The Dunes Hotel At Illinois Beach

Located within Illinois Beach State Park, the midcentury modern designed hotel has served generations of visitors exploring the park’s lakefront and unique landscape. The Dunes Hotel builds on that remarkable setting with a simple goal: to create an experience inside the hotel that feels worthy of its surroundings. The reimagined property brings together overnight stays, dining, weddings, celebrations, meetings, and leisure getaways in a relaxed destination inspired by Lake Michigan and Illinois Beach State Park.

ExplorUS, the hospitality management company that continues to operate The Dunes Hotel at Illinois Beach, specializes in concession services within national and state parks.

A Reimagined Lakefront Stay

From the logo that highlights the native grasses of Illinois Beach State Park’s rare dune and swale habitat, to the front desk backdrop inspired by the water and rhythmic movement of the waves of Lake Michigan, the hotel’s rebrand is in the details. The lobby color scheme, wall motifs, and rugs were inspired by the colors of the local sunsets and sunrises. Artwork was drawn from local Illinois based photographers, like reelCreative, and the hotel’s own staff who submitted personal photos from images captured on property.

Improvements throughout The Dunes Hotel include refreshed guestrooms with updated logo pillows, new flooring in key public areas, custom finishes, midcentury-inspired lobby and restaurant furnishings, recessed ballroom lighting and handmade ceramic chandeliers, new branding and signage, and a new front desk and grab-and-go market area. On the hotel's tiered outdoor patio guests will find contemporary bistro lighting and new landscaping improvements. Incorporating lake blues, sand tones, natural textures and details inspired by the shoreline, dunes and native grasses, the result is a contemporary and relaxed atmosphere rooted in its Lake Michigan setting.

Breakwater Bistro: Panoramic Views and Tasty Bites

The Breakwater Bistro, the hotel's new lakeside restaurant concept, offers an updated dining room featuring European-inspired bistro seating and panoramic lake views. The menu pairs approachable favorites with locally sourced entrees and a large selection of regional beer and cider. Dishes include Ahi Tuna Nachos, Crab Cakes with remoulade, Michigan Whitefish Pomodoro, New York Strip Steak, and the signature half-pound Bistro Smash Burger. Chicago-based Revolution Brewing, Half Acre Beer Co., and Goose Island Beer Co., along with Right Bee Cider, are a few of the choices.

A Place to Stay, Celebrate and Gather

The vision for The Dunes Hotel extends beyond the guestrooms. Weddings, celebrations, meetings and retreats allow guests to bring accommodations, dining and gatherings within one lakefront destination. Looking ahead, The Dunes Hotel intends to roll out elevated seasonal offerings and specialized activities, giving visitors even more ways to immerse themselves in this remarkable waterfront destination.

The hotel's indoor pool remains closed due to structural deficiencies that prevent it from safely holding water. The State of Illinois has determined that the pool must remain closed until a permanent solution can be engineered and funded. The Dunes Hotel will continue to share updates as information becomes available from the state.