Getting beach ready! Not only myself (preparing for a summer beach vacation), but Rosewood Beach recently got a clean up and seemed ready for visitors. It's been awhile since I've updated my experience at Rosewood. This review is based on a recent walk I took to get some fresh air and much needed exercise. After parking the car in Downtown Ravinia and walking to Rosewood beach and back to the car (round trip about 1.3 miles), I noticed a bunch of beach updates that are worth mentioning. First of all, gear up, because the beach is open this year and you'll be able to swim! It's a private beach and not free, so you'll have to follow this link (https://www.pdhp.org/beaches/parking-2/) for resident and non-resident fees. This year you can purchase a swim pass and a parking decal. I entered via the dirt path that leads down to the beach so I could make my way back up the stairs for a good stair climb. The path was nicely cleaned up and breathtaking all on its own. Surrounded by lots of foliage and overlooking the ravine, I walked until I met up with the beach boardwalk. The boardwalk is all cleaned up and nicely refreshed. Looks like it did when it first opened! The beach sand is all freshened up and ready for summer. The play structures for kids are covered (but not sanitized). The best part? The steep, really-great-for-your-legs staircase now has handrails! This is such a huge plus for when you can't quite make it up and need to lean over a rail to hold yourself up (don't judge). It was a nice quiet walk, since the beach isn't actually open yet, but it will get crowded for certain. Parking lots have meters. read more

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Amazing that I can walk here from my house. I am very lucky to live here. This beach is amazing, you get great views of Chicago, Waukegan, and water. The recent remodel and rebuild are beautiful. It is nice and quiet her in the winter, all you hear are the waves, the wind, and your breath. Wait until spring! read more

Rosewood Beach - Beaches Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

One of my favorite places on the North Shore. To be honest, I am newer to the area so I haven't visited this beach prior to the renovations. I can't compare. However, what I can say is that what the city of HP created, is an area that is for all ages and offers so many options for enjoying nature in a variety of ways. One of my favorite ways to spend time here is the yoga classes offered by the park district. They have classes all year long. The number of the classes and times vary depending on the season. Regardless of rain or shine. If the weather is not ideal, they can hold it in the building (with wall to floor windows). If the weather is good, it can be held on the boardwalk. You can't beat the view! Talk about tranquility. There are covered playgrounds, walking paths, stand up paddle board rentals, swimming areas with life guards, a tide pool, etc. The park district really works hard to keep this place ship shape. Most mornings there is some type of work crew working. There is a small parking lot. If you don't live in HP, you'll need to pay to enter. Not cheap. If you live in HP, you are good to go! It is an amazing place. read more

Rosewood Beach - Looking at the tide pool from the boardwalk. - Beaches Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

The drive through Sheridan Rd is in itself a sight and Rosewood Beach is simply perfect to round up that drive. The beach seems to have been remodeled recently and they have a beautiful wooden bench area where you can just lounge and catch some sun. If you are looking for some family fun, then there are some coves that have been created which allow you to get into the water and splash around. A kiddie play area at the beach offers good options for the littles while the open shower room helps get rid of all that sand before you head back. A favorite spot to catch some lake views and relax. Not very crowded yet seems safe, perfect chill zone. read more

Rosewood Beach - Amazing views of the lake! - Beaches Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

The nicest and most well maintained beach I've ever been too!! What a find. But please keep it nice and pickup after yourself :)

The best part of this beach is getting to it. The walk/drive/bike ride passes several of the many ravines that this historical section of town and the festival is named for. The lush wild foliage and rocky jagged cliffs offer a wild respite from the drudgery of suburban living. In fact a typical coworker said the place reminded of her of where she grew up on the East Coast. An acquaintance said it seemed like a beach European people would like (then colonise?). I personally was reminded of the woods and ravines described in The Secret History by Donna Tartt. The one you pass on the drag there winds to a mansion I stay at and if i walk by it at night I always worry about falling or being pushed in ala 'Bunny' Corcoran...... George would never let that happen to me though. All the complaints about parking lol BEACH PLEASE- then walk or bike or park at the lots by the train station. It is very typical in the North Shore or Chicago to charge for a beach &/or parking. If that bothers you, up your Joanne the Scammer levels. What else, what else, there's some huge dragonflies flitting around here. aaand hella ticks and mosquitoes so please do checks on people, protect your pets dogs get lyme disease all the time and mucho ticks around here, theres party space for rent, grills, playground, no bathroom, the sand is rocky af. bye for now read more

This beach is frickin GORGE!! I decided to venture to a new beach and had read the reviews which mentioned parking $$. Parked in town for free and walked the approx 1/2 mile to the beach. Beautiful neighborhood and a nice park at the top. We brought our dog as I had read it was dog friendly. Although when we reached the bottom of the stairs it clearly stated no dogs beyond this point. So the beach area is not open to dogs which Is not what some of the reviews had mentioned but signage along with their website clearly states. Wonderful stoned in coves on the surround the beach making it a protected haven for swimming not to mention visually stunning. Nice facilities including a boardwalk, high-end bathrooms and outdoor showers and yes a yoga studio where they offer weekend yoga inside a glassed-in room right on the water (open to the public $10 per session). Parking is $15 and hour $40 for 4 hrs for nonresident which I had read about and it has increased from what I had read from posts. I believe there is also a daily fee to use the beach too. So although it's open to the public it really caters to the local residents. But I think I'll be back again before summers end. Ride my bike and go for a swim!! Lovely hidden paradise. read more

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Here's what you need to know - 10 STARS. completely renovated and expanded in 2015, this is my favorite beach in Chicagoland. Yes, the parking lot is exclusively for Highland Park residents. So what? The residents pay a lot for the beach build out and maintenance through their property taxes, and deserve some advantages. There is no charge to enter the beach if you're hiking or biking in - even if they're not residents. The beach is gorgeous with play areas for kids, a great new beachside party venue, lifeguard on duty, charcoal grills for cookouts, plenty of space to lay out on the wooden beach loungers, and a hugely expanded beach areas. The walking area is beautifully done and has beautiful plants throughout the middle of the paths. The views are AMAZING. The water is almost always cold, unless it's a 90+ degree day :) read more

Definitely the nicer of the two public beaches in HP (It's between this and Park Avenue... for people, at least! The dogs have got Moraine). Always clean, sandy (unlike Park Ave, really), they've got lifeguards on duty, and I've never gone without a stranger striking up a friendly conversation with me. There are picnic tables, benches, and charcoal grills available to anyone who wants them, as well as tents to provide some shade on the really hot days. It does close at dusk, though, so don't head there too late in the afternoon! read more

Love this beach. Very pretty. The water is clean and beautiful surroundings. However the amount you need to pay just to park is absolutely ridiculous. Also if you are black or a POC you probably don't want to go here. Every time I've gone here with my fiancé we have been harassed. I've had women come up to me and tell me i can do so much better, white women yelling at us, giving us dirty ass looks, and a man told that "god should have mercy on our souls" wtf!?!? This beach is 100% for white people only. If you're black you're just going to be uncomfortable as fuck the whole time. If that sounds like you, 1. Educate yourself 2. If you go to this beach DONT be a dick and let other people who aren't white ENJOY the beauty and nature of the beach. Smh. We all just want to enjoy our short life on this planet and you don't gotta be so hateful! Peace read more

We took our students here for a field trip and picnic. I was a little confused because there is a different parking lot on Sheridan for the beach. This address leads you to the park and the walk to the beach is a bit difficult. The beach itself was beautiful. The kids had a great time. We were able to eat our food on the picnic benches. There were water fountains, but not bathrooms. read more

Stunning, immaculate beach. I am a resident and it feels really good to have this beach to call our own. It feels like I am on a mini vacation when I am here. Because I have my city sticker parking is not an issue. The staff is really nice and there are so many beautiful visual aspects to focus on. I always hated going to the beach but now that the renovations of Rosewood have been completed a few years ago I will visit this beach through out the whole summer. read more

Rosewood Beach - Beaches Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

The new improvements to Rosewood beach are very nice. Love the three swimming coves and the cute wooden beach benches. They have one outdoor shower to rinse off the sand but would be nice if there were some indoor ones too. Parking is still limited but the stairway down from the upper lot is much improved. One thing that is missing are the grills that they used to have. Hope they are planning to put new ones in. It was nice to be able to bring your burgers and dogs down and eat them freshly grilled. Staff could be friendlier. read more

Very disappointed. Some friends and I discovered this little gem of a park while on a road trip, tucked away in the woods next to the lakefront, with trails and paths climbing the ravine, and a nice beach to enjoy the sounds of Lake Michigan as the waves reach the shore. This was several years ago. Now, it's very clear that outsiders are unwelcome. Abundant signage throughout the parking lot makes it very clear the parking is for Highland Park residents only, and street parking for blocks around is prohibited. Parking passes must be purchased by non-residents, although there didn't appear to be anywhere on site to purchase one. Rosewood Park occupies the site of the home of Julius Rosenwald, who was head of Sears, Roebuck and Company. He also established the Rosenwald Fund, which donated millions of dollars in matching funds to support the education of African American children in the rural South, as well as numerous other causes in the first half of the 20th century. Considering the philanthropic nature of Mr. Rosenwald, one would think that the park established on the site of his home might be maintained in a similar generous manner and be available for the enjoyment of all, and not just the entitled few. I'm inclined to think that Julius Rosenwald would disapprove. read more

Nice Boardwalk gets you to the beach. Pretty wooden beach benches to lounge on. Has a cute shoppe for Popsicles and treats. Bathrooms available for his/hers. Not too crowded. Decent crowd, music not too loud. Play area for young ones. Once we got there, we realized it was part of the Highland Park District. The parking area is not permitted for use by others. This is strictly enforced, so cant even drop off/pick up. However, a short walk will get you plenty of public parking options. The plus side is that the beach itself is free of cost to everyone. While I understand that tax-payers of Highland Park most likely paid for the parking facility, it would be common courtesy to allow pick-up/drop-off in their parking lot. Or maybe there is another entrance that I am not aware of that allows for this. Some improvement in communications by the employees would be appreciated. An elderly employee first asked us to park in the disabled parking area. Then she started yelling at us for the same. We felt the situation could have been dealt in a better way. The young girl at the entrance to the parking lot was awesome and so was the guy behind the shoppe counter. If your child is going to wear any flotation device, pls assess that it is US Coast Guard Approved. If it is not, they will be asked to take it off by the Life Guard at the beach. read more

Everything about this park and beach is beautiful, except for the price tag! the beach is open daily for 10am to 6pm. If you are not a resident, it costs $15 per HOUR, or $40 for 3 hours to park. That means if you spend the whole day there you will pay $110 to park! That's not all... It is $10 PERSON, yes, your little kids too, to enter the beach area. A family of four will pay $150 spend the day. The beach: small, clean, lifeguard, playground, not sand but tiny pebbles, only access for non residents are winding rock and gravel stairs and pathway. Not sure how anyone with walking issues would access. Next time, I'm going back to Simmons Island Beach. A longer drive but COMPLETELY free, restroom facilities, sand not pebbles, and 10 times larger . read more

This is hands down, the most if not the only, romantic place in Highland Park, IL. A secret "park your car" and neck for hours place for high schoolers who are "in the know", it's usually always empty. This is incredible in every season. Winter especially, the lake is frozen and you can walk out onto it. (Be Careful!) This is a photo opportunity waiting to happen. A place to read a book and experience what Highland Park was like before it was built up in the real estate boom. read more

Watch out for parking I got tickets spoilt the whole experience of this beach ! There are no notices anywhere about parking about this beach. Dogs are not allowed to get into the beach there is apparently a walking path for the dogs. read more

Great after it was renovated. Although that tiny park is not ideal. A bigger park would of been better. Or water park. Also there's no shade. There's no ample parking either, but at least I'm lucky I live in Highland Park so I can actually park there. I do like that it has bathrooms and a boardwalk. Overall it's a good place to take the kids. read more

Rosewood Beach - Relaxing on a gorgeous day - Beaches Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

Angela really outdid herself this time. The perfect night with the perfect nibbles with the perfect people and the perfect "Murder?". The evening was spectacular and the beautifully renovated beach provided a welcome retreat from the bustle of the week. It was truly a creative evening complete with a guided list of suspects to be interviewed using their previously coined phrases from prior YELP reviews. Thankfully Highland Park can rest safely--we caught the villain(ess), met some new Yelp Elites and enjoyed spectacular "bites" from Imbibe. read more

I love this beach, I'm a resident of Highland Park and it's beautiful, secluded and a wonderful place to swim. During these crazy times, it's been nice to have open. I do think it's ridiculous that lap swim is three hours, we had a whole beach waiting to swim at 10:00 a.m. for two people swimming laps. Wouldn't it be better for a two hour lap swim even, is there a lap swimmer lobby out there making this rule?? read more

Great relaxing spot! If you get in. Love this area to just come and relax. Once your in your good parking if not a resident seems impossible at times and your charged a fee. Sometimes you get lucky and find a free spot. It is expected as I believe this location is mainly for residence and not really catered to outside guests. Best to park a little further away and biking it there. That will defiantly take the hassle out of your adventure. read more

Rosewood Beach, post-2015 renovation, is all I could ask for. Beautiful coves, large sandy area to rest, playground for kids, paths for walkers, and a snack bar for treats. Who could ask for more? read more

STAY AWAY, this beach is not public u will get a 75$ fine for parking if you are not a resident of highland park for parking in he beach front. read more

The beach itself is beautiful! Highland Park Police will ticket you for parking in a public park district parking lot. $75!!!!!!!!! Even though they claim this a public park, it is not. It's only public to Highland Park residence. You will get ticketed if you are from elsewhere. Never ever going back because Highland Park doesn't want you there. read more

No public parking. Need a Highland Park resident sticker or lakeshore pass or some crap

New beach is wonderful, but the playground is tiny and doesn't really "go" with the design of the rest of the beach. I wish they would have more "water" activities in the play area. I also wish there was a covered area vs planks of wood for covering/shelter. Very modern and sleek looking buildings/structures, yet still green and natural for the rest of the beach. The indoor educational area is nice, but it would've been better at another beach location or park in HP, and they could've left this as a play and swim beach. Small, manageable beach to go with kids. Easy access to (small) parking lot. read more

Great renovations! Really nice clean bathrooms. I wanted to mention that non residents CAN go to rosewood beach. I few people mentioned that Highland Park does not want nonresidents. This is simply not true. Non residents don't pay tax dollars, so before going to the beach they must simply purchase a daily or Lakefront Season parking pass. They can be purchased at Hidden Creek AquaPark, 1220 Fredrickson Place in Highland Park. read more

Reallllllllly nice beach. Over the years I've been to all the beaches along the north shore and this is definitely the nicest. Only downside is the parking. Non residents have no parking. However we went on the 4th of July. They had free parking at rivinia elementary and a free shuttle. The shuttle ran very occasionally. They say it's every 20 minutes but it was definitely not run efficiently on that time table. The day started out a bit frustrating because we waited for the shuttle for 40 min. We should have just walked but being that it was a half mile but had lots of beach gear. Shuttle came and it was fantastic and very convenient. Again on the way back we waited and it was great and convenient. I worry that if this was not a holiday this service would be even less efficient and less available making the beach really private to residents only if non residents were not available. Admission was free. The beach is gorgeous, clean, well maintained with very nice and newer facilities. Honestly this is a hidden gem. It was obvious not many knew about it because for a holiday it was very comfortable and not busy. read more

Very clean, good atmosphere. My kids loved it. Will definitely be back. Only thing I would suggest is bring water shoes, getting into the water there are ALOT of rocks, then about 4 ft in is all sand. read more

Awesome beach for area residents! Great boardwalk, beachside seating, and well-kept swimming area. Also has concession stand onsite. Look forward to visiting here often this summer. read more

The beach was beautiful. The design is modern and elegant. Definitely a place to relax.

Got a 75 $ ticket about Park District Parking Violation when we went there. Beware of that. Donno where to get the special parking permit from. There were no signs that said parking is not allowed. The beach seems to have more mud than sand. Kids still had fun, so don't regret going there. We don't live in Highland Park, so won't be getting a special permit just to go there. Looks like out people from outside Highland Park are not welcome. read more