Beach Safety

Each year, millions of people visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; most to enjoy the beach. The residential and industrial development of the Lake Michigan shoreline makes it difficult for many people to realize that this is a wild and unforgiving resource. Nature has full control of the conditions. Make sure that the memories of your visit are good ones by following the guidelines to safety.

• Never swim alone. Swim buddies can call for help when you cannot. Keep your children in sight at all times. Whether walking on the beach or swimming in the lake, children can disappear very quickly.
• Watch your feet. The lake bottom and beach are not groomed or cleaned.
• Numerouns drop-offs and holes as well as natural and man-made debris can be anywhere.
• Be weather ready. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring a sweater when it is cool.
• Be aware of the water quality. Check for swimming advisories before your visit. Natural and man-made sources of contamination can affect water quiality. If the water looks dirty, it probably is.

Beach Parking

During the summer months, finding a place to park can to be a challenge. Parking areas closer to the beach tend to fill up first. All of the access areas are no more than a block from the beach. All access lots offer restroom facilities and a drinking fountain.

National Park Service Seeks Demonstrators and Vendors for New Heritage Festival

The National Park Service is seeking individuals and groups to participate in the first Duneland Heritage Days at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on September 18 – 19.

This event will take visitors on a 10,000 year journey of land use and human heritage in the Indiana dunes. Starting with the earliest native peoples who hunted and lived off the land, moving through the farming and agricultural era to the last 100 years of urbanization, industry, and the conservation movement that resulted in the creation of the national lakeshore.

A Great Place to Start

The visitor center is wonderful place to begin your Indiana Dunes experience. At the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, you can find amenities and other services such as maps, trail guides, a short orientation video, bookstore, and hands-on activities. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, a park ranger will be happy to assist you and help you have a safe adventure. The visitor center is located at 1420 Munson Road, Porter IN 46304.