Animated diver

Chicago Area Dive Sites

Chicago area diving is not limited to Lake Michigan wreck diving. The are smaller lakes and quaries to be explored as well. Here are a few to get you started. Most of these lakes offer camping grounds as well.


Pearl Lake, South Beloit, Illinois

Enjoy fishing, swimmimg and diving at Pearl Lake. You will find lots of freshwater fish and clams, inhabiting it's bottom which is made primarily of sand, silt and mud. You will also find many submerged objects to explore, including an airplane, a bus and various boats to name a few. With average depths of 35-45 feet, it is a comfortable dive spot for divers of all experience levels. In fact, many area instructors bring their classes here for training dives. You are not required to bring a flag or float but will need your certification card. Call ahead for fees and hours: 1-815-389-1479.

Evanston Beach, Evanston,Ilinois

At Evanston beach you'll find plenty to see including the wreck of the George Morley which is in 10-16 feet of water about 150 feet off the shore. A good place to suit up is at Greenleaf St. Beach. Bring a dive flag, a float and your certification card.

Lake Michigan, North Ave. Beach Chess Pavilion

This is the only legal place where you can dive from the shores of Chicago (a boat dive is your other option). You can enter the water from a wall by the Chess Pavillion (using a giant stride entry). There is a ladder set in the concrete for exiting the water. You can find lots of "junk" exploring the rock bottom and the wall. Check in with the lifegaurd on duty. A dive flag, float, buddy and certification card is required to make this dive. Call 1-312-294-4651 for more information.

Brandon Road Quarry, New Lenox, Illinois

The fee is $10.00 and air fills are available.

Lake Barrington, Barrington, Illinois

The fee is $10.00 and air fills are available.

If you'd like to venture out of the state of Illinois, here are a few other midwest dive sites worth checking out.

Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, Wisconsin

At Devil's Lake you can see various fish species, sandy bottoms and fresh water "kelp". The average depth is 20-25 feet with a maximum depth of 45 feet. The water temperature is usually in the upper 60's so you will need a full wet suit. A dive flag, float and certification card are required by law. Call The Little Devils Dive Shop for fee and other information at 1-608-356-5866 or the park at 1-608-356-6618.

France Park, Logoansport, Indiana

France Park is home to many including huge paddlefish and freshwater jellyfish. It has stone walls, a rock and sand bottom and is open year round for divers. The maximum depth here is 35 feet and the visibility ranges from 10 to 25 feet. It is a good spot for fall and winter diving. A flag is not needed, but a certification card is required. Call to verify $5.00 fee and requirements. Air fills are available in summer only. If you want to dive at night or anytime from October to May, call ahead.

Gull Lake, Battle Creek, Michigan

There is no fee here and no air fills available.

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