Illinois Beach State Park

Welcome to Illinois Beach State Park located in Zion, Illinois.

Park History: The land that is now Illinois Beach State Park has a long and interesting history. Some of the first peoples to inhabit the area were members of the Potawatomi, Chippewa, and Ottawa, and before them, the Miami tribe. French explorers arrived in the late 17th century. In the 19th century the land was annexed into Lake County and many hunters and trappers roamed the land. A portion of the park was used as a Union POW Camp during the civil war, Camp Logan. Camp Logan became a training center for the Army during both World Wars and is today owned by the Illinois National Guard. In 1888 two local men Robert Douglas and Jens Jensen started advocating for preservation of the land from the encroachment of the agricultural and mining industries. In 1948 the land finally became a State Park with additional parcels added in 1964, 1971, and 1982.

Today the park preserves over six miles of pristine shoreline on Lake Michigan and provides habitat for over 650 species of plants. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Illinois Beach State Park boasts over 5 miles of trails, a swimming beach, and so much more. The campground is huge, with over 240 class A sites with electricity and water. Come on out and have fun!

This was RecPlanet place of the day on June 4, 2015.