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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshoreoffice building with sign, Headquarters
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Central Beach

Park Facility

Trail Map

Latitude

Longitude

Street Address
Central Beach no trail map 041.42.05N 087.05.15W Central Avenue & Valley Avenue, Michigan City 46360
 
Visitor Activities:
  • No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk; rip currents and waves can make swimming hazardous.
  • During the spring and summer watch the Bank Swallows come and go from their nests in the dunes.
  • Observe the dragon flies fly overhead as you walk to the beach.
Facilities:
  • Area open, 7 a.m. to dusk, daily, in spring, summer and fall
  • Area closed, November 15 to April 15
  • 100-car parking lot
  • Restrooms
  • Information board listing current park activities
 

Driving Directions:

  1. Starting at I-94 and Indiana 49, go north about 3 miles to U.S. Highway 12.
  2. Take the U.S. Highway 12 exit (exit is on the left). Go right (east) 7 miles on U.S. Highway 12 to Central Ave.
  3. Turn left (north), go 1 mile to the parking area for Central Beach that is on the left (west) side of the road.
 
image of map with route highlighted to the Central Beach
several plants with lush green growth with very noticable light purple flowers on them  

Did You Know?
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has more than 1,135 native plant species distributed over six plant communities. Among all the national parks in the United States, it ranks seventh in plant diversity. This is an amazing feat for 15,000+ acres.

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Last Updated: August 21, 2006 at 16:11 EST