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Montrose Harbor Chicago

Our Gallery shows scenes both from Montrose Harbor, site of the large and popular Montrose Beach, and of Montrose Ledge (or Montrose Ledge Beach). We strongly recommend Montrose Ledge for open water swimming as described in our blog here.

See Open Water Swimming Conditions and Forecasts including water temperature for the Ledge and Montrose Beach here

Looking north from Montrose beach, fluffy clouds frame the flat open water, with seagulls in a large puddle on the beach Chicago Skyline south of the boat entrance to Montrose Harbor

 

A weather pattern reflected in the still water of Montrose Harbor as seen from Montrose Beach.

A weather pattern sweeps past the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago and is reflected in the still water of Montrose Harbor as seen from Montrose Beach.

 

Lifeguard towers come down at the end of summer at Montrose Beach. A lot of good open water swimming with comfortable water temperatures in Lake Michigan continue into fall.

Lifeguard towers come down at the end of summer at Montrose Beach. A lot of good open water swimming with comfortable water temperatures in Lake Michigan continue into fall.

Fish tacos, beer, and music at the Dock after a summer visit to Montrose beach.

View of Montrose Ledge from the south

View of the flat water at Montrose Ledge as seen from the seawall north of Belmont Harbor

 

Montrose ledge ladder on the seawall

Views of the Chicago Skyline a few miles south of Montrose Ledge, as framed here by the convenient seawall ladder, are usually clear.

Montrose ledge sunset Some wave height for open water swimming at montrose ledge Montrose ledge seawall at sunset Magic Hedge bird sanctuary at Montrose Ledge

open-water

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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