Lake Forest beachgoers heading to Forest Park Beach over the Fourth of July weekend won't need to circle the parking lot. Lake Forest Parks & Recreation is running a free shuttle between the Western Avenue Metra Station and the beach on Friday, July 3, Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, with pickups from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

The department announced the shuttle on Monday, June 29, offering it as an alternative when the beach lot fills.

Check Before You Drive

Before heading out, residents can open the Lake Forest Now app (cityoflakeforest.com/LFNow) to see real-time parking availability in the beach lot. If spaces remain, drive straight in. If the lot shows full, leave the car at the Metra station and hop on the shuttle.

The City of Lake Forest echoed the advice on its official Facebook page, calling the shuttle a "pro tip" for anyone arriving after the lot fills up.

What to Bring

Lake Forest residents must show proof of residency at every beach entrance. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state ID, school ID, Lake Forest water bill, or a Forest Park Beach ID. Parents can pick up a free Beach ID for their kids at the Rec Center office at 400 Hastings Road, according to Lake Forest Parks & Recreation's Instagram page.

Non-residents are welcome but pay a $25 daily per-person fee. Credit cards only — no cash.

A Packed Holiday Weekend

The shuttle coincides with a full slate of Independence Day events. The city's Facebook page highlighted the new Bites on Bank Food Festival on July 3 and the Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks on Saturday, July 4, billed as an "America 250" celebration with live music, food, and fireworks.

The Details

  • What: Free Forest Park Beach Shuttle
  • When: Friday, July 3, Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Route: Western Avenue Metra Station to Forest Park Beach
  • Cost: Free (beach entry free for residents with ID; $25/person for non-residents, credit card only)
  • Parking app: Lake Forest Now at cityoflakeforest.com/LFNow
  • Questions: Lake Forest Parks & Recreation, 847-234-6700