Tropical Places Near Me 7 Places In Illinois That Feel Like The Caribbean

Our affinity for being near the water is certainly increased in the summertime. The closest ocean beach to Illinois is pretty far away, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have places that are worth checking out in the summer. We’ve gathered together seven amazing spots that you need to check out if you’re craving a vacation to a Caribbean paradise or find yourself constantly searching for “tropical places near me.” We’d all love a tropical vacation, but expensive cruises and long plane rides can be impossible for many. Forget all that when you can experience all the fun in the sun you need with all the tropical places in Illinois. Grab your beach towels and sunblock, then head out to some of these amazing attractions.

Rend Lake

TripAdvisor/WANDTVDoug We’ve got a lot of great hidden beaches in Illinois. One of our favorites is the magnificent oasis at Rend Lake. The area around the South Sandusky Campground on the west side of this gigantic lake is particularly beautiful. This Illinois beach will make you feel anywhere but in the Midwest. Rend Lake stretches for 13 miles, so there are many places where you can’t see the other side and you can pretend you’re at the ocean. The lake is located in southern Illinois, just south of Mt. Vernon. For a perfect summer day, enjoy the beaches or take a boat out on the lake. Rend Lake, Illinois, USA

Clinton Lake

Google/Laurie Pichla Clinton Lake is one of our favorite lakes in Illinois. This nearly 5,000-acre reservoir near the town of Clinton will make you feel like you’re far away from all your troubles. It’s formed like a U-shaped snake and is mostly surrounded by trees. It’s in central Illinois and is a fantastic place for a day in the sun. Clinton Lake, Illinois, USA

Lake Glendale

Google/William Parmley Nestled within the gorgeous Shawnee National Forest in the southern part of the state, this beautiful lake is really something to see. It’s actually a rather small lake that’s hidden and a little hard to find. In the summer, it’s just as good as Aruba or The Bahamas. Head over to Golconda to check it out for yourself! Lake Glendale, Illinois 62938, USA

Sunrise Park (Lake Michigan): Lake Bluff, IL 60044

Flickr/Lucy Gray All of us Midwesterners know that Lake Michigan is better than any ocean. All the beaches along Lake Michigan in the Prairie State are immaculate. Located in Lake Bluff, Sunrise Park is an incredible spot that will make you feel like you’re on an island. You’ll feel so far away from the middle of the United States! Sunrise Park, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, USA

North Avenue Beach (Lake Michigan)

Flickr/Roman Boed This lovely beach looks everything like a Caribbean paradise city. Lake Michigan’s blue waters and endless horizon feel exactly like you’re on the ocean. Be sure to stop by if you find yourself in Chicago in the summer: this is one of the best tropical places in Illinois. North Avenue Beach, Illinois 60614, USA

Three Oaks Recreational Area: 5517 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Facebook/Three Oaks Recreation Area This place may look like a Bahamian paradise, but it’s actually an abandoned quarry located at Crystal Lake. This is some of the clearest water in Illinois, and you’ll find so many attractions and amenities here. The area has little islands and beautiful beaches that make summer feel endless. The recreational area is great for enjoying fishing and other water activities. Three Oaks Recreation Area, 5517 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA

Itasca Caribbean Water Park: 100 N Catalpa St, Itasca, IL 60143

Google/Chris Matusiewicz We can’t talk about tropical places in Illinois without mentioning this exotic wonderland. Guests will enjoy water slides, large pools, aquatic playgrounds, and the best tropical-themed decor in the whole state. It’ll make you forget you’re in Illinois! Itasca Caribbean Water Park, 100 N Catalpa St, Itasca, IL 60143, USA

Summer in Illinois is such a great time. What other tropical places in Illinois have you visited? Share your favorite Caribbean-like oases with us in the comments.

TripAdvisor/WANDTVDoug

We’ve got a lot of great hidden beaches in Illinois. One of our favorites is the magnificent oasis at Rend Lake. The area around the South Sandusky Campground on the west side of this gigantic lake is particularly beautiful. This Illinois beach will make you feel anywhere but in the Midwest. Rend Lake stretches for 13 miles, so there are many places where you can’t see the other side and you can pretend you’re at the ocean. The lake is located in southern Illinois, just south of Mt. Vernon. For a perfect summer day, enjoy the beaches or take a boat out on the lake.

Rend Lake, Illinois, USA

Google/Laurie Pichla

Clinton Lake is one of our favorite lakes in Illinois. This nearly 5,000-acre reservoir near the town of Clinton will make you feel like you’re far away from all your troubles. It’s formed like a U-shaped snake and is mostly surrounded by trees. It’s in central Illinois and is a fantastic place for a day in the sun.

Clinton Lake, Illinois, USA

Google/William Parmley

Nestled within the gorgeous Shawnee National Forest in the southern part of the state, this beautiful lake is really something to see. It’s actually a rather small lake that’s hidden and a little hard to find. In the summer, it’s just as good as Aruba or The Bahamas. Head over to Golconda to check it out for yourself!

Lake Glendale, Illinois 62938, USA

Flickr/Lucy Gray

All of us Midwesterners know that Lake Michigan is better than any ocean. All the beaches along Lake Michigan in the Prairie State are immaculate. Located in Lake Bluff, Sunrise Park is an incredible spot that will make you feel like you’re on an island. You’ll feel so far away from the middle of the United States!

Sunrise Park, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, USA

Flickr/Roman Boed

This lovely beach looks everything like a Caribbean paradise city. Lake Michigan’s blue waters and endless horizon feel exactly like you’re on the ocean. Be sure to stop by if you find yourself in Chicago in the summer: this is one of the best tropical places in Illinois.

North Avenue Beach, Illinois 60614, USA

Facebook/Three Oaks Recreation Area

This place may look like a Bahamian paradise, but it’s actually an abandoned quarry located at Crystal Lake. This is some of the clearest water in Illinois, and you’ll find so many attractions and amenities here. The area has little islands and beautiful beaches that make summer feel endless. The recreational area is great for enjoying fishing and other water activities.

Three Oaks Recreation Area, 5517 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA

Google/Chris Matusiewicz

We can’t talk about tropical places in Illinois without mentioning this exotic wonderland. Guests will enjoy water slides, large pools, aquatic playgrounds, and the best tropical-themed decor in the whole state. It’ll make you forget you’re in Illinois!

Itasca Caribbean Water Park, 100 N Catalpa St, Itasca, IL 60143, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Tropical Places Near Me May 14, 2022 Lisa Sammons What is summer in Illinois like? Summer in Illinois is typically not as hot as in other states, but the mugginess can be dreadful. With the high humidity and 80+ degree temperatures, it can feel pretty darn hot! You’ll definitely want to head to a peaceful oasis in Illinois to cool off. What are the best Illinois beaches? We are far from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some great beaches in Illinois! Oak Street Beach in Chicago is particularly cool because you’re able to see the Windy City skyline from the beach itself. It’s a cool contrast to be on the sandy beaches while observing the city! Are there any natural lazy rivers in Illinois? One of our favorite natural lazy rivers in Illinois is the Vermillion River. An all-day float trip down this natural paradise is wonderful! It’s one of the best spots for tubing in Illinois. Of course, we also have plenty of water parks where you can experience lazy rivers and other attractions.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Tropical Places Near Me

May 14, 2022

Lisa Sammons

What is summer in Illinois like? Summer in Illinois is typically not as hot as in other states, but the mugginess can be dreadful. With the high humidity and 80+ degree temperatures, it can feel pretty darn hot! You’ll definitely want to head to a peaceful oasis in Illinois to cool off. What are the best Illinois beaches? We are far from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some great beaches in Illinois! Oak Street Beach in Chicago is particularly cool because you’re able to see the Windy City skyline from the beach itself. It’s a cool contrast to be on the sandy beaches while observing the city! Are there any natural lazy rivers in Illinois? One of our favorite natural lazy rivers in Illinois is the Vermillion River. An all-day float trip down this natural paradise is wonderful! It’s one of the best spots for tubing in Illinois. Of course, we also have plenty of water parks where you can experience lazy rivers and other attractions.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Summer in Illinois is typically not as hot as in other states, but the mugginess can be dreadful. With the high humidity and 80+ degree temperatures, it can feel pretty darn hot! You’ll definitely want to head to a peaceful oasis in Illinois to cool off.

What are the best Illinois beaches?

We are far from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some great beaches in Illinois! Oak Street Beach in Chicago is particularly cool because you’re able to see the Windy City skyline from the beach itself. It’s a cool contrast to be on the sandy beaches while observing the city!

Are there any natural lazy rivers in Illinois?

One of our favorite natural lazy rivers in Illinois is the Vermillion River. An all-day float trip down this natural paradise is wonderful! It’s one of the best spots for tubing in Illinois. Of course, we also have plenty of water parks where you can experience lazy rivers and other attractions.