Illinois Beach Nature Preserve North Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60087

"Trail wasn't maintained at all-I ended up with many cuts and scratches on my legs. Beware if going during tick season-make sure you wear long socks/pants and check thoroughly after. I also got chased by a snake, although that's not the nature preserve's fault. The trail was washed out so I had to retrace my steps back. Overall, not a pleasant hike. I did enjoy the beach though!"

"This is the first dedicated nature preserve in Illinois, and it is an absolute treasure. There is a weekly volunteer ecological restoration group that takes care of this beautiful place called Illinois Dunesland Restoration Project. Come join us to help take care of Illinois Beach!"

"Decided to take the dead river trail this time. It was a great hike. Highly recommend this trail. Dead river is named not because it is polluted, but because it runs toward, but does not flow into Lake Michigan. Just yards from its goal, the river disappears into the sand in an apparent dead end."

"The hiking trails are excellent. This bike trail on the south end heading north is horrid. Not maintained and erosion has washed up portions of the trail. Just to get to the area is a hike. Could use a concession stand. There is restrooms and a campsite. A visitor center is a nice stop. The maps and information signage is everywhere, with plant and wildlife information. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park is it's official name. From the government website. "Illinois Beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation. More than 650 species of plants have been recorded in the dunes area alone, including dozens of types of colorful wildflowers. Prickly pear cactus thrives in large colonies in the dry areas, and the wet prairies are carpeted with a wide variety of grasses and sedges. Large expanses of marsh in the swales support dense stands of cattail, grasses, big bluestem and sedges. The sandy ridges are crowned by black oak forests with an open, savanna-like appearance. For much of the year, a stream known as Dead River is blocked by sandbars formed by waves at the mouth of the river, creating a sluggish marshy habitat." It's a great way to spend a day. Directions From the South are: I-294 north to Rt 173 east (approx 8 miles) to Sheridan Road. Make a right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road, make a left and you will be in the park. From the North are: I-94 South to Rt. 173, east on Rt.173 to Sheridan Road, right on Sheridan Road to Wadsworth Road and make a left on Wadsworth into the Park."

"This location is beautiful. Came here on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't too crowded but after a few days of heavy rain portions of the walking paths were washed out. We had to wade through 4 feet of standing water. Other than that it was a perfect day visit."