Photos: Pearl Lake Beach, South Beloit
Pearl Lake Beach opened to the public for the first time since 2019, under new ownership.
Don't miss Jean Seegers' story on future plans for Pearl Lake Resort.
On Memorial Day weekend, Pearl Lake Beach was open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., clear, clean, uncrowded, with all kinds of nice people of various backgrounds. Young people played on the Wibit inflatable water park while families sunned and swam.
Admission includes beach access, water volleyball, music, and cornhole games. Visitors pay extra for the water park and rental of stand up paddle boards. The new owner, Lance Beatch, is planning to reopen the bar and restaurant. Food trucks and live music have been scheduled.
Music from the loudspeakers was mostly from the 60's and 70's: the Beach Boys' 409, Brandy (You're a Fine Girl), Shambala, Smoke on the Water, Your Mama Don’t Dance, The Air That I Breathe, Werewolves of London, Hot Child in the City, Feels Like the First Time, Come Sail Away, and Cracklin' Rosie. We kept asking ourselves if that last song was the Bee Gees or maybe the Eagles - it often sounded like it.
Beach pavilions are first come, first served. Coolers are permitted, but no alcohol is allowed on the beach. There are no lifeguards on duty. Children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. No fishing and touring around the rest of the property, where people live.
You can reserve a space for your RV or rent a cottage on the Pearl Lake Beach website. You can purchase passes for beach access onsite or call 815-389-1479.
For the opening weekend:
• $20 person. 2 years of age and under are free of charge
• $10 for 50 minute session on inflatable water park
• $20 per hour for stand up paddle boards
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Beach access
• Water volleyball
• Food trucks
• Music
• Yard games
• Water park and rentals (if leased)
Click, tap, or swipe on the photo below to view an image gallery of Pearl Lake Beach.
