Beaches

5 BEACHES, 5 MILES, 5 MINUTES from anywhere here including the westernmost beach of the Indiana Dunes National Park! These beaches are the closest Indiana Dunes beach to Chicago and Indianapolis. Experience wonder and adventure on the Lake Michigan beaches that form our entire northern border.

Our unique place on Lake Michigan keeps our Beaches wide and walkable: Lake currents and winds replenish our beaches and sand bars, and keep our natural wild dune buffer strong. Our shore is great for off shore wading or swimming, or other water sports. To the north, the vast, endless view includes the downtown Chicago skyline. Our shores form the southernmost point of Lake Michigan.

Boat-In and Dog Friendly Beaches: Over two and half miles of boat in is permitted here, where you can anchor your boat or paddle into shore and enjoy the beach or join friends. Dogs are welcome too (but keep them leashed).

Plentiful Parking at these Lakefront Locations: Lake Street Beach, Marquette Beach, and West Beach have year round parking access, plus expanded access in the summer months to accommodate a swell of beach goers. Miller Woods Beach starts at the west edge of the Lake Street Beach parking lot. Wells Street Beach (privately run) is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. No public parking in residential areas.

More Information on our beaches:

Lake Street Beach

Business Name

Lake Street Beach

PUBLIC PARKING ALL YEAR. Jet ski and small craft launch. Directly adjacent to Miller Woods Beach, the westernmost beach in the national park. Paved Chanute Trail through dunes to Marquette Park. Free beach shuttle on summer weekends. On the Miller/Aetna trail. Lifeguard in the summers.

marquetteparkgary.org/

(219) 938-7362

860 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403

Marquette Beach and Park

Business Name

Marquette Beach and Park

PUBLIC PARKING ALL YEAR, directly adjacent to Lake Michigan. Parking in limited in cooler seasons. Fees apply in lots closest to Lake Michigan. Sweeping and unbelievably scenic beachfront park with playgrounds, and nature preserve areas. Miles of walkable beach, a concession stand, hiking trails, picnic areas, and lifeguards near the parking area. Statue commemorating the famous missionary Jacques Marquette, ADA Kayak Lagoon Launch, and two historic events venues (Marquette Pavilion and historic Gary Bath House).

https://visitmillerbeachgary.com/explore/marquette-park/

(219) 938-7362

1 North Grand Blvd., Gary, IN 46403

Miller Woods Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park

Business Name

Miller Woods Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park

Hike the Miller Woods Trail here, or park at Lake Street Beach public lot. PUBLIC PARKING ALL YEAR, with limited amounts fall through spring at Lake Street Beach lot. This the westernmost Lake Michigan beach in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Natural wind swept sand dunes and walk in waters. A great spot for swimming, or walking along the water. Peaceful spot. Closest Indiana Dunes beach to Illinois and Indianapolis areas.

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/mw16.htm

(219) 395-1824

860 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403

Wells Street Beach

Business Name

Wells Street Beach

PARKING and concession. Fresh cooked menu of great food, known for far and wide for delicious burgers and hospitality. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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(219) 938-8275

9501 Lake Shore Dr., Gary, Indiana 46403

West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park

Business Name

West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park

Natural Lake Michigan beaches, on the east border of the Miller Beach neighborhood. Hike the West Beach Trail System in this section of the Indiana Dunes National Park. Enjoy the sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Chicago from the top of the Dunes Succession trail stairs. See website for updated information on parking fees, and seasonal bath house and lifeguard hours. Extensive parking available all year round.

Official NPS website

(219) 395-1882

376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403