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Illinois Beach State Park - South Beach
4.9 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Running trail in Beach Park, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Illinois Beach State Park - South Beach's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Illinois Beach State Park - South Beach
“Water so clean and warm, super fun and safe for kids to play.”
What a beautiful place . Ample parking with a short trail to the beach . Even could see a white tailed deer in the forest along the way. Beach is clean and not overcrowded. perfect gateway and calmness.
It was our first time at this beach - but certainly not the last! What gem just 1 hour drive from Chicago suburbs! Water so clean and warm, super fun and safe for kids to play. Beach very nice and clean. Plenty of parking space right by beach!
Such beautiful, miles-long beaches! Close to the main parking lot, grilling area, and the main beach, it’s pretty crowded no matter the time of year. But walk south toward the Dead River, and you’ll see the crowds shrink with every step, until it’s just you where the river comes within a few yards of meeting Lake…
This review is for the South Beach. The South Beach is not the main beach and is South of the hotel. I like it. Off the beaten path..
Trail conditions & character
“Close to the main parking lot, grilling area, and the main beach, it’s pretty crowded no matter the time of year.”
Plan your run at Illinois Beach State Park - South Beach
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteidph.state.il.us
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Beach Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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