Beaches in Northwest Indiana on Lake Michigan

Indiana's Lake Michigan beaches sit less than 30 miles from downtown Chicago, making them ideal for a short trip. The South Shore extends from Hammond and Whiting in the west to Michigan City in the east.

Before you go: check for beach alerts for the city the beach is in and review guidance on staying safe in Lake Michigan. To make sure your visit to the beach is a wonderful experience, do not swim in large crashing waves or when rip current warnings are posted. Swimming conditions can change quickly in Lake Michigan. Strong currents cause fatalities every year, and even experienced swimmers can get caught off guard.

Check Weather & Beach Alerts

Lake MI Beach Monitoring

Washington Park & Beach

Michigan City

Bring your camera for picturesque views of the Michigan City Lighthouse. Explore the park and zoo or grab a bite to eat at a restaurant nearby.

Mt. Baldy

Michigan City

Hike to the beach along a short but strenuous trail. Sign up for seasonal daytime and sunset ranger-led hikes to get a view of this "living dune."

Central Avenue Beach

Beverly Shores

Central is a quiet beach where you can build sandcastles, skip rocks and watch bank swallows come and go from their nests in the spring and summer.

Lake View Beach

Beverly Shores

Covered picnic areas offer stunning views of Lake Michigan. Stairs to beach from the picnic area are closed. Beach can be accessed from Dunbar Beach.

Dunbar Beach

Beverly Shores

Enjoy the afternoon on the beach, then walk to the five historic homes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair Century of Progress on Lake Front Drive.

Kemil Beach

Beverly Shores

A secluded beach with sandy shores and a variety of shells and beach glass. At night, the National Park hosts monthly skygazing events.

Indiana Dunes State Park

Chesterton

Bike, hike, camp and swim. Climb the Birding Tower for a bird’s eye view. In winter, sled down approximately 100 feet of dune on Devil’s Slide. Dogs...

Porter Beach Access Point

Porter

Sharing its eastern border with Indiana Dunes State Park, Porter Beach is a favorite with locals. Enjoy some water sports or simply sit and relax.

Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

Portage

Enjoy a walk or fishing along the 900 ft. breakwater. Beach access may be difficult due to erosion.

West Beach

Gary

Relax in the sand, swim in the waters or explore West Beach Trail. In summer, bathhouse with showers open & lifeguards on duty. No dogs in lifeguarded...

Wells Street Beach

Gary

Park steps from the beach for a nominal fee. Grab a burger or a beer on the patio. Wednesday evening enjoy dinner, drinks and live music.

Marquette Park and Beach

Gary

Splash in the water or view the lake from the historic Aquatorium. Visit the lagoon nearby for photo ops or for a peaceful paddle in your kayak.

Lake Street Beach

Gary

Relax at this quiet beach or launch your boat or kayak. Near the Douglas Center, with snowshoeing in the winter & children’s activities year-round.

Jeorse Park and Beach near Ameristar Casino

Jeorse Park & Beach

East Chicago

Tucked away and a favorite for a quiet afternoon. Jeorse also has volleyball courts, a walkable breakwall and a splash pad to keep kids cool.

Whihala Beach

Whiting

Stunning views of Chicago over the lake. Stroll the boardwalk, have a picnic & splash in the water. Dogs can be on trails, but not on beach in summer.

Hammond Lakefront Beach

Hammond

Adjacent to Hammond Marina and Horseshoe Casino. Enjoy a swim when lifeguards are present. Leashed dogs allowed on the west end of the beach.

Miller Woods Beach

Gary/Miller Beach

There are two ways to get to this nearly hidden beach: park at Lake Street Beach and trek west through the sand, or hike through Miller Woods.

Indiana Dunes National Park Beaches

Indiana Dunes National Park has several distinct beaches. Gary’s West Beach is the most developed, with bathhouses, picnic shelters and 2.5 miles of trails. It's also the only National Park beach with lifeguards. Porter Beach is a local favorite for water sports and relaxation. Kemil Beach is quiet, with access to the Dune Ridge Trail. Central Avenue Beach in Beverly Shores offers a family-friendly setting, free of crowds.

National Park beach areas are open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrance fees apply.

Indiana Dunes State Park Beach

Indiana Dunes State Park features three miles of shoreline in Chesterton—a well-known option for visitors from Chicago. The swimming area is staffed by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with weekend-only coverage in August. A pavilion, bathhouses and a concession stand are available. Trails from the beach rise to Mount Tom, with clear views of the lake. Expect lines at the entrance on busy summer weekends.

Photo credit: Indiana Dunes National Park

Beaches in Gary, Hammond, Whiting & East Chicago

Indiana's western Lake Michigan shoreline is easiest to reach from the Chicago metro. Whihala Beach in Whiting features views of the Chicago skyline across the water and hosts WhoaZone, the lake's floating waterpark.

Hammond Lakefront Beach has lifeguards in the summer and a bird sanctuary trail. Jeorse Park in East Chicago combines lakefront access with a splash pad and a pier, making it a good fit for families.

In Gary, West Beach anchors the national park’s urban end along with Miller Woods Beach, a short hike away from the Paul H. Douglas Center. The city is also home to Lake Street Beach, Marquette Park's beach and Wells Street Beach.

Hike-To Beaches

Some of the South Shore's less-visited shorelines are just a hike away. Hike-to beaches appeal to visitors seeking more space and fewer crowds. Remember to bring water and pack light.

Photo credit: Rafi Wilkinson

Before You Hit the Beach: Lake Michigan Safety Tips

Lake Michigan’s currents change quickly, and rip currents remain a known hazard. Avoid swimming during high waves or when rip current alerts are in effect. If caught in a current, don’t struggle against it—swim parallel to shore until free. Check National Weather Service warnings before your trip. Some beaches provide lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, though hours vary by location.

When do beaches open at Indiana Dunes?

The National Park beaches open year-round, 6 a.m.–11 p.m, unless otherwise posted. The State Park opens at 7 a.m, unless otherwise posted. Lifeguards are generally on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours may change due to weather and staffing.

Are Indiana Dunes beaches free?

Both National and State Parks charge entry or parking fees. The National Park offers several free dates across the year—check the official National Park Service schedule for current dates.

Are dogs allowed on the beach?

Dogs are generally banned from lifeguarded swimming areas in summer. When permitted, they must be on a 6-foot leash. Always check individual beach pages before you go.