Waukegan Dunes
Waukegan's 400-acre lakefront, with a mile-long beach houses some of the only remaining natural dunes along this stretch of Illinois coastline. These young dunes anchor the southern end of the Lake Plain Coastal Preserves, where American beachgrass, beach wormwood, grey goldenrod, little bluestem, and variegated horsetail cling to dry ridges while the beach draws summer visitors for swimming and tranquility.
This is where urban life meets wild shoreline—a beach management plan carefully protecting natural resources while preserving recreational access has been published, reminding visitors that even heavily-used places can harbor rare habitats when managed with intention and community partnership.
Owned and Managed by:
Where It Is
Waukegan Dunes Parking:
540-562 E Sea Horse Dr, Waukegan, IL 60085
What You Should Know
Trails: Stay on trails at all times and do not collect any materials from Lake Plain sites apart from photos and memories.
Ticks: Lake Plain Natural Areas have a significant tick population active from April through November. Take precautions: wear long pants tucked into socks, use insect repellent, and check yourself and pets thoroughly after visiting.
Limited Infrastructure: Many Lake Plain Natural Areas are overall purposely maintained in their natural state. Come prepared for a true natural area experience, and abide by all park rules and regulations.
Fragile Ecosystem: The globally rare plant communities here require careful stewardship. Stay on visible paths, avoid walking through wetlands, and never pick plants, dig roots, or collect seeds. Leave no trace.
Waukegan Dunes is protected by the City of Waukegan, in partnership with Friends of Waukegan Beach and Lake County Audubon’s Sharing our Shore Waukegan.
Recreation
Outdoor Education
Scientific Research
Bathrooms
Accessible
Beach/Water Sports
Parking Lot
Hiking
Fishing
Birding
Picnics
Wildlife Viewing
Field Trips