Recreation & Tourism
Southern Lake Michigan offers opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, surfing and more! Explore the tools and information below to help you have a fun and safe day on the water.
Programs & Initiatives
Chicago Water Walk
Take a tour of the city’s beautiful downtown lake and river fronts. While walking, you can use our app to learn just how important these resources are to the region—through fun facts, history, biology, and more. Stroll along the Chicago lakefront from Navy Pier to the Museum Campus, or stay at home and just visit our website.
See MoreSouthern Lake Michigan Outdoors
Whether it’s swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, or camping you’re after in the southern Lake Michigan region, Southern Lake Michigan Outdoors is a handy resource. Visit this destination website to explore the coastal regions of Indiana and Illinois. Places of interest include national parks, city parks, blueways and other spots perfect for a day outdoors.
See MoreSouthern Lake Michigan Water Safety
Lake Michigan is a great place to enjoy a day at the beach. Unfortunately, southern Lake Michigan has the highest rate of drowning in the Great Lakes. Rapidly changing conditions, an uneven lake bottom, and dangerous currents can catch the most skilled swimmer, boater, or angler off guard.
See MoreRelated News
- IISG finds new approaches to help communities and others make informed decisions
- New IISG funding will support research to address PFAS knowledge gaps
- Study finds PFAS in all tested Lake Michigan sportfish and their prey
- Spring brings new IISG resources and opportunities to lean into the season
- New to Navy Pier waters, Chuoy the Buoy proved a valuable forecasting tool
Research Projects
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant funds original research projects that support and complement our education and outreach activities. The link below will take you the Recreation and Tourism section of our funded research database, where you will find project descriptions, contact information, and final reports and publications.
See All Related Research & Projects