Illinois Beach State Park

01/08/2014

With the end of the cold snap, there will be good cross country skiing powder in the north unit of the park. Also a good time to check out the ice formations on the beach. Remember to use caution and don't walk out on the ice pack; the lake is still active underneath.

12/17/2013

Park visitors often ask about otters and if they are present in the park. While no evidence has been found that they are returning to IBSP or northeast Illinois in numbers, they are making a comeback in other parts of the state.

DANVILLE — As a sixth grader in 1997, Josh Gabehart opened one of the pens that held 15 river otters being released at Kennekuk County Park in an effort to reintroduce the animal to Illinois waterways.

12/11/2013

It may be winter, but life goes on at the beach. Here is a listing of casual bird observations from Dec. 10 2013.

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15933781

12/02/2013

11/08/2013

While oaks aren't know for their colors, they are peaking at the park right now. This weekend will offer a chance to see the burnt oranges and rusty browns of black oaks in the park. They yellows and reds of the prairie grasses offer a nice contrast.

10/21/2013

Public meeting notice.

The Illinois Lake Michigan Implementation Plan (ILMIP) is a collaborative effort to create an agenda for the restoration and protection of Lake Michigan coastal resources. It is a shared vision that guides resource allocation, including federal, state, and local environmental projects within the Ill...

10/21/2013

The northwest winds should bring the last big push of fall migratory birds through Illinois Beach this week. As a sign that winter is upon us, the first flock of juncos arrived on Friday. The waterfowl won't be far behind.

10/18/2013

An update on trails in the North Unit of the park: the new culverts over Dead Dog Creek are in place. They still need to be finished off. They are passable to foot traffic, not passable to bikes. There is still trail work being done along Middle Creek, and there will be periodic trail closures due to construction vehicles moving through that area.

10/06/2013

Have you ever wondered where all the water in U.S. rivers comes from? Where it goes? This tool from The National Atlas can show you. It's a fun way to spend a rainy day. Pun intended.

10/06/2013

A number of hawks must have moved south on the tail end of the storm front. I've never heard more angry blue jays chasing away hawks like I am hearing today.

10/05/2013

For those in the area or coming to the beach, the forecast today calls for severe storms in the afternoon as a cold front meets the warm and humid gulf air that has been parked over our area the last few days. High winds are expected. Use extreme caution if outside after 3pm, and for those hardy souls interested in swimming or wind surfing/parasailing, rip current onditions will persist through the weekend.

Due to the Federal Government shutdown, NOAA.gov and most associated web sites are unavailable. However, because the information this site provides is necessary to protect life and property, it will be updated and maintained during the Federal Government shutdown. Read More...

10/03/2013

The next couple of days should be good ones for bird watching. A number of birds that arrived last weekend have stopped over, waiting for the next cold front to bring north winds they can ride on. A casual walk today revealed flycatchers, kinglets, a warbler, a vireo, and more than a few hawks being harassed by blue jays. And while we don't have spectacular displays of trees in fall colors, the prairie is putting on its yellow, orange, and red hues tinged with asters and gentians. Whether you look up or down, there's something to see this weekend.