Lakefront & Beaches
Evanston's lakefront and beaches are a popular attraction. The 2013 beach season is May 25-September 2 (Labor Day).
Evanston's five public swimming beaches are open seven days a week during the beach season. A daily pass or season token must be presented for beach admission.
Beach Hours
May 25 to June 14, 2013: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
June 15 to Labor Day: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
All beach hours are subject to weather and beach conditions.
Evanston has three beaches which are accessible to people with disabilities: Greenwood Street, Lee Street and Lighthouse. Smoking is prohibited on Evanston's public beaches (Ordinance 38-O-08 Section 8-21-5).
With a boat launch, kayak and sailboat rentals, kayak and sailboat lessons, kayak fishing trips and miles of sandy beaches, everyone can enjoy a day on the lakefront.
Beach Locations from North to South:
-
Lighthouse Beach - Central St. at Sheridan Rd.
(2611 Sheridan Rd.) -
Clark Street Beach - Clark St. at Sheridan Rd.
(1811 Sheridan Rd.) -
Dog Beach - Church St at the lakefront
(1631 Sheridan Rd.) -
Greenwood Street Beach - Greenwood St. at the lakefront
(1401 Sheridan Rd.) -
Lee Street Beach - Lee St. and Lake Shore Blvd.
(1111 Lake Shore Blvd.) -
South Boulevard Beach - South Blvd. at the lakefront
(525 Sheridan Square)
A beach token or daily pass is needed for admission. Admission for children under age one is always free. Daily passes may be purchased at each beach entrance. Free beach days for Evanston residents will be held at Clark Street Beach on Mondays from July 8 through August 26, 2013. Click here for information about teen outreach beach passes and the free beach token program.
During certain conditions, swimming is prohibited at one or more of Evanston’s beaches, but admittance to the beach (sandy area) is still allowed. At other times, both the water and the beach areas are closed for your safety. During the season, check the beach status page for updates.
Dempster St. Beach Office
847.859.7822 (recorded message)
Location: where Dempster St. meets the lake (1251 Lake Shore Blvd.)
2013 Hours:
May 18-Sept. 2: Open seven days a week from 10am-7:30pm
Clark Street Beach Office
Location: Clark Street at the lake (1811 Sheridan Rd.)
2013 Hours:
May 25-June 14:
10:30am-6:15pm
June 15-Sept. 2:
10:30am-7:15pm
**On September 24, 2007, the City Council amended Ordinance 87-O-07 Section 7-11-4 of the City Code to clarify the Swimming Hours and Beach Hours of City Beaches. Please note the following revised paragraph:
(B) Beach Hours: No person shall use, occupy, play in, lounge about or loiter in any beach or building or structure therein at times other than the hours of 6:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. daily, except to fish from the north and south walkways at the Church Street boat ramp from 5:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. during the months of April, May, June, July, August, September and October
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Text messages will be sent on days when there is a beach closing. Select Beach Status from the list after entering your number below.
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Parks, Recreation & Community Services
2100 Ridge Ave. Evanston IL 60201
Director: Doug Gaynor
P: 311 or 847.448.4311
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