Illinois and Oceans: A Tale of Two (Very Distant) Coasts
Ah, Illinois. Land of Lincoln, deep dish pizza, and...well, not exactly known for its beaches. But fear not, citizen of the prairie state, for even though you're as landlocked as a goldfish in a puddle jumper, there's still some ocean love in your future!
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| What Ocean Is Closest To Illinois |
The Great Ocean FOMO: Atlantic vs. Gulf
Illinois finds itself smack dab in the middle of the good ol' US of A, which means it's equidistant from a beach bummer (because let's face it, choosing an ocean is a tough decision).
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East Coast Dreamin': If you crave crashing waves, quaint lighthouses, and lobster rolls that could feed a small whale, then the Atlantic Ocean beckons. But buckle up, because the closest point (think Gloucester, Massachusetts) is a whopping 1,000-mile trek from Chicago. That's a road trip that requires snacks. Lots of snacks.
Gulf Coast Gettin' Rowdy: Maybe you yearn for sugar-white sand and the possibility of a hurricane or two (hopefully not!). In that case, the Gulf of Mexico awaits! New Orleans, with its legendary French Quarter and beignets the size of your head, sits about 900 miles south. Just imagine the epic playlist for this southern road trip!
The Verdict? Both options require some serious travel commitment.
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But hey, a little ocean FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) never hurt anyone, right?
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Lake Michigan: Your Aquatic Oasis (Maybe with a Side of Reality)
Okay, okay, so Illinois might not have the real deal when it comes to saltwater. But fret not, for there's Lake Michigan, a vast freshwater lake that offers a pretty darn good beachy substitute. Sure, you won't find any surfing competitions here, but you can build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and pretend you hear pirates singing in the distance (we don't recommend this, but hey, to each their own).
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Plus side: Lake Michigan is way closer than either coast, meaning you can be building sandcastles with your newfound zen in a fraction of the travel time.
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Downside: No salty hair (unless you spill the popcorn).
FAQ: Ocean Access for the Landlocked Illinoisian
How to Get to the Ocean from Illinois? Buckle up! Depending on your chosen coast, it's a road trip adventure. Pack your playlists, snacks, and maybe a good book (or fifteen) for the journey.
How Long Does it Take to Get to the Ocean? See above! The Atlantic Coast is a longer haul, while the Gulf Coast is a bit closer.
Can I Still Have a Beach Day in Illinois? Absolutely! Lake Michigan offers a great beach experience, minus the saltwater.
How Do I Convince My Friends Illinois Isn't a Desert? Easy! Point them towards Lake Michigan and its sandy shores. Boom. Ocean myth busted.
Is There a Hack to Make Lake Michigan Feel More Like an Ocean? Squinting really hard and pretending you hear pirates might work...but we suggest packing a swimsuit instead.
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