A recent survey of Chicago swimmers uncovered a diverse range of preferred locations for taking to the water across the city. Responses ranged from established public beaches to lesser-known waterfront spots, each offering unique advantages for different swimming styles and preferences.
Several respondents highlighted the appeal of North Avenue Beach as a top destination. The location draws swimmers with its spectacular views of the downtown skyline visible from the water, combined with a vibrant social atmosphere that characterizes the beach throughout the day.
Christine Spencer praised Olive Park beach for its dedicated swimming infrastructure. The area features buoys maintained by the park district specifically for triathletes and distance swimmers, with a course stretching approximately one mile round-trip toward Oak Street and featuring ladder access at marked intervals along the wall.
Dan Miller identified three separate locations that appeal to serious open-water swimmers. Promontory Point offers buoys, friendly fellow swimmers, and peaceful surroundings, while the stretch from North Avenue Chess Pavilion to Oak Street Beach provides lifeguard coverage and the Hancock Tower as a navigation landmark. Montrose Point on the harbor side presents dramatic views of the downtown landscape.
Other swimmers championed less conventional spots. Ed Volpi mentioned the rock formations near the Adler Planetarium, while Mike Petrakovitz offered a tongue-in-cheek endorsement of the Chicago River itself.
Not all responses endorsed open-water swimming. Christine Bock expressed a preference for chlorinated pools, citing hygiene concerns about natural water environments.
More Stories
Fraud expert warns AI is helping criminals outpace the government: ‘Don’t have the right tools’
Jerry O’Connell Credits Wife Rebecca Romijn as Catalyst for His Transformation into Devoted Family Man
Labrador Mix Wilby Awaits Adoption at Broward County Humane Society