No coast? No problem. Beat the heat at these Rockford area lakes and beaches
If you're looking for a place to catch some rays and stay cool this summer in the Rockford area, you don't have to look far.
The region is home to a handful of lakes with beaches, perfect for relaxing in the sun, swimming or sandcastle building.
Here's a look at area beaches and what each has to offer.
Olson Lake
Olson Lake is located in Rock Cut State Park. The 50-acre lake has a maximum depth of 12 feet and an average depth of 6.5 feet. You can launch your own hand-carried boats such as kayaks and canoes from the west end of the beach. There is a bath house and concessions.
Address: 7223 West Lane Road, Loves Park
Hours: noon to 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day
Phone: 815-885-4740
Cost: $5 per person, individuals standing 48 inches and under enter at half price, children 3 and under enter free.
Pearl Lake Beach
Pearl Lake Beach has 8 acres of sandy beachfront for swimming and scuba diving. There is water and traditional sand volleyball. No lifeguards. All children must be supervised at all times, and all children under the age of 8 must wear a swim trainer or life jacket at all times. Food trucks onsite on weekends.
Address: 1220 Dearborn Ave., South Beloit
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 815-389-1479
Cost: $20 per person, children 2 and under enter free
Lake Ladonna
Lake Ladonna is a family friendly beach at the Lake Ladonna Family Campground in Oregon. Children can splash in the water in the shallow, roped off section of the lake under the watch of lifeguards or playing in the sand at the water's edge. Soft-serve ice creams and cold drinks are available at the beach-side Lodge.
Address: 1302 S. Harmony
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day
Phone: 815-732-6804
Cost: Ages 7 and up, $8; children ages 6 and under, free
Lake Louise
The beach at Lake Louise RV Resort is divided. One half is for swimming with wibits (inflatable, floating obstacle courses) and the other half is for fishing. There are lake attendents on hand who tend to the wibits but no lifeguards. Concessions are sold at the cafe, which is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Address: 8840 Illinois 2, Byron
Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Labor Day weekend.
Phone: 847-615-2013
Cost: $5 per person, $2 for children 2 and under
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford area beaches offer place to swim and play on sunny days
