Illinois Beach State Park

A banded piping plover on the beach at a location that once held many breeding pairs of piping plover's. I later discovered this plover was 7 weeks old and the first one born in 2017 to the Great Lakes Piping Plover population. It was born on June 4th in Manistee Michigan. What an amazing little bird.

A pair of endangered piping plovers setting up a nest. I was very lucky to see this as the few nesting sites in Illinois are all off limits due to their endangered status. The US Fish and Wildlife Service monitors and protects the nesting sites but this pair decided to nest in a new area that I found over the weekend. What an incredible thrill.

A close up of the piping plover which came to within 5 feet of me. These endangered little birds are doing better but they still have a long way to go before they are out of trouble.

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Activities

Popular places to visit

Carmel Park

Explore the great outdoors at Carmel Park, a lovely green space in Zion. Wander the beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Ophir Park

Ophir Park is just one of the places to see in Zion, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Platen Press Printing Museum

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Platen Press Printing Museum in Zion. Wander the beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Zion City Hall

After visiting Zion City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Zion. Wander the beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Unity Park

After visiting Unity Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Zion. Wander the beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Sharon Park

After visiting Sharon Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Zion. Wander the beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.

Top Illinois Beach State Park Hotel Deals

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee

5688 Northridge Rd Gurnee IL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gurnee, IL

5420 Grand Ave Gurnee IL

DoubleTree by Hilton Libertyville - Mundelein

510 E IL Route 83 Mundelein IL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield

1445 Lake Cook Rd Deerfield IL

Super 8 by Wyndham Deerfield/Northbrook

340 South Waukegan Road Deerfield IL

Motel 6 Prospect Heights, IL

540 N Milwaukee Ave Prospect Heights IL

Hilton Chicago/Northbrook

2855 N. Milwaukee Ave Northbrook IL

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.