Which indiana dunes beach is best

Porter Beach Access Point. Enjoy some water sports or simply sit and relax. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. Enjoy a walk or fishing along the ft. Beach access may be difficult due to erosion. On-site bathhouse with showers open during summer. 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. Splash in the water or view the lake from the historic Aquatorium. Visit the lagoon nearby for photo ops or for a peaceful Relax at this quiet beach or launch your boat or kayak.

Tucked away and a favorite for a quiet afternoon. Jeorse also has volleyball courts, a walkable breakwall and a Stunning views of Chicago over the lake. Dogs can be on trails, but Adjacent to Hammond Marina and Horseshoe Casino.

Enjoy a swim when lifeguards are present. Leashed dogs allowed on the west end Open from a. The park offers a swimming beach manned by lifeguards in the summer. A pavilion on the beach provides shelter, bathhouses, and a concession stand.

The rest of the beach area is available for wildlife watching, beachcombing or kite flying. A variety of hiking trails are available, several of which traverse Mount Tom and offer a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. A nominal fee is charged to enter the park, which offers plenty of parking.

Covered picnic shelters and grills make this southernmost tip of Lake Michigan a great spot for a picnic. Fishing is available at nearby Long Lake and the 2. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty and a small fee is charged for parking. This beautiful beach has limited parking. Quiet and secluded, this little gem of a beach offers access to Dune Ridge Trail. Central Beach - This unique beach that can be accessed by paved road or wooded trail.

The 9. Central Beach is a great place to watch bank swallows. Mount Baldy - The beach is open at Mount Baldy, however, the dune at Mount Baldy remains closed for public safety and dune protection. This is a very popular beach area and the parking lot fills up quickly. There is also a fee to enter both locations. The state park beach is one of the most popular in the Indiana Dunes.

The entrance is at the north end of State Road 49, which makes it easy to find. It has the largest parking lot of any of the national park beaches. There is a bathhouse with a concession stand and outdoor picnic tables. The Diana of the Dunes Dare is a rewarding hike with some of the most beautiful views in the Indiana Dunes. Keep your eyes open when hiking and you might spot a Prickly Pear Cactus!

West Beach is one of several National Park access points along Highway Kemil Beach and Dunbar Beach have limited parking and few amenities. These beaches are right next to each other and offer a quieter beach experience. Mount Baldy is the largest living dune in the national park. The dune is moving inland at a rate of several feet per year. The beach is open to the public and requires a short hike from the parking lot to the beach, but climbing the dune off-trail is prohibited.

National Park rangers do offer guided hikes up the dune several times a year. Hazardous Weather Conditions. Lat: Current Conditions. Extended Graphical Forecast for This Location. Extended Text Forecast for This Location.

Playing at the beach. Zach DeYoung Fifteen miles of sandy beach along the southern shore of Lake Michigan offer a wide variety of recreational activities. Prohibited Activities on the Beach The removal of natural items such as rocks, shells, and fossils.

Wood and charcoal fires on the beach. West Beach and Lake View Beach do have dedicated grills in the picnic areas. Glass containers on all beaches. Pet rules differ for each beach area. Please visit the Pet Information Page. Launching, landing or operating any unmanned aircraft e. Beach-going Tips Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Wear a hat, shoes and sunglasses. Stay on marked trails to protect the plants and animals of the dunes. Stay out of the water when rip current warnings are posted. Stay off the shelf ice.