More About Public Beaches in Northwest Indiana

Northwest Indiana is home to many beautiful public beaches. Find out more about them below.

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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Road 49, Porter
(219) 926-2255
Life in the Indiana Dunes is like a day at the beach. That’s because we have 15 beautiful miles of award-winning shoreline to explore and nine oh-so-swimmable beaches. Start your day with a hike up a sand dune overlooking Lake Michigan, and end it on the beach below. Fire up the grill and air-dry with a lakeside BBQ, cast a line from the nearby fishing pier and reel in dinner, and somewhere between the windswept tall grasses and your sand-scrubbed feet, you’ll be enchanted by the magic of the Indiana Dunes.
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Central Avenue Beach Access
151 Central Ave., Michigan City
(219) 395-1882
A unique beach you can access by paved road or wooded trail. Here, you can see a buried forest created by wind-blown sands. Nearby, you can access the Calumet Bike Trail. Nearby, you can access the northeast end of the Calumet Bike Trail. This 9.1-mile gravel trail passes flower-filled fields, marshes, and woodlands. Lifeguards are not provided at Central Avenue Beach.
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Cowles Bog
1618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter
(219) 395-1882
The Cowles Bog Trail highlights an area of such outstanding plant diversity that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1965. This location, where Dr. Henry Cowles conducted much of his early work in plant ecology and succession in the early 1900s, remains an important focus for scientific study today. Explore several distinct habitats along this 4.7-mile trail including ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas and beaches. Steep sand dunes near Lake Michigan can make this a strenuous journey. Many visitors pack a lunch to enjoy at the shoreline while resting for the return trip (don't forget to "pack out" your trash). Make sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and extra clothing layers as the the weather at the lake can be very different than at the parking lot.
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Dunbar Beach Access
300 W. Lakefront Dr., Beverly Shores
(219) 395-1882
Parking is limited at this prime spot near the Lake View Picnic Area and the historic Century of Progress homes. A beautiful beach in a residential neighborhood where there are no lifeguards.
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Indiana Dunes State Park
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton
(219) 926-1952
Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.
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Kemil Road Beach Access
27 N. State Park Rd., Chesterton
(219) 395-1882
You’ll enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Porter County getting to the Kemil Road Beach parking lots. Then you can enjoy a nice stretch of beach or walk down to Lake View Picnic area to have a picnic or use the restroom. No lifeguards.
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Lake View Picnic Area
50 W. Lake Front Dr., Michigan City
(219) 395-1882
With easy access from your car to a sitting area with a stunning view, Lake View is also a popular spot for enjoying the beach. There are no lifeguards at Lake View, but it is the only area in the national lakeshore with picnic shelters overlooking the lake.
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Mount Baldy Beach
U.S. 12, Michigan City
Phone: (219) 395-1882
The BEACH is open but the DUNE is closed for public safety and dune protection.
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Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
100 Riverwalk Dr., Portage
Phone: (219) 395-1882
The popular location is open daily, sunrise to dusk. Year round, the location is a great place to view the ever changing seasons along Lake Michigan and watch dramatic weather and clouds build over the lake. It's an easy location to watch for migrating birds in the spring and summer, and observe shelf ice that forms along the beach edge in the winter. (Keep in mind that walking on shelf ice is dangerous). During the busy summer season, the 125 vehicle parking lots are often full by mid-morning.
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Porter Beach Access
3050 Wabash Ave., Porter
(219) 395-1882
A popular gathering spot for splashing in the water, playing beach sports and catching some rays. Bathrooms and small foot wash. Limited parking. No lifeguards.
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Wells St. Beach
9501 Lake Shore Dr, Gary
Phone: (219) 938-8275
WSB beach front parking and concession now has a patio with table side dining serving beer, wine, and food. Located in Miller, Indian on Lake Michigan, just a short drive from Chicago, Michigan City, LaPorte, and Valparaiso. Enjoy a day on the beach with family and friends. Don't forget to indulge in the season must have, our Wells Street Burger!
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West Beach
376 N. County Line Rd., Portage
(219) 395-1882
A bath house nestled among dunes and a wide sandy beach makes this a popular spot for enjoying Lake Michigan. From the beach, hike the Dune Succession Trail that includes a boardwalk and 250 stairs to a spectacular overlook of the lake with Chicago on the horizon. Covered picnic shelters and grills offer a great spot to relax over a meal after a day’s worth of activities. Lifeguards available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Date & Time

May 27, 2022

Additional Dates

This event also occurs on:
06/17/2022, 07/15/2022, 08/19/2022, 09/16/2022 and 24 other dates

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