Illinois Beach State Park Loop

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Chicago, IL, US

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Route Overview

Out Our Front Door

Bike Camping Chicago & The Lower Lake Rim

130 mi.

1,820 ft.

Two Day Bike Camping Route from Chicago to Illinois Beach State Park.

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Route Details

# Two Day Bike Camping Route: Chicago to IL. Beach State Park
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32% Crushed Limestone | 68% Paved routes.  
Starts and returns to [Buckingham Fountain](https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain) Chicago, Illinois.  
**Difficulty Level:** Easy to Moderate.   
**Best Time to go:** June through August.
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## Park Description

Welcome to a landscape that changes on every visit.  Ice volcanoes, quick sand, ridges and swales develop and shift throughout the year, as you ride to the youngest land in Illinois, and enter Adeline Jay Geo-Karis @poi[Illinois Beach State Park](5888819). This park preserves the last remaining segments of Lake Michigan shoreline left in the state, free of any major coastal engineering, and the last expanse of coastal dunes in Illinois. Discover the Dead River and learn what the Chicago area looked like before European settlement. And what better way to end a day of riding, than to overnight on the beach and the shores of Lake Michigan.

## The Route
First, take the @slice[Lakefront Trail](d,517.52,14380.19) from Chicago's Buckingham Fountain, then link up with the Sheridan Road bike lane where you'll see large architectural masterpieces, eventually leading you into the historic backside of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. Here you'll witness Illinois's very own natural lake bluffs!

Right outside the Fort Sheridan gates is the @slice[Green Bay Trail/Robert Mclory Path](d,49910.17,75643.8). This straight shot north will get you to the state park. Make sure to turn onto Salem/Shiloh Road from the bike path then navigate your way into the park. There is traditional camping as well as a hotel on the beach. By staying at the hotel, you can travel light with just your bike, a water bottle, small gear bag, and credit card; or get your adventure on with an inexpensive camp site while on your loaded bike. The choice is yours.

## Highlights

* Beach Swimming
* Nature Hike
* Camping or Hotel option
* Historical Sites along the way
* Architectural Masterpieces
* Forests, prairies, and rivers of N.E. Illinois

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## Lodging & Accommodations
You can camp at the state park, where they have campsites near the beach, or you can overnight at the Center. [Reserve Camp sites here](http://www.reserveamerica.com/) or [Reserve Plush Hotel on the beach](http://ilresorts.com/)

Dinners and drinks can be had at the hotel no matter your lodging preference. If you are camping, 5 bucks gets you access to the jacuzzi in the hotel if you want to relax your body after the ride. Firewood and ice are sold at the campground.

# More resources

For information about the park visit the [Illinois Dept. Of Natraul Resources](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/AdelineJayGeo-KarisIllinoisBeach.aspx).

# Important Reminders

It's always a good idea to bring snacks and water bottles on longer excursions. Lunch can be had near the halfway point on both days. You are never too far from a train station during the entire route.

[> To Learn More Visit the Out Our Front Door Website Here](https://www.outourfrontdoor.org/)

Illinois Beach State Park Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Out Our Front Door

The North Loop Ride

Waterways To The West: Starved Rock

Battle To The Dunes - Full route

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