Another midwestern state whose scintillating shorelines are too often overlooked, Indiana offers plenty of incredible opportunities for an unforgettable beach day. From its miles of Great Lake Michigan shoreline to its beautiful interior beaches, here are the top 10 waterfronts not to miss on your next trip through the Hoosier State.
Top Beaches in Indiana
Indiana Beaches
Whihala Beach
Whihala Beach is popular amongst tourists as well as locals — and one visit makes it easy to see why. Along with its gorgeous shoreline, this beach also boasts well-designed and plentiful amenities, including restrooms, rinse showers, a boat ramp and more. Plus, it’s all within easy walking distance of a variety of concession stands and vendors, so you can easily make a whole day of it along the water without growing hungry or getting bored.
Things to do near Whihala Beach
This beach is within walking distance of the well-manicured green lawns of Whiting Lakefront Park, and not far from other preserved green spaces like Wolf Lake Memorial Park. The area is also known for its casinos; the Horseshoe Hammond is located adjacent to the beach right along the water as well.
Lake Street Beach
If you continue to follow the shore of Lake Michigan southeast toward the city of Gary, you’ll come upon some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state. This place is home to what is now known as Indiana Dunes National Park. These are some of the most stunning swaths of waterfront anywhere, and yes, they’re dotted with magnificent dunes. Lake Street Beach is one of the westernmost beaches in the region. Along with its soft sands and easy waves, this beach also boasts being the southernmost point of the lake’s reaches.
Things to do near Lake Street Beach
Gary, Indiana is known for its history in the steel industry, and today offers a variety of family-friendly attractions like Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center.
West Beach
Another Indiana Dunes National and State Park-area beach — this one with beautiful wooden boardwalks constructed to help you get up and over these delicate natural land formations — West Beach is one of the best-known in the area. Its wide swath of sand is perfect for laying out in the sun, taking a leisurely stroll, or building a sand-castle. Plentiful parking is available, and the beach is manned by lifeguards — which is a bit of a rarity in this area.
Things to do near West Beach
One cool thing to make sure you save time to explore in the park: Diana’s Dune. This dune is bedecked with an impressive staircase you can mount if you’re brave and fit enough, tasting a little bit of her unique, combined brand of freedom and hard work.
Porter Beach
Still in the area of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park preserves, Porter Beach offers a beautiful view that will make you feel like you’re on an oceanfront instead of a lakefront. The beach does offer bathrooms and ample parking, but be aware that no lifeguards are on duty, so take to the waters at your own risk.
Things to do near Porter Beach
This beach is located very close to the Indiana Dunes State Park Bird Observatory, where birders can observe local and migratory birds including hawks and many others.
Dunbar Beach
The last of the Indiana Dunes National Park beaches on our list is Dunbar Beach. This is one of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in the park, offering a casual atmosphere right outside of a residential neighborhood. Soft sand, a nearby bathroom and foot-washing station, and shimmering, turquoise waters make this a favorite of many Indiana Dunes park-goers, and it’s quiet enough to be popular even amongst local inhabitants.
Things to do near Dunbar Beach
If you travel a while inland from Beverly Shores, you’ll find the Indiana Dunes National Park Heron Rookery. Here, you can wander along a scenic hiking trail through these lands that are so important to this beautiful species of shorebird.
Pokagon Beach
As stunning as Indiana’s Lake Michigan beaches may be, they’re not all the state has to offer. Pokagon Beach is an excellent example. This one is located inside Pokagon State Park. Although the sandy shoreline here is small, it is scenic and kid-friendly, and is usually well-populated during the warm summer months. The park also has plenty of other outdoor recreational opportunities on offer, including an informative and entertaining Nature Center.
Things to do near Pokagon Beach
Right across I-69 from this state park, you’ll find the Marsh Lake Wetlands State Fish and Wildlife Area. This park offers some accessible waterfront areas as well as lots of beautiful marshy, swampy forests to explore.
Pike Lake Beach
A stunning lakeshore well worth traveling Pike Lake Beach is lovely, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly beach option. Interactive playgrounds line the shoreline park, and the beach itself is also often populated by families making sandcastles together or suiting up in floaties to make for a watery adventure. Clean restrooms are available on-site, as are vending machines. A boat launch is also available if you’re looking for a place to put in your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Things to do near Pike Lake Beach
This area is lucky enough to boast not just one, but two vacation-worthy lakes, so be sure to save some time for a visit to Center Lake right across 15.
Indiana Beach
If a festival atmosphere is what you’re after, look no further than Indiana Beach, which is actually located inside an eponymous amusement park. Enjoy a beach day as well as high-flying thrill rides, live entertainment, fair food, and even an escape room: there truly is something available here for the whole family.
Things to do near Indiana Beach
The beach, resort, and town all share the same name, and they’re all located a short drive from the small city of Monticello. If you need to get away from the crowds and fair atmosphere, consider driving a ways south to Prophetstown State Park.
Dream Lake State Recreation Area
Last on our list, but certainly not least, the Dream Lake State Recreation Area is home to a gorgeous lake. A variety of walking and hiking trails criss-cross the landscape, and plenty of soft sand is available along the lake’s western shoreline, just waiting for you to set up your umbrella and beach towel. Fishing and boating along and in the lake are also popular pursuits here!
Things to do near Dream Lake State Recreation Area
Located in the far southern reaches of the state of Indiana, close to where it borders on Kentucky, Dream Lake State Recreation Area is about equidistant from the city of Louisville and the Hoosier National Forest.
The Best Indiana Beaches for RVers
Fairfax Beach
Fairfax Beach, located within the city limits of Bloomington, is easily one of the most popular beaches on Lake Monroe and also within the greater confines of Indiana as a whole. Along with swimming and sunbathing, this recreational area also offers a boat ramp and picnic areas.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This is also a premier area for camping — there’s even a Jellystone Park right nearby! This makes it easy to park your RV in the middle of the action and fully immerse yourself in the fun
Things to do near Fairfax Beach
The Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is located directly across the lake from this beach, and there are plenty of other wildernesses around the water worth exploring.
Planning an RV Trip to Indiana
While in Indiana, be sure to see the best state parks and stay in the beat campgrounds. You’ll also want to spend time in both Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, and, of course, visit the Indiana Dunes National Park.
