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Belmont Rocks and Harbor area, Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL USA

The open swims around Belmont Harbor and Belmont Rocks (never in the harbor itself) are a main part of OpenWaterLog’s summer swim plan. See site details and conditions here.

Ladder access to the flat water from the seawall outside Belmont Harbor

Perfect sunset open water swim conditions along the seawall at Belmont, Lake Michigan, Chicago

Skyline reveal swim south from Montrose to Belmont Harbor

Chicago skyline seen from an open water swim north of Belmont harbor

The skyline reveal that defines one of OpenWaterLog’s favorite recurring open water swims in Lake Michigan in Chicago: start as far as a mile north of the Belmont harbor entrance, swimming south until the skyline appears from behind the trees in the park.

Sunrise over the ladder and perfect flat open water near Belmont Rocks

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How's the Water?

Is It Safe?

Open water swimming is an adventure, and inherently exposes us to all the beauty, and also the danger, of the outdoor world. We think you can find good, fun, and safe water at the sites listed at OpenWaterLog. But sometimes the swim locations change or conditions vary in ways we can’t see with our sources. So, when you find good water at OpenWaterLog.com, bring a buddy and a swim buoy, and also take a good look there for unexpected hazards – currents, riptides, underwater hazards, and enthusiastic marine life among them. Maybe even ask a local swimmer (who you might be able to find at our swim site descriptions). Learn about some swimming hazards to watch out for here and here.

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