Chicago : Cleanest Area Beaches
Cleanest Area Beaches

To Beach His Own

06.01.2009

Submitted by dsimmons on Sun, 05/31/2009 - 11:00pm.
Photo by Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
The Bite:
Not one to suit up in a thong or Speedo? Take another point of view, ahem, and head to Lake Michigan's cleanest beaches (according to NRDC). Check out our favorites for everyone from partygoers to baby-on-boarders - then hit whichever one floats your boat.
Why Care?: 
As we continue to pave our green spaces, more storm water flows into our sewers than they're built to handle, meaning nasty bacteria, like E. coli, can wash into lake ecosystems (rain barrels, anyone?).
We're partial to the Ohio Street Beach (Chicago's cleanest) for its views - both of the city and the triathletes-in-training stroking through the swim lanes.
Wanna Try: 
Chicago beaches, general info (312-742-PLAY).

North Avenue Beach - young, hip tanners, volleyball players, and peeps getting tipsy at beachside bar Castaways.
Oak Street Beach - 30+ crowd with more space to spread out - though nearby Oak Street Beachstro's key lime pie is your bikini bod's nightmare.
Ohio Street Beach - small beach close to Navy Pier with chill vibe and rental wetsuits for our chilly waters.

Beaches outside the city:
Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, IL (see photo) - tree-lined, family beach with parking, showers, plus a park for hikers, bikers, and campers; 45 miles from Chicago.
North Beach, Racine, WI - huge outdoor playground for kids, and nine sand v-ball courts (plus beer from the North Beach Oasis) for adults; 75 miles from Chicago.

North Avenue Beach - Map It
Oak Street Beach - Map It
Ohio Street Beach - Map It
Illinois Beach State Park - Map It
North Beach - Map It


Cocktail Fact

In the 1800s, women's swimsuits consisted of bloomers and black stockings.

Small Changes Add Up

If 10,000 Chicago Biters install a rain barrel in their backyards and use it on their gardens, we'll keep 882 Olympic-size pools of usable water out of the sewer systems, which'll help keep E. coli outta the lakes and rivers.

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