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This is the sort of place from which
people send postcards that say, "Having a wonderful time, wish you
were here." Stretching for 6½ miles along the sandy shore of Lake
Michigan in northern Illinois,
Illinois Beach State Park is 4,160 acres in size, each acre
packed with wonders of nature.
The best way to start the day here
is to get up before the sun and watch its arrival over Lake
Michigan. The lake breaks in gentle waves on sand turning golden in
pre-dawn light. In the cool of the morning, with a strong breeze off
the lake, I am reminded that glaciers created this beach. I drove an
hour from downtown Chicago to get here, but I feel as if I'm a world
away from the bustle of the Loop. It's peaceful on the beach, and an
awe-inspiring sight as the sun first turns wispy clouds crimson,
then makes its grand entry on the horizon. I know that any day that
starts with such a billboard of nature as this has got to be a good
day.
Despite the relative solitude of the
early morning, the day finds the beach, and the park, busy. More
than 2 million people visit each year, in part because of Illinois
Beach State Park's proximity to population centers in Chicago and
Milwaukee, and perhaps even more because this destination is worth a
journey.
There are miles of trails through
the park, whether accessible for bikers or hikers. The treat for
their trip is a view of amazing plants and geological formations.
More than 600 exotic species of plants thrive here -- from prickly
pear cactus to prairie cordgrass. This time of year, dozens of
varieties of wildflowers are blooming in a natural bouquet of spring
pastels.
The terrain is fascinating. Sandy
ridges crown heights throughout the park. A sandbar forms a place
called Dead River. In heavy rains, the water washes away the natural
dam created by the bar, draining acres of marsh. There are wetlands
and savannas.
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While most people drive to Illinois
Beach State Park, some also come in by boat. Of course, if you're
going to boat, be sure you follow basic rules for safety: Wear life
jackets, operate sober, and steer with care and an eye out for other
boaters. If you come by boat,
North Point Marina is a special stop. It's the largest contained
marina of inland North America. It features a protected floating
dock system of 1,500 slips, from 30 to 60 feet. Slip rentals include
electricity, water, cable TV hookup, sanitary pump-outs, dock
lockers, showers and restrooms; also, reserved parking near your
slip and 24-hour security.
The best way to end the day at
Illinois Beach State Park is the way it is started -- on the beach.
The picnic pits here make an ideal spot to sit by a fire, toasting
marshmallows for 'smores and watching the moon rise over the lake,
as if checking up to make sure the promise of the sunrise was
realized in the passing of the day. I can't help but feel the moon
is making its own promise as it slides into a skyward sea of stars,
waiting to grant the wishes of those of us gazing upward, full of
memories of a day well spent, and dreams of more tomorrows in the
parks.
All the best,
Joel
Also in
the parks:
- May 28 -- Memorial Day weekend
hike, Giant City State Park
- May 28 -- French and Indian War
re-enactment, Fort Massac State Park
[Illinois
Department of Natural Resources news release]
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