Swimming in Lake Michigan @ Chicago?

Question

I'm planning a day trip with two friends to Chicago. We are going to the Art Institute and then we wanted to swim in lake michigan. Where's the closest beach from the museum? Any recommended transportation or is it within walking distance?

Answer 1

Yep, wouldn't swim in it if you paid me.  hehe  Good luck with that!

Answer 2

The art institute is on Michigan Ave. There are free trolleys too, but the beach is a few blocks behind the museum. North Ave beach is the most popular and a few blocks north. But I would not swim in that water if you paid me. Yuck. They are always closing it due to contamination.