Oak Street Beach facts for kids

Oak Street beach Panoramic, 2009

Oak Street Beach is a popular spot located right on North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois. It sits along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world!

This beach is one of many cool beaches in Chicago. The Chicago Park District, which manages all the parks and beaches in the city, describes Oak Street Beach as a large area. It stretches from about 1550 North Lake Shore Drive all the way to 500 North Lake Shore Drive. This big area includes Ohio Street Beach, a concrete path for walking or biking, the Oak Street Beachstro Restaurant, and the main Oak Street Beach itself. There's also another path that connects Oak Street Beach to North Avenue Beach.

Discovering Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach wasn't always here! It was actually created over time by sand washing up against the northern side of an area called Streeterville. This part of Chicago was named after George Streeter, who claimed land here a long time ago. The sand built up and formed the beach we see today.

What Can You Do at Oak Street Beach?

Oak Street Beach is a fantastic place to visit, especially during the warmer months. You can swim in the clear waters of Lake Michigan, relax on the sandy shore, or play beach volleyball. It's a great spot for families and friends to enjoy a sunny day.

The beach also has the Oak Street Beachstro, a restaurant right on the sand. It's a fun place to grab a bite to eat or a cool drink while enjoying the amazing views of the lake and the Chicago skyline.

A Look Back in Time

Oak Street Beach has been a favorite spot for many years. People have been coming here to enjoy the lake and the city views for decades. Old postcards show how popular it was even in the 1940s! It's a classic Chicago landmark that continues to attract visitors from all over.

Photo gallery

Images for kids

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  Oak Street Beach in July 2018, looking south.

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  Oak Street beach, 1925