Ohio Street Beach

Ohio Street Beach is a public swimming area in Streeterville that runs along Lake Michigan with access to the Lakefront Trail and Jane Addams Memorial Park. The site includes designated swimming zones, changing facilities, lockers, and lifeguard supervision during the summer season.

The site was transformed from neglected burial grounds in the 1870s into a temporary beach to address overcrowding in the area. A permanent sandy beach was subsequently constructed to establish it as an enduring recreational destination.

The beach features contemporary art installations that blend into the recreational space and catch visitors' attention throughout the year. These artistic additions have become part of how people experience this waterfront location today.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer swimming season, typically from midday until evening hours, providing safety for swimmers. Check conditions before visiting, as facilities and supervision change seasonally throughout the year.

The beach's orientation toward the north creates an extended corridor where swimmers practice long-distance swimming runs parallel to the lakeside edge. This natural layout attracts serious swimmers who use the protected route for training purposes.