5 of the Best Beaches in Illinois to Visit This Summer

There is still plenty of time this summer to take a trip and visit one of the best beaches in Illinois.

I know what you're probably thinking. Beaches in Illinois? Yes, there are several in fact in the Land of Lincoln. There are a few just in Chicago along the lake, however, there are several throughout the state that are among the very best.

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So, if you're looking to take one last trip before the kids leave for college or head to school here's a list of the top five that are worth a visit.

5 Beaches in Illinois You Have to Visit

Gallery Credit: Samantha Barnes

I loved going to the beach when I was a kid and miss it so much. The memories I made with my family I treasure whether it was making a sand castle or just playing in the water. Those are worth more than money could ever buy.

LOOK: Here are the best lake towns to live in

Many of the included towns jump out at the casual observer as popular summer-rental spots--the Ozarks' Branson, Missouri, or Arizona's Lake Havasu--it might surprise you to dive deeper into some quality-of-life offerings beyond the beach and vacation homes. You'll likely pick up some knowledge from a wide range of Americana: one of the last remaining 1950s-style drive-ins in the Midwest; a Florida town that started as a Civil War veteran retirement area; an island boasting some of the country's top public schools and wealth-earners right in the middle of a lake between Seattle and Bellevue; and even a California town containing much more than Johnny Cash's prison blues.

Gallery Credit: Peter Richman