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Illinois Beach State Park
Exploring Lake Michigan's western shore in 1673, Father Jacques Marquette and his band pulled their canoes up to camp on an expanse of beach framed by forested ridges. That stretch of sand remains almost unchanged at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, just 40 miles north of Chicago.
The preserve's recently remodeled lodge of native stone and concrete is the centerpiece of a 6 1/2-mile stretch of shore, which includes forests, marshes and the state's only remaining Lake Michigan dunes.
Inside the low-slung, contemporary lodge, several deep-cushioned chairs and sofas, bathed in the light of Prairie-style lamps, make the lobby a relaxing spot.
You can survey the lake from the high-ceilinged restaurant, which claims a fine reputation for its Sunday brunch buffet and creative entrees.
Many of the newly redecorated motel-style guest rooms overlook the lake. Kids pad barefoot down the halls, dividing their time between the beach and the enclosed Olympic-size swimming pool. Adults head to the state-of-the-art health club.
A broad swimming beach wraps around two sides of the resort and stretches for four miles. Boaters launch lake cruisers from a nearby ramp.
The laughter of volleyball and horseshoe players rises above the rush of the waves and the giggles of little ones splashing in the surf. Stroll in either direction and you'll have the sand and inland sea nearly all to yourself.
Other facilities/activities: evening beach bonfires, boat rentals, marina, visitors center, walking and bike trails.
Reviewed April 2004.
