and games |
| County | Lake |
| Nearest town | Lake Bluff |
| Safety notes | Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty. A red flag means the water is closed to swimming - the district posts red flags for rip currents, strong undertow, heavy-rain runoff or E. coli counts above the Lake County Health Department threshold. |
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 Sunrise Beach?
Yes — Sunrise Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty. A red flag means the water is closed to swimming - the district posts red flags for rip currents, strong undertow, heavy-rain runoff or E. coli counts above the Lake County Health Department threshold.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Sunrise Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Sunrise Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Sunrise Beach?
Reported fee info: Free for Lake Bluff Park District residents with a free season pass; non-resident daily passes $25 adult (15-64), $20 child (2-14) and senior (65+) (2026). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Sunrise Beach?
The best season is typically Summer (2026 swimming season: scheduled days from late May through Labor Day).