Illinois Beach State Park, Illinois

Illinois Beach State Park - stretching 6.5 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois - offers a full range of recreation opportunities at one of the most unique and beautiful natural settings in America.  Illinois Beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation.

More than 650 species of plants have been recorded in the dunes area alone, including dozens of types of colorful wildflowers. Prickly pear cactus thrives in large colonies in the dry areas, and the wet prairies are carpeted with a wide variety of grasses and sedges. Large expanses of marsh in the swales support dense stands of cattail, grasses, big bluestem and sedges. The 4,160-acre park, consisting of two separate areas North and South. Both offering ample opportunities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and simply appreciating nature. 

South end

The Dead River, a stream blocked by sandbars much of the year.

It wasn't blocked today.  When the water finally rises high enough, it breaks through the sandbar and drains into Lake Michigan.

North End

 North Point Marina - The largest marina on the Great Lakes

Dave and Ty. Childhood friends from the old neighborhood.