Author Archives: Josh Palecki

Illinois Beach State Park Earns Best Restored Beach Award

CONTACT: Holy Cir, GM/IL Beach Hotel (224) 774-7065

(Zion, IL) – Illinois Beach Hotel is proud to announce that Illinois Beach State Park is the recent recipient of the nation’s Best Restored Beaches Award. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association chose the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization in Zion, Illinois, and the North Cove Coastal Systems Restoration in North Cove, Washington.

The goal of ASBPA’s annual Best Restored Beach award is to acknowledge community beach restoration projects around the United States that increase a shoreline’s resiliency, the beach’s ability to mitigate storm damage and flooding from severe storms, and naturally allow the beach to adjust to short-term sea level rise while remaining an important part of the nearshore ecosystem. ASBPA created the annual award list to raise awareness of the value of restored beaches.

Projects are judged on three criteria: the economic and ecological benefits the beach brings to its community; short- and long-term success of the restoration project; and the challenges each community overcame during the project.

“We have been restoring U.S. beaches for 100 years now! The first project was in Coney Island, NY in 1923. Beaches from all over the U.S. have received ASBPA’s Best Restored Beach award. This year, we are excited to include beaches from the Great Lakes and West Coast,” said Nicole Elko, ASBPA Executive Director.

The Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization in Zion, Illinois was selected as a Best Restored Beach as it combined beach nourishment for a recreational beach and a coastal habitat restoration component protecting state park infrastructure and critical habitats. The primary goal was to develop shoreline erosion solutions that stabilize the shoreline and protect critical infrastructure while maintaining the character and mission of the state park and recreational user experience.

“Knowing our beachfront hotel sits on a newly restored beach means so much to us, not only for this summer’s visitors, but for the future– as this project protects the park and its critical habitats,” said Holly Cir, General Manager of Illinois Beach Hotel, “We’re the only beachfront hotel (on Lake Michigan) in Illinois, so we truly appreciate all the hard work that went into earning this award.” 

To meet these goals, the project protects critical infrastructure consisting of buildings, recreation areas, wetlands, natural habitat area, streams, parking lots, paths, and roadways. The project creates 50.7 acres of additional sand beach habitat, 18.1 acres of in-water rock habitat, 1.1 acres of aquatic habitat elements, and ten tern nests. Funding was made possible through Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program to improve infrastructure.

The Best Restored Beach award project teams was honored during the ASBPA National Coastal Conference on August 26-29, 2024 in Galveston, TX.

Beaches are the leading tourist attraction in the U.S. serving as a vacation destination for 50% of Americans. Annually, beach tourists generate $520 billion in economic output, $240 billion in direct spending, and $36 billion in taxes to federal, state, and local governments. For every $1 spent on beach nourishment annually, beach tourists generate about $3,000 in economic output, $1,400 in direct spending, and $200 in taxes. Beaches are not only magnets for tourism, but they also perform a double duty of protecting land infrastructure during storms.

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Illinois Beach Hotel to Open on April 5, 2024 

(Zion, IL) – Illinois Beach Hotel will reopen for business on Friday, April 5, 2024. Illinois Beach Hotel, the only Hotel located on Lake Michigan, offers overnight accommodations, on-site dining, event space and a gift shop.  

Holly Cir was named General Manager in January of 2024. She sees great potential for this beachfront destination saying, “In addition to being under new management, our unique property is in the process of ecosystem and habitat restoration.” Abby Farrell, Area Manager of Operations/Illinois and General Manager of Starved Rock Lodge, has assisted with the reopening said, “Our dedication to creating an inviting and enriching experience for the community continues, and we look forward to welcoming guests with open arms and warm hospitality.”

One of the best features of Illinois Beach Hotel is its proximity to the beach and Lake Michigan. The hotel has 92 spacious rooms, many with lakefront views to choose from. Rooms promise a beachy feel, comfortable Serta mattresses and amenity upgrades like new LCD TVs, refrigerators & microwaves, coffee makers and hairdryers. 

Illinois Beach Hotel is located within Illinois Beach State Park, just 50 miles north of Chicago. It represents the last remaining undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline in the state of Illinois. Illinois Beach Hotel guests have access to the private beach and Lake Michigan. Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said Illinois Beach is one of the most unique and scenic sites in Illinois’ collection of state parks. “Illinois Beach is truly one of a kind, with beautiful beaches, lakefront views, rare plant and animal life, diverse recreational opportunities, and a wonderful hotel and restaurant on site,” Finnie said, “I encourage everyone to plan an unforgettable trip to Illinois Beach and Lake County this season.”

Upon reopening, Nolan’s (the on-site restaurant) will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4-8pm. Breakfast will be available to overnight guests. Outdoor seating will be available seasonally at Nolan’s as well as on the Pavilion (located on the east side of the property overlooking Lake Michigan). Illinois Beach Hotel will also be accepting reservations for outdoor weddings with receptions in the Grand Ballroom as well as for special events such as Quinceaneras, corporate gatherings, Mitzvahs, graduation parties and more. The primary event space can accommodate up to 200 guests. A variety of catering options and bar packages are available.  

“We’ve made waves in the pool,” said Farrell, “The biggest goal we have ahead of us is restoration of the hotel’s indoor pool. We continue to work closely with the State of Illinois to bring this project to completion and look forward to welcoming the community back to the pool complex once complete.”  

To make a room reservation or learn more, go to: IllinoisBeachHotel.com or call 224-259-2600.

PRESS RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2024
Subject: Illinois Beach Hotel to reopen on 04/05/24 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Holly Cir, General Manager/IL Beach Hotel /Email: [email protected] 

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Our Halloween Spooktacular: Tricks and Treats at the Beach 

Are you ready for a spine-tingling, hair-raising, and bone-chilling Halloween experience? Well, you’re in for a real treat, because Illinois Beach Hotel is brewing up something spooktacular just for you! Get ready to don your scariest (or most fun) costume, embrace the Halloween spirit, and join us for an unforgettable night of thrills and chills at our very first Spooktacular Halloween Party!

A Ghoulish Gathering Like Never Before 

Located right within our beautiful hotel, this hauntingly exciting event promises to be one for the books. We’ve been brewing up some enchanting surprises and eerie delights to ensure that this Halloween bash will leave you with memories that will haunt your dreams—in the best way possible!

Frighteningly Fun Activities

At the Spooktacular Halloween Party, you can expect an exciting lineup of activities that are as sweet as a full-sized candy bar. Here’s a sneak peek of what we have in store:

Costume Contest

This is your chance to unleash your inner ghoul, ghost, or Barbie, if that’s more your speed! Dress up in your most creative, spooky, or just plain fun costumes, and you might just win a prize for your effort!

Raffle Extravaganza

 Feeling lucky? Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Who knows, the luck of the undead might be on your side!

Delectable Delights

No Halloween party is complete without delicious treats. Our culinary team is conjuring up a bewitching menu that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized for a night of frights. The best part- this scarily scrumptious meal, as well as two drink tickets, are included with your ticket!

Act Fast – Before it Vanishes Into Thin Air!

Now, we don’t want to scare you, but the truth is, spots for this otherworldly event can vanish faster than a ghost in the night. So, if you want to be part of the most spooktacular Halloween party of the year, don’t delay! Secure your tickets now before they disappear into the ether. 

Foliage, Festivities, and Fun: Fall at Illinois Beach 

While the rays of summer may have begun to fade, Illinois Beach Hotel is here to meet guest needs well into the colder months. Here are a few of the many fun things you can do near Illinois Beach in the fall (aside from enjoying the lakeview with a pumpkin spice latte in hand): 

First things first- if you want a specialty beverage to start your day off right, here are two places we cannot recommend enough: 

It’s All Good Coffee

What can we say- it’s all good! From bagel sandwiches to iced chai, smoothies and more, this family-owned coffeehouse located in the heart of Zion is a great bet for your fall beverage fix.

CJ’s Coffee House

Conveniently located 8 minutes away from the hotel, CJ’s Coffee House is a local Zion favorite. Not only do they serve amazing coffee, but they also have the best donuts and muffins in town! 

Activities

Kick things off with the annual Northern Illinois Airshow in Waukegan.

What better way to salute the end of summer than with an airshow? This annual tradition, held on Sep 9th, is a favorite among locals and a fun treat for the whole family. 

Fall at Six Flags Great America

Running from Sep 16th  to October 29th , Six Flags Great America is holding several spectacular events during the day and night, namelyOktoberfest, Boo Fest, and Fright Fest. 

Oktoberfest

As the name would imply, this ongoing event is a German craft beverage and food festival right in the middle of the park! Guests may enjoy a variety of experiences, from live music to Dunkel brew, Weiner Schnitzel to Apple Strudel. 

Kid’s Boo Fest 

Held during the day, Kid’s Boo Fest is a series of activities and events that focus on the “thrill” of Halloween rather than the “fright”. 

Fright Fest

Dubbed “Chicago’s Scariest Halloween Event” Six Flag’s Fright Fest is no laughing matter. From haunted houses to rides in the dark, goosebumps are guaranteed.

Family Fun at Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm

Just a quick drive from the hotel, Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm is a family-run pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and corn maze extravaganza.

Dungeon of Doom Haunted House

Pitched a few miles north of the hotel, the Dungeon of Doom Haunted House is a spooky experience unlike any other. 

Ghost Wauk Tours at Genesse Theatre

First opened in 1927, the Genesse Theatre has been the host of many strange and at times, frightening events. This immersive tour has been known to leave visitors with their hair standing up.  

A Potential Itinerary 

Mid-September (sunset approx. 7:00pm)  

Friday: 

  • 5:30 (p.m.): Arrive at Illinois Beach, check-in and get familiar with your accommodations 
  • 6:30: Go for a quick walk on the beach (remember to bring a light jacket!)  
  • 7:15: Dinner and Cocktails at Nolan’s 
  • 8:30: Settle in, watch a movie, and get ready for the fun that awaits!  

Saturday: 

  • 6:30 (a.m.) Grab some coffee from the hotel lobby and watch the beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan 
  • 8:00 (a.m.) Head out to one of our favorite coffee shops for a sweet treat and get a taste of local faire!  
  • 8:40 Embark on a walk on one of Illinois Beach’s famous trails!  
  • 10:00 Load up the car and head to Six Flags for Oktoberfest and Boo Fest!  
  • 6:00 (p.m) Depart Six Flags before things get too spooky 
  • 6:30 Enjoy a light dinner in town- we highly recommend Jen G’s Pizza!  
  • 8:00 Ask one of the front desk staff for a board game before retiring for the evening 

Sunday: 

  • 6:30 (a.m.) Grab some coffee from the hotel lobby and watch the beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan 
  • 8:00 (a.m.) Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at Nolans 
  • 9:00 Choose another trail at the beach and soak in the views!  
  • 11:00 Make your way back to the hotel to refresh and collect your things. 
  • 1:00 Check-Out, and wave goodbye to the lake, don’t forget to fuel up before you leave!  

4 Fun and Entertaining Things to Do at Illinois Beach Hotel

With over 1,600 miles of shore, there are plenty of things to do at Lake Michigan and in the surrounding area. 

The Illinois Beach Hotel is centrally located on the beaches of Lake Michigan and is the perfect place from which to plan some fun activities for your visit. 

Our guide will discuss the best things you can do in and around our beautiful hotel. Keep reading to learn what they are. 

1. Spend a Day at Illinois Beach State Park

When traveling to Lake Michigan, you’ll want to add a day at the Illinois Beach State Park to your itinerary. Our beautiful state park has a lot of great outdoor activities you’ll enjoy.

You can spend some time swimming or doing water sports at the beach. There are also a variety of fishing ponds where you can catch things like catfish or bass.

Our state park has five trails at various difficulty levels. Three of those can be used for both hiking and biking. 

2. Visit Six Flags With Your Family

If you’re traveling to Illinois with your family, you’ll want to visit Six Flags Great America. This is one of the best things to do around the Illinois Beach Hotel. 

If your older kids are thrill seekers, they’ll love the Demon roller coaster or the Giant Drop. Your younger kids might enjoy the Little Dipper or the Krazy Kars ride. If you want a fun ride for the entire family, Roaring Rapids provides the best white-water rafting experience for a ride. 

3. Explore the Art Scene

Taking time to enjoy some art is a great way to stay creative and relieve stress. If you want to spend a day learning something new during your visit, there are plenty of options around the Illinois Beach Hotel. 

Learn about the indigenous people that first lived in the Illinois area while visiting the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. There are plenty of events taking place at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Whether you’re interested in musical performances or theater shows, you’ll find something you like here. 

Check out different galleries and find new artists by visiting the monthly ArtWauk when you’re spending a weekend in Lake Michigan.

4. Do Some Shopping

There are plenty of shopping options around the Illinois Beach Hotel. The Deer Park Town Center is an open-air center you can visit. Gurnee Mills is an outlet mall where you can find brand names at a fraction of the price. 

After a long day of shopping, you can eat at Illinois Beach Hotel’s Nolan’s Restaurant. We offer locally sourced food like the delicious Michigan Whitefish. 

Outdoor seating is available with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. We offer weekly specials and have happy hours too. 

Fun Things to Do During Your Stay at the Illinois Beach Hotel

There are plenty of fun things to do while staying at the Illinois Beach Hotel. You can spend the day outdoors at Illinois State Park or eat at our hotel’s highly-rated restaurant. 

Check out our packages & specials page if you’re interested in a weekend getaway and book your stay today.

Top 4 Activities to Try on Lake Michigan

According to Michigan State University, Lake Michigan brings millions of dollars to the outdoor recreation industry in our state. Over 20 million people visit Lake Michigan every year. 

Are you one of the millions planning a trip to Lake Michigan? If you are, you’ll want to know the best activities to plan for. 

Our guide will discuss the top activities you’ll want to try. Keep reading to learn what they are. 

1. Check Out the Trails at Illinois Beach State Park

First on the list of Lake Michigan activities, head out to the trails within Illinois Beach State Park. Using your vacation to spend time outdoors offers many physical and mental health benefits

Our beautiful state park offers a variety of trails great for hiking. You can request a guided tour or head out on your own.

The Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail is among the most popular at 2.5 miles long. This trail is excellent for hiking, but you can also take it if you’re interested in bird watching. 

One of the easier routes is the Illinois Beach Trail. It’s a 1.4-mile-long paved trail that can be used for walking or biking. 

2. Fish on Lake Michigan

You can also spend some time fishing in Lake Michigan. You can fish anywhere along our beach except in the swimming areas and the nature preserve. 

There are several small inland fishing ponds you can choose from. Sand Pond is a great choice for those with accessibility needs. Fish you might catch in this region include bluegills, carp, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.

3. Do Some Water Activities at Illinois Beach 

There are plenty of water activities to partake in when you visit Lake Michigan. The shorelines along Lake Michigan are packed with swimmers during the summer season. 

You can also rent a wave runner for a day of adventure on the lake. You can do some stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking in the water too. 

You can’t leave Lake Michigan without spending some time at our beautiful beach. Partake in all activities cautiously, however, as there are no on-duty lifeguards stationed at the beach. 

4. Take a Lake Michigan Cruise

You can also book a cruise while vacationing in Lake Michigan. There are a variety of options to choose from, like a family-friendly sighting-seeing cruise or a romantic sunset cruise. 

Once you have some activities planned for your trip, you’ll need to book a hotel for your stay. Illinois Beach Hotel is one of the best Lake Michigan hotels because it’s the only hotel in the state located along the beaches of Lake Michigan. 

Check out our page if you’re looking for more activities to do while staying at our hotel. 

Try These Activities When Visiting Lake Michigan

Try some of the activities we’ve listed in this guide when planning your trip to Lake Michigan. You’ll also enjoy your stay at the premier Lake Michigan hotel during your weekend getaway. 

The Illinois Beach Hotel offers a variety of lodging options as well as great packages and specials. Check out our page to book your stay today!

Stay at the Illinois Beach Hotel While Having Your Cancer Treatment

Are you one of the 2 million Americans who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past year?

Attending the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, here in Zion IL, will ensure that you get the best possible treatment for your illness. People come from every corner of the country to undergo treatment, whether it’s radiation, chemo, or surgery.

If you’re one of the many that come from out of town, you don’t want your accommodations to be stressful – cancer treatment is stressful enough. The Illinois Beach Hotel is situated right next door and has everything you’ll need to have a comfortable stay during this uncomfortable time.

Keep reading and let us tell you more about the best hotel in Zion.

A Close Stay

The most important thing when you’re in treatment is to find a hotel close to the center. If you end up staying in Chicago, you could end up in traffic for hours during rush hour, which is the last thing you want after a surgery or long day of cancer treatment.

Our hotel is situated steps away from CTCA. As soon as you’re through with your treatment, you can be back in your room in a matter of minutes to relax, eat, or enjoy the local scenery.

Get a Room With a View

Our rooms all come with views of either Illinois Beach State Park or Lake Michigan. Having a peaceful, gorgeous view out of your hotel window makes it easy to relax and take your mind off of your treatment. 

With the beach and park situated close by, you can head out and go for a short hike or relax on the beach. Any loved ones that accompany you for treatment will also have plenty to see and do outdoors during times of day when you’re busy at the hospital.

Fine Dining at Nolan’s

Eating isn’t always the first thing on your mind during cancer treatment, but it’s important to have good food around when you want it. Our on-site restaurant, Nolan’s, is open from 11 am to 8 pm and has a great menu of comfort foods and local favorites that you can view here.

Activities Abound

Zion itself is a great town full of fun and exciting things to do to pass the time when you’re not at the hospital. If you’re here during the cold winter months, or you just don’t feel like spending time on the trails or beach, there are plenty of activities nearby.

Watch a movie at the Genesee Theatre, go shopping at Gurney Mills, educate yourself at the historic Shiloh House, or check out our local naval base. There are also two fantastic golf clubs nearby for yourself or loved ones who need a daytime activity.

Have a Relaxing Stay at Illinois Beach Hotel

As you fight this battle, it’s important to have a comfortable place to stay that feels like home. We look forward to accommodating you at the Illinois Beach Hotel for the duration of your treatment.

We have a plethora of modern and affordable single or double-bed rooms available to book here. If you’ve got any questions about our facilities or rooms, don’t hesitate to contact us for more info.

Why Take a Weekend Getaway to the Illinois Beach Hotel

We all need a weekend getaway once in a while. In fact, most Americans say that they are desperately in need of a getaway!

If you are in the Chicago area, you can easily hop on a train or into your car to go to the Illinois Beach Hotel. A trip to Zion is the perfect weekend plan if you’re in the area!

With so many great things to see and do, plus a stay at our beautiful hotel, you’ll end the weekend feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Read on for some tips for your Zion vacation. 

Proximity to Chicago 

The Illinois Beach Hotel is just a quick train ride away from Chicago. This makes the trip to Zion extremely easy to do! 

You’ll be out of the city and feel as if you are in a completely different area, yet you’re not spending hours getting there. This is the perfect place to go for a quick weekend if you don’t have a lot of time.

Spend Time at Illinois Beach State Park 

If you want to get away from the bustling city of Chicago, the Illinois Beach Hotel is right next to Illinois Beach State Park. This is a great place to get out and enjoy nature, refreshing water, and some sunshine. You can go swimming and even go fishing!

In addition to the beach at the state park, there are savannas, wetlands, dunes, and prairie land as well. With bike trails, over 6.5 miles of beach shoreline, and over 4,000 total acres, there is so much to see and do here.

Perfect for Fall Pumpkin Patches

Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm is one of the best pumpkin patches in Illinois. 

During the fall months, this is a place that you do not want to miss going to. You can go to the corn maze, watch an outdoor movie, and so much more at this farm. It’s one of our favorite places to go around here!

The fall season begins in mid-September. 

Have Fun at the Amusement Park

If you are going to Illinois Beach Hotel, you will be close to Six Flags. This is a great entertainment park to go have some fun for the weekend!

After you enjoy a day of fun at the park, you can come back and enjoy our great restaurant, Nolan’s. We’re open until 8:00 pm so that you have plenty of time to get back to enjoy a delicious meal. 

Book the Illinois Beach Hotel 

Ready for your next vacation? We want to make it one of the best you’ve had in a long time!

If you are ready to take a trip to Zion, make your next stop at the Illinois Beach Hotel. Its proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan makes it one of a kind.

Ready to book? You can browse through our room selections and book your trip today! Click here to get started.

How to Choose the Best Wedding Venue in Illinois

Your wedding day is one of the best days of your life. And you want everything to be perfect.

To do that, you have to start with the best wedding venue. But where do you even begin?

If you’re ready to find a wedding venue, you need to follow the steps below to make your wedding day the best one you’ll ever have!

Choose a Venue That Aligns With Your Vision 

The most important thing that you can do when choosing a wedding venue is to find one that fits the aesthetic that you have in mind. If you want a rustic wedding, you probably do not want to choose to get married in a church. It may be better to get married in a backyard or a warehouse. 

If you want to find a wedding venue that is more classy, you may want to consider a hotel like the Illinois Beach Hotel.

Know Your Guest List

Before choosing a venue, you also need to look at your guest list. You need to make sure that the venue is going to fit the number of people that you want to invite. 

If you choose a venue that is too small for your guest list, this will leave you in a predicament. Always going a little bigger than what you think will be your final number is smart to do.

Think About the Guests

I’m thinking about a wedding venue; you want to think about your guests

Where will they stay? Is it easy to get to? How long will they need to be there? 

Answering these questions will help you choose the best wedding venue for your guests. Choosing to go with a wedding venue that is close to an airport and has accommodations can be very helpful to your guests.

This may even mean that more guests will come because it is easier to access for them as well as easier logistics to figure out.

Know What’s Included

Once you choose a wedding venue, you want to know what is included. Does the venue come with food options? Is there a restaurant around that could cater, or are there services that will come to the venue? 

You should also learn what you can rent from the venue itself. For instance, do they rent out chairs, linens, a dance floor, etc., or do you have to go elsewhere to rent those items?

Choose the Best Wedding Venue

When it comes to choosing the best wedding venue, there are a lot of moving parts that go into it. From the guest list to the size of the wedding and everything in between, there’s a lot to think about.

We want to make it easy on you! At the Illinois Beach Hotel, we offer wedding packages to make your wedding the best day of your life!

You can check out the packages here.

The Top Things to Do on Lake Michigan for a Perfect Weekend Getaway

With over 1,600 miles of shoreline, Lake Michigan provides the adventurous traveler with a ton of sights to see and things to do. Crossing the lake takes two and a half hours by ferry so you can explore all the areas surrounding the  Great Lake. 

If you’re struggling for things to do on Lake Michigan, then this is the guide for you. Illinois Beach Hotel is based right on the lake and serves as the perfect home base for your activities on the lake

Take a Dip 

One of the most obvious attractions and the best place to start your vacation on Lake Michigan is the lake itself. In the summer months, when the Lake Michigan weather is fine, take the opportunity for a swim in the crystal-clear water or relax at a secluded spot on Mackinac Island.

Once winter begins and the weather turns, the lake takes on a completely different and magical character. Huge portions of the lake freeze and swimming is no longer advisable.

Grab Some Fine Craft Beer

American craft beer has seen a worldwide boom in recent years and Illinois is at its very core.

You can quite often visit local breweries to see how their delicious beer is made and bring home some mementos. These are the breweries that are at the forefront of the beer revolution that has been slowly growing in America for some time. Don’t miss out on trying some.

Visit the Harley Davidson Museum 

If you’re a lover of the iconic American motorbike company then a trip to this museum in Milwaukee will be well worth a visit for you.

The museum showcases (nearly) every Harley Davison model made in the company’s history. As you wander around the museum, see if you can spot amazing one-off customized models like the King Kong tandem Harley.

Take a Trip to Chicago 

The most famous city that lies on Lake Michigan’s coast is Chicago. Known the world over for its fascinating history, vibrant cultural scene, and breathtaking skyline. 

Spend a day or two exploring the Windy City and everything it has to offer. Walk The Loop and see central Chicago in all its glitzy hustle and bustle. Explore the history of the city and learn all about Al Capone, and walk the streets that gave us President Obama. 

Seek Out The Blues

The Blues are huge in Chicago and Illinois. There is a reason, after all, that there is a subgenre known as ‘Chicago Blues’. The Blues was brought north by African American musicians as they moved north from the Mississippi Delta.

Muddy Waters and ‘Howlin Wolf’ both made their homes in Chicago and went on to inspire a generation of musicians.

Want More Things to Do on Lake Michigan?

This list of things to do on Lake Michigan is by no means exhaustive, just some of our recommended highlights. The best way to come and explore this wonderful Great Lake is to come and see the place for yourself. 

Luckily, we’ve got you covered for somewhere to stay. Illinois Beach Hotel is the very best place to stay on your vacation on Lake Michigan. Book today to come and see the sights.