Ladder 1 Chicago Open Water Swimming

Accessible seawall location between two very popular beaches. Connect with local swimmers Lake Monsters (openwaterchicago.com) who meet at Ladder 1 (‘orange safety ladder located right off of the Chess Pavilion south of the North Avenue Beach boathouse’) nearly year round on designated early morning on weekends, time depending on season. Waiver required.

The swim area off a seawall is partially protected from southerly waves and currents in the same way as Ohio Street Beach.

Openwaterlog knows a few swimmers who have connected a swim between Ohio Street Beach and Ladder 1, about a 2 mile (3.2km) round trip. Hug the shoreline and buoy line while passing crowded Oak Street Beach in the summer to avoid watercraft.