The beach is part of a series of municipal swimming spots maintained by the City of Evanston.
The location provides a direct vantage point of the Chicago skyline to the south.
It is integrated into the city’s extensive lakefront bike and pedestrian path network.
The beach is one of the few designated swimming areas in Evanston that permits off-leash dog activity during specific early morning hours in the designated dog beach section.
Water levels at the beach are subject to seasonal fluctuations common to the Great Lakes basin.
Lee Street Beach is a public lakefront facility located in Evanston, Illinois, along the western shore of Lake Michigan. It functions as a designated swimming beach managed by the City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Department. The site features a sandy shoreline and is connected to the city's broader lakefront trail system. Water quality at the beach is monitored regularly by municipal health departments during the active swimming season. The beach area is situated adjacent to Lee Street Park, which provides nearby green space and community amenities. It is a popular local spot for swimming, sunbathing, and viewing the Chicago skyline from the north shore. Access to the water is restricted to areas marked by designated buoys and lifeguard supervision during operating months.
The southern end of the beach provides an unobstructed frame for the Chicago skyline against Lake Michigan.
Visit during weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds from local university students and families.
Bring water shoes if you prefer to avoid the small rocks and zebra mussel shells often found at the water's edge.
Check the City of Evanston’s website for daily water quality and safety status updates before departing.
Do not swim outside of designated areas or when red flags are flying, as strong undertows and rip currents can occur.
Swimming is strictly seasonal, typically beginning in early June and ending in early September; lifeguards are not on duty outside of this period.
Swimmers must remain within designated roped-off areas; smoking and glass containers are prohibited on the sand.
