Stay Near the Dunes
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There are miles of beautiful Lake Michigan beaches in Northwest Indiana including some of the best beaches in the Midwest for swimming, sunning, boating, hiking and relaxing.
The Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer 15 miles of sandy beaches. Whether you want to frolic in the waves, sculpt a sandcastle, admire the wildlife or simply soak up the sun, the beaches of the Indiana Dunes are sure to please.
Most beaches with lifeguards are open for swimming beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Click on each beach on the map below to find out more about all the beaches along the South Shore or read more below.
Beach Safety Warning: Do not swim in large crashing waves, which can cause rip currents or when rip current warnings are posted. These strong currents rushing out into Lake Michigan can carry even the strongest swimmer with them and cause fatalities every year.
If you get caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current. Check for beach hazard warnings for the city you're visiting before you go - visit the National Weather Service website or view a map of swim risks on the Great Lakes here. Learn more on the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project site.
Explore the Indiana Dunes’ beaches any time of year! In the summer, the sand is warm, the breeze is cool and Lake Michigan is sparkling and inviting. During the winter, the stark beauty of the lake and the shelf ice that forms on it will take your breath away. Spring breathes new life into the shoreline and the dunes, and in the fall, the stunning array of colors will astound you.
The Indiana Dunes State Park provides three miles of enticing beaches.
Photo credit: Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Park maintains an array of magnificent beaches, which are open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Parking and bathroom facilities are located near all of the beaches. Lifeguards are only available at West Beach.
Photo credit: Rafi Wilkinson
There are a number of beaches in the City of Gary along Lake Michigan. Marquette Park is an exceptional lakefront park offering a gorgeous beach and spacious pavilion. Marquette Park features the historic Aquatorium, which houses a museum honoring Octave Chanute, the father of flight. At Wells Street Beach you can park steps from the beach for a nominal fee and enjoy food and drinks on the patio. Lake Street Beach offers plenty of parking, lifeguard, restrooms and boat launch.
Hammond Lakefront Park's beach has lifeguards during the summer as well as a bird sanctuary trail to hike along. Jeorse Park in East Chicago has a playground and a splash pad. Both parks are near the marina and casino in each city.
Whihala Beach in Whiting gives visitors a great view of the Chicago skyline and is just a short walk from downtown Whiting. Surfing is popular on this beach, as is kayaking, swimming, kiteboarding and boating. You can also find Lake Michigan's only floating waterpark - WhoaZone.
Michigan City’s Washington Park is a popular attraction featuring a beach, park and family-friendly zoo.
For those looking to escape the crowds or for a challenge, there’s nothing better than visiting a beach that feels undiscovered. You can enjoy the sound of the waves, feel the warm breeze against your face and enjoy a whole beach to (almost) yourself! These beaches are the Indiana Dunes’ “hike-to” beaches. We don’t recommend bringing more than a backpack filled with a light blanket or towel and plenty of water for rehydrating. That means, leave your cooler in the car.
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There is so much more to do than swim at the beach at the Indiana Dunes.
Discover places to eat, drink, shop and explore in our beach towns.
Enjoy outdoor dining by the water or in our downtown areas.
Bison, mascot museum, interactive farm, candy factory and more to explore!
Whether you prefer craft beer, wine, mead, cider or other spirits, you'll find them all here.
The Indiana Dunes offers more than 60 miles of trails.
Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request an area guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.
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