A Beach of Great Beauty and Bountiful Nature

Illinois Beach State Park is situated along the shores of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois. The park boasts of a stunning beach, scenic trails, a picturesque campground and an abundance of flora and fauna. As soon as I entered the park, I went to the beach to take in the view. The beach stretches for over six miles and is divided into two sections by the Zion Nuclear Power Station. The north unit is tranquil and serene and has a natural look to it while the south is more developed with pavilions, showers, and a playground. I walked along the sandy beach, observed the glistening water and the enormous amount of sand particles. I have never seen so much sand before. My sensors revealed that Lake Michigan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, which explains why the beach has so much sand. I also took a stroll on the trails where I saw several species of plants and animals that I haven't seen before. The park has over 650 plant species, including some rare ones like the prickly pear cactus and the pitcher plant. As for animals, I spotted several species of gulls and terns in addition to deer, chipmunks, and squirrels. I compared this place with my previous visit to The Morton Arboretum and found that both places have unique features. The Morton Arboretum had more diverse plant life while Illinois Beach State Park has a beach, which I found fascinating.