Mount Baldy

Click on the above image for the complete trail map.

 

Access to Mount Baldy's summit has been rerouted from the southern dune slope, directly north of the parking lot, to a trail that starts approximately 100 yards west of the former starting point. Temporary fencing has been placed at the base and summit of Mount Baldy to close off the former trail and directional signs to the new trail have been installed. ....learn more

 

Park Facility	Trail Map	Latitude	Longitude	Street Address
Mt. Baldy	Mount Baldy Trail	041.42.20N	086.55.52W	U.S. Highway 12, Michigan City

 

Visitor Activities:

• Walk along a marked trail to the summit of the 126-foot sand dune on your way to Lake Michigan.
• No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk; rip currents and waves can make swimming hazardous.

Facilities:

• Area opens at 7 a.m. and closes 30 minutes past sunset, daily
• Year-round restroom facilities
• 100-vehicle parking lot including bus & RV parking spaces
• Information board listing current park activities

 

Fun Facts

• Mt. Baldy is 126 above the water level of Lake Michigan.
• It is moving at about 4 feet a year. Beach sand moves when the prevailing northwest wind exceeds 7 m.p.h.
• It is starving. Beach erosion is taking away more sand than the waves are bringing in due to the breakwall that was built for the Michigan City Harbor. To try and correct the effect of the breakwall the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began feeding the beach in 1974. Thus far they have given it four meals:
• • 1974 fine sand trucked in;
  • 1983 coarse sand trucked in;
  • 1996 early summer 35,000 cubic yards slurried in by pipe from the harbor; and
  • 1996 late summer 50,000 cubic yards trucked in.

 

Driving Directions:

1. Starting at I-94 and Indiana 49, go north about 3 miles to U.S. Highway 12.
2. Exit to U.S. Highway 12 (on left).
3. Then right (1/2 way along exit).
4. Turn right (east) 8 miles on U.S. Highway 12 to the parking area for Mt. Baldy. It will be on the left (north) side of the road.