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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 HarborPerfect sunset 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 near Belmont Rocks

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How's the Water?

Is It Safe?

Open water swimming is an adventure, and inherently exposes us all to the dangers of the outdoor world. Swim sites listed at OWL have been used by other open water swimmers and we have reason to think you can find good, fun, and safe water there. But sometimes the conditions vary a little faster than the last report from the site, or in ways we can’t see with satellites, buoys, and the internet. In addition to checking OWL tides tables and wave reports, take a look for other swimming hazards at the site before the goggles go on: currents, riptides, underwater hazards, and overly enthusiastic marine life among them. Maybe even check in with the locals and bring a swim buoy. If you don’t want to swim near the lifeguards, bring your own in the form of a swim or kayak buddy.

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