The City of Galesburg’s outdoor aquatic facilities will open for the summer season on Saturday, May 24. The city offers multiple free splashpads and wading pools, as well as Lake Storey Beach and Lakeside Waterpark.
Lakeside Water Park – 1033 South Lake Storey Road
Lakeside Water Park will open for the summer season on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and includes two pools, 122 ft. body flume slide, 30 ft. tube slide, 8 ft. kiddie slide, and additional water play features. The daily entry fee is $8, and multi-pass punch cards and memberships are available. The pool is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, except on days when Galesburg District 205 School is in session. More information on hours, rates, and amenities can be found on the city’s website.
Lake Storey Beach and Park – 1572 Machen Drive
Lake Storey Beach is open for swimming and boating from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Lake Storey Beach is an unguarded “swim at your own risk” facility, with no lifeguards present. The beach and locker room facilities are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Swimming is only permitted during the listed open hours, and only in the designated roped-off area.
Boat rentals are available from noon to 7:00 pm. Monday through Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Personal canoes, kayaks, jon boats, and small sailboats may be utilized on the lake for free, as long as the boat is registered with the Illinois Department of Conservation. The City of Galesburg only allows electric trolling motors on Lake Storey, gas-powered motors may not be used. Kayak launches are available at the beach or the east boat ramp. More information on Lake Storey Beach can be found on the city’s website.
Lake Storey Park also offers outdoor exploration with wooded trails and a paved multi-use path for walking and biking, as well as a disc golf course. More information on Lake Storey Park, and a map of the disc golf course can be found on the city’s website.
Wading Pools and Splash Pads
The City of Galesburg offers free wading pools and splash pads at several parks. Wading pools are located at Lincoln Park, O.N. Custer Park, and H.T. Custer Park. Splash pads are available at Rotary Park and Kiwanis Park. It is anticipated that all of the wading pools and splash pads, except ON Custer wading pool, will be open for the season beginning Memorial Day weekend. ON Custer wading pool is set to open for the season in June, as soon as work is completed at the facility. More information on City of Galesburg parks and the amenities available at each can be found on the city’s website.