Kathy Osterman Beach takes a bit more time to reach than Chicago’s other city beaches, making it one of the quietest stretches of shoreline in the city. Travel along the length of scenic Lincoln Park to find this safe and family-friendly beach. Watersports and volleyball entice anyone feeling active, but the beach is equally popular as a place to relax by the lake.
Lincoln Park and its beaches were created as part of a landfill project in the 1940s and 50s. Head to the north of the park to see the beach named after Kathy Osterman, a popular and dedicated local politician. Originally named Ardmore Beach, after a nearby avenue, the beach was renamed in 1993 following the public servant’s death.
Choose a spot on the beach to spend the day. The northern stretch features a play area, making it popular with families. The southern end of the beach, by a stone jetty that juts out into the water, has become popular as a lakeside LGBTQ+ destination.
Wherever you set up, enjoy views of the Chicago coastline running along the edge of Lake Michigan, with the popular neighborhood of Evanston visible in the distance.
Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Michigan. Local operators take classes for beginners, offering the chance to drift out onto the calm waters of the lake. Equipment rentals are also available if you already have SUP experience.
Explore Lincoln Park, the serene nature area that backs onto the edge of the beach. This green space attracts migratory bird life in spring and fall. The park follows the edge of the lake and encompasses Montrose Beach, Foster Beach and others.
Kathy Osterman Beach is located north of central Chicago, just outside the Edgewater neighborhood. Drive here in about 8 minutes from famous Wrigley Field. It takes about 15 minutes to get here from Downtown. Bus and metro routes travel to nearby streets for anyone using public transportation. The park is open from dawn until late evening and swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
