Lake Michigan Has Fallen Nearly 4 Feet Since 2020, Changing The Shape Of Chicagos Lakefront

Lake Michigan's water levels have fallen nearly 4 feet since 2020, opening up more space at Chicago's beaches. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers reports a decrease of about 3. 5 feet from May 2020 to May 2025, altering the local shoreline.

This drop follows a record high in 2020, which had submerged significant beach areas, including parts of 12th Street beach. In Edgewater, a new pathway now connects two beaches, exposing a natural area to visitors, while South Shore residents enjoy reduced flooding risks. Experts attribute the decline to a combination of decreasing precipitation and snowfall in the region. They are still assessing whether this change is part of a typical long-term trend. Current water levels stand 6 inches below the 1918 average and are about 2 feet above the low set in January 2013.

Fluctuations in water levels can reveal significant changes in beach accessibility, affecting both locals and visitors.