Lake Michigan was the consistency of a Slurpee. But that didn’t stop Pat Noyes from trying. On a below-zero day one winter not long past, with a stiff wind churning up five-foot waves, Noyes ...

I used to swim in the lake from late April through early November. Now, I revel in doing it year-round, all winter long, embracing what was once unthinkable. It’s now hard to imagine not doing it.

Lake Michigan surface temperatures peaked at over 6 degrees above normal last month, ... 75 on Tuesday, an ice-free lake, little snow: Climate change blunts winter in Chicago.

On the other end, only about 2 percent of Lake Michigan was icy last January, during the balmy winter of 2016. Since mid December, snow has been scarce around most of the Chicago area.

The lake feels more alive in the winter, in a constant state of transition. Ice comes, stays for a stretch or, like a creature on the prowl, appears and then vanishes overnight.

Illinois is a state of contrasts, where vibrant cities meet serene natural landscapes, offering something for every type of ...

Chicago man jumps into Lake Michigan during depths of winter 03:31. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Physical fitness is always important – and even in these dark, cold days of winter, it's good to keep moving ...

Meet the swimmers who swim in Lake Michigan year-round – even in winter weather. For many Chicagoans, Labor Day marks the end of the swim season. But the die-hard members of Open Water Chicago ...

On top of bringing nearly a foot of snow to Wisconsin, Winter Storm Delilah also brought "ice balls" to Lake Michigan. The giant spheres are a somewhat rare phenomenon.

Michigan City received a whopping 35 inches of snow over the past weekend, according to Chicago TV station WLS, while other areas around the lake can expect the snow to continue this week.