12th Street Beach

Swim Conditions

Weather

64° F/ 17.5° C

94.0% Humidity

Wind: 2.4 MPH from E

No swim restrictions due to weather.

Updated : 06/22/2018 2:00 AM

Water Quality

157.4 CCE

What do these numbers mean?

The Chicago Park District tests the water for Enterococci bacteria seven days a week during beach season using a rapid analysis method. Enterococci is an indicator of the presence of pathogens that could make you sick. The US EPA recommends notifying the public when Enterococci bacteria levels are above 1000 CCE.

No swim restrictions due to water quality.

Updated : 06/21/2018 12:00 AM

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 65° F / 18.3° C

Wave Height: 0 ft 8 in / 0.19 m

Wave Period: 3.0 sec

No swim restrictions due to surf.

Updated: 06/21/2018 11:00 AM

Rules

Swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
Follow lifeguards’ instructions.
Only Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) are permitted. Person-children wearing PFDs should have adult present.
No smoking.
No alcohol.
No dogs on the beach.
Do not feed birds or wildlife.
Dispose of trash and recycling in appropriate containers.
Grill in designated areas only and dispose of coals in red metal bins.
Keep accessible beach walks clear. No bicycling, skateboarding or rollerblading is permitted in these areas.
Access to the Lake Michigan Water Trail for sports such as kayaking, canoeing and other non-motorized board or paddle sports is allowed on the southern part of 12th Street Beach.
Kiteboarding is not permitted at 12th Street Beach; kiteboarding is ONLY permitted at Montrose Beach.

Description

12th Street Beach is located at 1200 S. Linn White Drive (12th Street at Lake Michigan on Northerly Island) and is nestled just south of Adler Planetarium on Chicago’s Museum Campus in Burnham Park. Beach goers can enjoy food and beverages from Del Campos - offering a Mexican menu along with hot dogs. The beach house offers restrooms. There is a non-motorized boat launch available at the beach and distance swimming is located parallel to shore at boat line. Paid parking lot along with limited street parking is available. This beach has an accessible beach walk.

Distance swimming is available parallel to shore at boat line.

History

12th Street Beach dates to the 1920s. In 1909, renowned architect Daniel Burnham envisioned a new park composed of several man-made islands between Jackson Park and Grant Park. Northerly Island was the only island that was actually built.

The South Park Commission began creating Northerly Island in 1920. By 1927, nearly the entire island was filled in. The island was later converted into a peninsula.

The Commercial Air Craft Association requested permission to use the island as a temporary landing strip. Shortly thereafter, a group of women’s organizations suggested a public bathing beach instead of a landing field. The commissioners agreed, and created 12th Street Beach.

In 1933 and 1934, Northerly Island and Burnham Park served as the site of Chicago’s second World’s Fair, “A Century of Progress.” In preparation for the fair, the commissioners increased the size of the island even more. The Alder Planetarium opened on the island in time for the fair. It is one of the few structures that remained open after the fair.

By the 1940s, in addition to the public beach, Northerly Island also had paths, walkways, scattered trees and grassy open spaces.

In 1948, a small airport called Meigs Field opened, but this site closed in 1996. The following year, after a new initiative called for the replacement of outdated facilities on the lakefront, the Chicago Park District constructed a new beach house at 12th Street.