What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

City of Lake Forest, Illinois

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Lake Forest, IL
City of Lake Forest, Illinois

The Official page of The City of Lake Forest, Illinois

Lake Forest's natural beauty on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, hundreds of acres of open lands, special characteristics and architecture, public and private educational options, volunteer opportunities and generous residents create a wonderful environment in which to live at any age. Visit lakeforestlove.com, a blog destination where we curate the amazing stories of our community, shine a ligh

t on them and share them back with you. Public comments posted on this page do not reflect the views and values of The City of Lake Forest. The City makes no representation regarding the accuracy of any public comment and does not endorse any of the views or opinions of any member of the public that has commented on this page. All public comments are subject to deletion by the City if they violate the City’s social media policy.

06/19/2026

For more than 165 years, Forest Park Beach has been woven into the story of Lake Forest. 🌊

What began in 1857 as a protected stretch of shoreline in the City's original plan has grown into generations of summer memories. From early beach outings and YWCA youth programs in the 1930s to sailing lessons in the 1960s and today's Lake Forest Sailing camps, the beach has long been a place where residents learn, play, and connect.

Designed by renowned landscape architect O.C. Simonds in the late 1800s, winding paths through the bluffs guided visitors to the shoreline. And while the beach has evolved—including a major shoreline restoration project in the 1980s, significant bluff restoration in 2023, and a major boardwalk project in 2024—its role as a gathering place remains unchanged.

Whether you remember sailing on Lake Michigan, spending summer afternoons on the sand, or introducing a new generation to the beach, Forest Park Beach remains one of Lake Forest's most treasured destinations.

What's your favorite Forest Park Beach memory or photo? Share it in the comments below! 📸

Thanks to the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff for the historic photos and to the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation for the collaboration!

06/18/2026

"If you start with the best ingredient, you have a much better chance of making the best that you can make."

Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts is getting ready for Bites on Bank, and so should you! Enjoy both the sweet and the savory from over a dozen other vendors who will be on Bank Lane on Thursday, July 2 from 5-8 pm.

Hungry for more? See what other Lake Forest restaurants and food shops are serving something delicious at Bites on Bank: www.cityoflakeforest.com/BitesonBank

06/17/2026

Our summer Rethink Recycling Interns, Nina and Lilian, are out checking curbside carts around Lake Forest!

Their job is to help neighbors learn what can (and can’t) be recycled. If your cart’s in tip-top shape, you’ll get a “Good Job!” tag! But if there are some contaminants in there, they’ll leave a friendly "Oops!" tag with tips for next time.

Let's clear up some curbside confusion!
✅ Rinse and empty all containers — no food, no mold, no liquids!
✅ Keep lids on plastic bottles and jars
✅ Take clean plastic bags and Amazon bubble mailers to Jewel or Target
🚫 No unwashed or dirty items — they contaminate the load
🚫 No plastic pouches (like snack or sauce packs) — they’re not recyclable
🚫 No Styrofoam or #6 plastics
🚫 No tanglers (like hangers or cords)

Let’s all do our part to recycle right and keep Lake Forest clean and green 💚

06/16/2026

Forest Park Beach fans, this one's for you. ☀️

Illustrated by a local artist, this limited-edition Forest Park Beach design captures the essence of a summer day at the beach - from beachgoers in the sand and children at the playground to sailboats gliding across Lake Michigan.

The artwork is available on a beach towel, tote bags, and other exclusive merchandise through our online store. While you're shopping, be sure to check out our America 250 Lake Forest collection, featuring limited-edition T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, stickers, and more to help commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary.

Whether you're headed to the beach, gearing up for Independence Day Weekend, or looking for a unique Lake Forest keepsake, there’s something for everyone.

Shop now: https://cityoflakeforestil.threadless.com

About the Artist: Karly Richlinski is a Chicago-based visual and graphic design artist whose distinctive flair for color and composition brings this vibrant Forest Park Beach scene to life.

06/15/2026

Over 1,305 kids, parents, and friends came to our Meet the Fleet event, and we loved every second of it! 💛

What vehicle was your favorite? 🚚

06/14/2026

To support a quieter and more sustainable community, the City has updated the permitted hours for landscape contractors' use of lawn maintenance equipment.

Landscape Contractors🌳
• Monday–Friday: 7:30 am – 7 pm
• Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
• Sundays and Holidays: Prohibited

Residents Maintaining Their Own Property 🏡
• Monday–Friday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
• Saturday: 8 am – 5:30 pm
• Sundays and Holidays: 10 am – 5 pm

Lawn maintenance equipment includes lawn mowers, tractors, leaf blowers, and similar equipment.

Please be sure to share these updated hours with your landscape contractor to help keep our neighborhoods peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

06/12/2026

Headed to Forest Park Beach this weekend?🏖️ Use the Lake Forest Now App to check parking availability before you go!📲

Simply open the Lake Forest Now App, select the "Beach" icon, and select "Parking Availability" to see a map with how many spaces are available.🚘

Download the Lake Forest Now App at cityoflakeforest.com/LFNow.

06/11/2026

Ever wonder where your leftover food scraps go? WasteNot Compost is making the Bites on Bank Food Festival a little greener by providing compostable dishes and flatware for the event! 🍴

From Lemongrass Chicken Tacos to Lychee Martinis, you’ll find something delicious when14 local restaurants and food shops serve up local flavors along the newly transformed Bank Lane on Thursday, July 2 from 5-8 pm.

Find food and drink menus at cityoflakeforest.com/BitesonBank

WasteNot Compost offers voluntary curbside compost collection for Lake Forest residents, helping keep food waste out of landfills. Interested in composting at home? Stop by their table at Bites on Bank to learn how easy it can be!

06/09/2026

Our Summer Concert Series returns this Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Northcroft Park with high-energy variety covers from 28 Days! 🎶☀️

Pack your lawn chairs, grab takeout from a local favorite, and enjoy an evening of music with friends and neighbors.

Every Thursday evening this summer, there’s a concert either in Market Square or brought right to your neighborhood park.

View the full lineup at https://loom.ly/U5x8WNo

Events like the Summer Concert Series help bring the City’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan to life by supporting the Recreation and Community Well-Being priority and creating opportunities for residents to connect and strengthen community.

Address

220 E Deerpath
Lake Forest, IL
60045

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18472342600

Website

http://www.cityoflakeforest.com/, http://www.cityoflakeforest.com/SocialMediaUsePolicy

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