Located in the northeast corner of the state in Zion, the Illinois Beach State Park has unfortunately suffered from beach erosion and loss of habit for three costal bird species over the years, including the piping plover, common tern and Caspian tern.

To protect the state’s last remaining natural shoreline, major investments were made into an impressive and historic shoreline stabilization project that was recently completed in October. The $73 million investment allowed for the necessary construction of new offshore stone breakwater structures to shelter the Lake Michigan shoreline from wave energy.

The park – located roughly 50 miles north of Chicago – is a major source of tourism for the area. In 2015, 1.2 million visitors came to the park to enjoy boating, hiking, swimming and more along its 4,160 acres. The shoreline stabilization project was also selected for the 2024 Best Restored Beach award through the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. 

The national recognition acknowledged the project for protecting the critical infrastructure of the park while maintaining its character and recreational user experience.

The project is the first inland freshwater project, first Great Lakes project, and first project in the Midwest to achieve Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines Verification. WEDG is a national rating system that provides technical reviews of the design and construction of waterfront projects.

By protecting the shoreline and providing shelter for migratory bird nests, visitors from across the nation will be able to enjoy this national natural landmark for years to come.

Learn more about the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization project by visiting the Capital Development Board’s project site.