Beachgoers, Jackson Park, circa 1910Photograph by: George R. Lawrence Company. Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 047_001_006
Rainbow Fleet sailboats, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park, 1940Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 054_004_014
Beach volleyball, Calumet Park, 1935Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 013_002_005
Therapeutic Recreation program, Fishing, circa 1985Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 115_010_004
Beachgoers, 12th Street Beach, Northerly Island, 1936Adler Planetarium in background. Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 084_021_014
North Avenue Beach at Fullerton, Lincoln Park, circa 1970Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 071_005_004
![Sand sculpting contest, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park, [1982]. Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 070_018_017](https://d4804za1f1gw.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/cgp_spe_p00001_070_018_017web-150x150.jpg)
Sand sculpting contest, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park, [1982]Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 070_018_017
![Sand sculpting contest, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park, [1982]. Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 070_018_017](https://d4804za1f1gw.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/cgp_spe_p00001_070_018_017web.jpg)
Tug-of-war, Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park, circa 1980Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 053_035_007
Aerial view, Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park, circa 1940Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 071_014_012
Coho Derby, Fishing, Jackson Park Pier, circa 1980Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 045_029_018
Swimmers, Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park, 1938Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 071_012_015
Sand sculpting contest, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park, 1982Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 070_018_022
Water skiers, Leone Park Beach, 1975Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 053_039_004
Beachgoers, 57th Street Beach, Jackson Park, 1964Source: Chicago Park District Photographs, 047_001_008
I was recently at a volunteer event with about 20 other people, all different ages, genders, races, backgrounds. As an ice breaker, the facilitator asked what is the one thing a visitor to Chicago must see? With zero debate, and almost no consideration, we quickly came to the consensus that the Lakefront was Chicago's most important destination.
Lake Michigan has always played a vital role in Chicago's history as a source for drinking water, commerce, trade and navigation. Equally important, I would argue, is the recreation and beauty it provides. One of the many disappointments of 2020 was that Chicago's Lakefront was closed to minimize large gatherings during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chicagoans and visitors alike are ecstatic that the beaches are open in 2021. View this gallery to see how Chicagoans have always enjoyed the beach for swimming, water skiing, fishing, boating, sand sculpting, tug-of-war and more. (And if you're looking for that perfect read to enjoy at Chicago's beach this summer, check out CPL's recommendations for summer.)
Like what you see? You can visit Special Collections to view more images from our Chicago Park District Collections. You can view recorded programs related to our recent exhibit, From Swamps to Parks: Building Chicago's Public Spaces. Check out our Digital Collections to view more historical beach images from home. Finally, please share your favorite Chicago beach memory in the comments below.
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