This park, with its alternating dunes and swales, supports a variety of flora and fauna unsurpassed anywhere else in the state. The diversity of habitat and its location on Lake Michigan make Illinois Beach a birder’s paradise throughout the year.

Ducks, gulls and Northern Shrikes linger through the winter; migrants of all kinds appear in spring and fall (the fall also offers outstanding hawk flights); and breeders such as Virginia Rail, Whip-poor-will, Yellow-breasted Chat and Brewer’s Blackbird spend the summer

Address: Lake Front Drive, Zion, 60099