Natural swimming hole
Waukegan Municipal Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Waukegan Municipal Beach is the City of Waukegan's Lake Michigan beach, with about one mile of sand and some of the area's only remaining natural dunes along a 400-acre lakefront. The city lists swimming, sunbathing and picnicking among the beach's activities, and the beach is open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. An accessibility roll-out mat and beach wheelchairs are provided in season.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Typically in the 60s to low 70s °F in summer |
| Best season | Summer |
| Fees | Beach access free for pedestrians and cyclists; summer parking $20 per day on weekends and holidays ($30 on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th and Labor Day) for vehicles without a city sticker |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk, year-round |
| Parking | Beach parking lots at 201 E. Sea Horse Drive, Waukegan; summer weekend/holiday fees apply to vehicles without a city sticker. |
| Amenities | accessibility mat (Mobi-Mat), beach wheelchairs, accessible parking and restrooms, picnic areas, Stiner Pavilion |
| County | Lake |
| Nearest town | Waukegan |
| Safety notes | No lifeguards are on duty at this facility and swimming is at your own risk, per the City of Waukegan. No pets on the sandy beach areas and no glass containers. |
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 Waukegan Municipal Beach?
Yes — Waukegan Municipal Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Reported water temperature: Typically in the 60s to low 70s °F in summer. Heads-up: No lifeguards are on duty at this facility and swimming is at your own risk, per the City of Waukegan. No pets on the sandy beach areas and no glass containers.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Waukegan Municipal Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Waukegan Municipal Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Waukegan Municipal Beach?
Reported fee info: Beach access free for pedestrians and cyclists; summer parking $20 per day on weekends and holidays ($30 on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th and Labor Day) for vehicles without a city sticker. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Waukegan Municipal Beach?
The best season is typically Summer.