Welcome to Forest Park Beach!

We are excited to welcome the community back to the beach for the season.

A few reminders:

Resident Parking:

  • North Lot: All vehicles are required to have a current City of Lake Forest vehicle sticker. A City of Lake Forest vehicle sticker is also required for overflow parking. Your City sticker/beach parking permit MUST BE AFFIXED to your car's windshield or you will not be allowed to park at Forest Park Beach. Signs are posted at multiple locations outlining the policies. A fine of $125 will be assessed for any vehicle found in violation. Purchase your vehicle stickers 1) online, 2) in the Lake Forest Now App, 3) in-person at Municipal Services, or 4) by mail. More info.
  • South Lot: Additional permits are required and are available for purchase at the Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road.
  • If you are walking, please use the cement stairs or the boardwalk to access the beach. Do not walk on the road.
Overflow Parking:

When the bottom north lot is completely full, beach overflow parking will be activated:

  • Cars will be routed to the top south lot for parking.
  • Cars will not be allowed to wait at the gate for spots to open.
  • Beach staff will monitor available spaces in the bottom north lot.
  • Staff at the bottom north lot will communicate with staff at the top north when spots open.
  • Once the top south lot is full, cars will be directed to park on the grass along the ring road.
  • Residents will then walk down the boardwalk to access the beach.

For information on water quality, please call the Forest Park Beach Hotline at (847) 234-6702 & press 8.

Please note: All city ordinances, policies, and procedures will be enforced.

For Non-Resident information, scroll down and click on the "Non-Residents" tab.


No Lifeguards After Labor Day

Starting Tuesday after Labor Day, Beach Guards and Lifeguards will no longer be on duty at Forest Park Beach. However, the beach remains open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, and swimming is allowed at your own risk. Please remember that all City ordinances, policies, and procedures are still in effect. 


About our park and beach:

Visitors to our 29 acre park can enjoy the large beach and grass areas. Open year round, park amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launching ramp and storage area, walking paths and a concession stand open during the summer months.

LAKE FOREST RESIDENT IDENTIFICATION

Residents will be required to show proof of City of Lake Forest residency at all entrances to the facility. Appropriate forms of identification include driver's license, state ID, school ID, Lake Forest water bill or a Forest Park Beach ID. Proof of Lake Forest residency will be required for everyone using the beach facilities.

To park at Forest Park Beach North Lot, all vehicles are required to have a current City of Lake Forest vehicle sticker.

NON-RESIDENT USAGE

We are looking forward to seeing you at our beautiful beach!

Non-Resident Beach Access & Parking:

  • The non-resident entrance is located at the stairs.

  • There is a $25 daily fee per person. Credit cards only: Visa, MC, Amex, Discover. Sorry, no refunds are given.

  • There is no onsite parking. There are public lots located in the business district and at the train station. It is a short 3/4 mile walk to the lakefront.

  • Non-resident parking sticker for the North Lot is sold for $910 at Municipal Services - 800 N Field Dr, Lake Forest.

  • Non-resident parking sticker for the South Lot is sold for $910 at the Recreation Center - 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest.

north lot & upper south lot:

  • All residents that wish to park at Forest Park Beach North Lot and Upper South Lot must display a current City of Lake Forest Vehicle Sticker

  • Vehicle Stickers can be purchased:

  1. Online at https://www.aptvsa.com/lakeforest/resident. You will need the PIN code provided on your renewal notice. If you do not know your PIN number, please email Claudia Austin at austinc@cityoflakeforest.com.
  2. In person M-F from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at Municipal Services, 800 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest.
lower south lot:
  • Parking at the Lower South Lot is by permit only. Permits can be purchased at the Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest.
Please also note:
  • If your vehicle is registered to an address outside of The City of Lake Forest and does not have a current sticker displayed, you will be ticketed when parking anywhere east of Sheridan Road, including beach parking lots.
  • No parking is allowed on the ring road or nearby public streets, with or without a City vehicle sticker or beach parking sticker.

RESIDENT GUEST PASSES

Lake Forest residents can purchase a Guest Beach Parking Pass for $15, limit 5 times per household/per year. Pass must be purchased by a Lake Forest Resident at the Recreation Center. Click here for Recreation Center hours.

Boating center information

Visit our Boating Center page for more information.

CONCESSIONS, BEER AND WINE SALES AT THE BEACH

Stop by concessions at the north pavilion and enjoy snacks, ice cream, and beverages on our beautiful lake front this summer.

We will be offering beer and wine sales during concession operating hours - seven days per week in the designated area, weather permitting.

Contact concessions at 847.810.4665 with questions.

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Umbrella Policy

The City of Lake Forest does not allow the use of umbrellas or large tents; however, some exceptions are allowed: small umbrellas that attach to chairs, small sun shelters, and canopy style structures attached to chairs. Click here to learn more.

Please note the following:

  • No dogs/pets
  • No drones
  • No firearms
  • No fireworks or sky lanterns (state law)
  • No open fires
  • No outside alcohol
  • No hammocks on trees
  • No tents or beach umbrellas
  • No smoking, vaping, or cannabis
  • No bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades/skates, or Segways
  • No jumping off rocks/piers
  • No walking on ramps