Where To See A Lake County Sunrise and Sunset
By: Jonathan Jones 04/27/2023
"Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset. Swiftly flow the days. Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers, Blossoming even as they gaze." The land of lakes is one of the most scenic places to be in the state. Mr. Golden Sun makes his presence known year-round waking up over Lake Michigan and taking a nap on the west side of the county. To get an idea of how long it takes to view the perfect sunset, continue here to view an in-depth article by Night Sky Pix.
It is a sight to see if you're in the right place, and we've put together the top five locations where that big star rises and sets. When you get that mirror effect as you view the juxtaposition between sky and water, it is incredibly stunning. Here's where you can see a Lake County sunrise and sunset!
Lake County Sunrise
Take a morning walk and stack some stones on Zion's Illinois Beach State Park. Watch the sunrise from the cliffs, the beach or from your bedroom window at the Illinois Beach Resort overlooking Lake Michigan. There is a gazebo that sits on the resort's grounds that you can enjoy a cup of joe. Illinois Beach State Park is one of two Land of Lincoln state parks in Lake County. Illinois Beach State Park, Park Office-Lakefront, Zion. 
Just north of the state park is North Point Marina, where the views are just spectacular. The area is equipped with a beach and a marina, so you can go out on the serene waters of Lake Michigan while watching the sun come up. The Winthrop Harbor marina and beach is just below the Badger State Border. North Point Marina, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor.
Whether you're at the city of progress's beach or harbor, sunrise views are choice. Waking up from the horizon of Lake Michigan, the blazing hot star is a spectacular sight to see. Waukegan Harbor & Marina, 55 S. Harbor Pl., Waukegan.
Before you lay out your yoga mats, just chillax on the shores of the Highland Park beach to see the sun come up. Tucked away on the east side of Sheridan Road, Rosewood Beach's sunrise is a perfect place to soul search and meditate before beginning your day along Lake Michigan. Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.
The Lake County Forest Preserve entity is a force to be reckoned with in the sunrise game. With so many ounces of history surrounding you, Fort Sheridan is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark. This area sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Forth Sheridan, Sheridan and Old Elm Roads, Highland Park. There's a trend here. Sunrises on Lake Michigan are the best bar none in Lake County.
Lake County Sunset
Overlooking pristine Lake Zurich (also located in Lake Zurich), Sunset Pavilion at Breezewald Park, is a new addition to the visual statement venue. The Lake Zurich entity serves wines by the glass, craft brew and other libations, flatbreads, sandwiches and desserts. You can’t help but be mesmerized by where the sun sets at this beautiful location while sipping down your favorite adult beverage of choice. Sunset Pavilion, for the time being, because of the public health crisis, is open to solely Lake Zurich residents. Sunset Pavilion at Breezewald Park, 125 N. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.
The Spring Grove area is one of the two-state parks in Lake County (the other one is Illinois Beach State Park). By boat, by land or by night hike, the Spring Grove state park hosts impromptu sunrise sessions as the moon pops up out of slumber. You must make your way to this beautiful Illinois state park. Chain O'Lakes State Park, 8916 Wilmot Rd., Spring Grove.
A sunset at Lakefront Park in Fox Lake is an awe-inspiring and romantic experience to all. The gnarly oranges, blues, reds and purples will provide you the most magical sites over the Lake County body of water. Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake.
The panoramic views from this Mundelein Park District entity are mesmerizing. As the sun sinks, the reflection of the yellowish, orangy circle is so grammable. The magic continues as the sun hides behind the trees viewing eastbound from the Diamond Lake Beach Road vantage point. Diamond Lake Beach, 1016 N. Diamond Lake Rd., Mundelein.
Grays Lake is a kettle lake as the town was named after the body of water. If you sit on the Jones Island side or the west side of this lake, you can see a picture-perfect sunset. Grays Lake/Jones Island 1415, 243 Harvey Ave., Grayslake.
For more areas where you can see a sunrise and sunset in Lake County, click here. To learn more about other outdoor activities in Lake County, continue here.
