Agencies
Services
Walks With a Naturalist
Join us for a weekly guided nature walk at Illinois Beach State Park, led by Nature Center staff. These relaxed, beginner-friendly walks will explore the park’s diverse habitats, including dunes, wetlands, forests, and shoreline. Our naturalist will also highlight the plants, wildlife, and seasonal changes that make each visit to IBSP special.
Held every Saturday throughout the spring (unless otherwise noted), each walk will offer something a little different depending on what’s happening in the park that week. From blooming wildflowers to migrating birds and changing lake conditions, no two walks are ever the same. Our naturalist will also touch on the history of the park, which transformed from a military base into the park we know and love today.
Location: Meet at the Nature center
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm
Date(s): Every Saturday in April, May and June
Suggested age group: All ages welcome!
Introductory Flower and Plant Art Class w/ Kathy Garness
Join us for a beginner-friendly nature and flower art class at Illinois Beach State Park, led by Kathleen Garness, steward of Hosah Park and a renowned artist and naturalist. This welcoming program will invite participants to slow down, observe the beauty of the natural world, and express it through creative art inspired by flowers and native plants.
Kathleen will guide participants through simple techniques for observing, sketching, and creating nature-inspired artwork in a relaxed and supportive setting. No prior art experience is needed—this class is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking to explore their creativity while connecting with nature.
All are encouraged to come ready to learn, create, and enjoy a peaceful, hands-on experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. All supplies will be provided!
Location: Nature Center
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Date(s): April 25, June 27
Suggested age group: 16+
***Attendance for this event is capped, and registration is required in advance. To register, please email Chase Firth at chase.firth@illinois.gov
World Migratory Bird Day Guided Hike
Join us at Illinois Beach State Park for a guided bird walk in honor of World Migratory Bird Day! This program will explore diverse habitats including oak forests, wetlands, and dunes. Led by our resident naturalist, this relaxed walk will focus on spotting and listening for migratory birds as they pass through the area during their spring journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to borrow binoculars (limited supply available) and learn how to spot and identify birds by sight and sound. This program is perfect for beginners, curious nature lovers, and families. Along the way, we’ll talk about why migratory birds rely on places like IBSP and how we can help protect these important stopover habitats.
Location: Dead River Trail, Meet at the Nature Center
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm
Date(s): May 9
Suggested Age Group: All ages welcome!
Public Beach Cleanup
Join us for a community beach cleanup at Illinois Beach State Park and help make a difference! This friendly, hands-on event is a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and work together to care for our incredible state park.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to lend a hand as we remove litter and debris from the beach. This effort will help protect wildlife and keep the park clean for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re coming on your own, with friends, or as a family, your time and effort make a real impact. Come meet others in the community, enjoy some fresh air, and be part of something positive for the park and the environment!
Location: Meet at the south end of the main beach, near the dumpsters
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Date(s): April 19, June 21
Suggested age group: All ages welcome!
Animal Ambassador days with Olivia Schweikert
Join us at Illinois Beach State Park for a special Animal Ambassadors Day featuring some of the amazing animal residents from our fellow park, William W. Powers State Recreation Area! Meet a variety of live animal ambassadors up close, including pigeons, rats, box turtles, and more, while learning about their unique adaptations and the important roles they play in our ecosystems.
This family-friendly program is a great opportunity for kids and curious nature lovers to connect with wildlife in a safe and engaging setting. Naturalists will introduce each animal, share fun facts, and talk about how these species survive in the wild and how we can help protect the habitats they depend on.
Stop by, ask questions, and discover a new appreciation for some often-misunderstood animals. You might just leave with a new favorite species!
Location: Nature Center
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm
Date(s): TBD, Stay tuned for updates!
Suggested age group: All ages welcome!
Nighttime “Yooperlite” Hunt
Discover the magic of Yooperlite at this unique nighttime event! Yooperlite are special rocks that glow bright orange under ultraviolet light. Using UV flashlights, we will search the shoreline together for these fascinating stones hidden among the sand and rocks. Staff will educate about what Yooperlites are, how they form, and where they can be found.
Night programs like this are rare and offer an excellent opportunity to experience the beach after dark when sights, sounds, and atmosphere are completely different.
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own UV flashlight if they have one, as our supply is limited. A regular flashlight (or headlamp) and sturdy footwear are also highly recommended, to navigate the beach safely after dark. This one-of -a-kind evening program is perfect for amateur geologists, curious explorers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a memorable night at the park! Note, all Yooperlite discovered must be retained by the nature center for education and conservation purposes.
Location: Beach trail, Meet at the Nature Center parking lot
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Date(s): June 12
Suggested age group: 8+
Guided Hikes with IBSP Expert Belynda Alberte
Join us for a special guided hike at Illinois Beach State Park led by guest naturalist Belynda Alberte, Natural Resource Specialist with Lake County Forest Preserves. This unique program offers the opportunity to learn directly from a leading expert on the lake plain and the globally significant Chiwaukee Prairie ecosystem.
Belynda has been a critical driving force behind conservation efforts in Lake County, including at IBSP. Her knowledge of the landscape will provide participants with a greater understanding of the rare habitats, native plants, and ongoing restoration work that make this area so special. Along the way, we’ll explore the connections between the lake plain, prairie, and shoreline, and discuss how these ecosystems have changed over time.
This hike is perfect for anyone interested in local ecology, conservation, and the natural history of Illinois Beach State Park. Whether you’re a regular on our weekly walks or joining for the first time, this special guest-led hike offers a unique chance to experience the park through an expert’s perspective.
Location: Meet at the Nature Center
Time: 10:00am-11:30am on May 15, 11:00am-12:30pm on May 30
Date(s): May 15, May 30
Suggested Age Group: 12+
“The Changing Shoreline” with the IL State Geological Survey
Join us for a special program at Illinois Beach State Park presented by specialists from the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), focusing on recent changes along the park’s shoreline. This informative program will explore ongoing coastal management efforts, including the construction of 23 new breakwaters and the replenishment of over 50 acres of beach.
ISGS staff will discuss how these projects are designed to reduce erosion, protect critical habitats, and help preserve the natural shoreline along Lake Michigan. Participants will gain insight into the science behind shoreline stabilization and the long-term importance of these efforts for both wildlife and park visitors.
The program will include a short, guided hike to the beach, where participants can observe the breakwaters in action and see firsthand how these structures interact with waves, sand movement, and the surrounding coastal environment. This program is ideal for anyone interested in geology, conservation, and the future of Illinois Beach State Park’s shoreline.
Location: Nature Center, hike along beach trail
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Date(s): June 6
Suggested Age Group: 12+
