Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore - The Eight Beaches of Indiana Dunes (U.S. National Park Service)

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter IN 46304

Hours

Beaches open at 7 a.m., except West Beach, which opens at 9 a.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. After Labor Day and until Memorial Day, West Beach opens at 7 a.m. Visitors without vehicles may enjoy West Beach beginning at 6 a.m. All beaches close at dusk. Central Beach is open April 16 through November 14.

Fees

West Beach fees are charged during summer months only--$6 per car, $30 per bus, $1 per walk-in or bicyclist. Fees are not charged at other beaches.

Facilities and Activities

* Restrooms are available at all beaches.
* Showers are available at West Beach.
* A picnic shelter with grills is available at West Beach.
* Swimming is allowed at all beaches; only West Beach has lifeguards.
* Hiking trails are offered at West Beach, Cowles Beach, Kemil Beach, and Mount Baldy.
* Parking is plentiful at West Beach but limited at other beaches.
* West Beach, Porter Beach, and Dunbar Beach are accessible; other beaches are not accessible.

Regulations

* Alcohol is prohibited at West Beach and Porter Beach.
* Pets are prohibited on all beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day, except Mount Baldy and Central Beach. Pets are prohibited year-round at Porter Beach. Pets must be on a leash of a maximum length of six feet.
* Roller skates and sand boards are prohibited at all park sites.
* Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches.
* Grilling is allowed only at Lake View and West Beach picnic areas in approved or provided containers.
* Collecting any natural or cultural item is prohibited in this and all other units of the National Park System.

West Beach
At the beach splash in the water, build a sandcastle, and stroll the three miles of open beach. Admire and photograph the scenic vistas of sweeping dunes and Lake Michigan.
Beyond the beach grill a delicious meal at a picnic shelter, and then walk the marked trails that traverse dunes and forest. Learn how plant and animals communities are replacing one another through time. Watch migrating waterfowl at Long Lake during the autumn and spring.

Cowles Beach
At the beach skip stones, examine driftwood, and observe the sea-rocket and bug seed plants growing in the sand at this isolated, sandy beach. Enjoy sharing the beach with boaters who set anchor here.
To and from the beach, hike the four-mile-round-trip trail that leads you through an open forest of scattered black oak trees and invites you to walk up tall sand dunes on your way back to the parking area. Bring binoculars for bird watching.

Porter Beach
At the beach chase waves or relax to the sound of soothing waves lapping up onto the shore of this accessible beach.

Kemil Beach
At the beach search for small shells, smooth stones, and brightly colored glass. Remember you must leave all natural treasures at the beach.
Beyond the beach hike the half-mile Dune Ridge Trail starting at the south edge of the parking lot.

Dunbar Beach
At the beach swim, chase the waves, gaze at the setting sun, and enjoy a picnic dinner at this lesser-known, accessible beach.

Lake View
At the Beach admire Lake Michigan’s magnificent blue colors from Lake View’s accessible deck while having breakfast at the picnic tables. Meander down to the beach for an early morning stroll or jog. Arrive early as parking is limited during warm seasons.

Central Beach
At the beach swim, picnic, listen to the singing sands, and stare in awe at the steep dune cliffs.
Beyond the beach walk the one mile of beach that leads to Mt. Baldy.

Mount Baldy
At the beach catch your breath, jump into the lake, and cool off after you have walked the designated trails to Mount Baldy.
Beyond the beach marvel at the stunning view of Lake Michigan and the forested dunes from atop Mount Baldy—the national lakeshore’s largest moving dune, which stands 126 feet tall. Relax before hiking on the dune trails back to the parking lot. Look for cliff swallows in the steep banks.

From the Ranger

When hiking the dunes

* Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
* Keep off the grass mounds to protect the dunes.
* Stay on marked trails to protect the plants and animals of the dunes.

When enjoying the beach, be safe!

* Bring plenty of water, and wear a hat, shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
* Do not swim when rip current warnings are posted or in large crashing waves, which can cause rip currents. Should 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.
* Stay off the lake ice! It is full of hidden, thin spots and gaps that people can fall through.
* Stay out of the water when signs are posted to alert you to high bacteria counts. The bacteria may harm your health.
* Watch for strong winds blowing away from the beach that hijack rafts and beach toys.
* Do not feed the seagulls! Human food is unhealthy for gulls and encourages them to flock. When they flock, they make the beach dirty.

Did You Know?
Bailly Homestead National Historic Landmark was the home of Joseph Aubert de Gaspe Bailly de Messein. Believed to be one of the first non-native residents of Northwest Indiana, he lived on the site until his death in 1835.

Contact Information

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter IN 46304

Phone:
Visitor Information
219-926-7561 then press
2 - Beach Information
3 - Planing a Visit
4 - Jobs
5 - Law Enforcement
6 - Wildlife & Plants
7 - Superintendent

Fax: 219-926-7561

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