News Release

Beach Access Reopens at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

Date: July 2, 2019

Beach access has been restored at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk with the completion of a new trail to replace the one destroyed by storms last fall. Beach goers should use caution due to driftwood and other storm debris deposited on or near the beach by winter and spring storms. The beach at Portage Lakefront is also much narrower than normal due to Lake Michigan being near its all-time high-level mark.
 
Portage Lakefront, one of the most popular sites in Indiana Dunes National Park, is operated by the City of Portage in partnership with the National Park Service. In addition to the beach, the site features a pavilion with food concession “Piggin Out,” an accessible trail, the Burns Waterway Riverwalk and a breakwater that’s a popular fishing and strolling spot.
 
The beach at Portage Lakefront has no lifeguards so swimmers need to understand the dangers of Lake Michigan before entering the water. Swimming is strongly discouraged when there is rough water or large waves due to the danger of potentially deadly rip currents. Rip currents are even more likely at beaches like Portage Lakefront that have a breakwater or other structure on the lake. Even in calm water, children should always be closely monitored by an adult.
 
For more information on beach access at Indiana Dunes National Park, contact the park’s information desk at 219-395-1882 or go to the web page at www.nps.gov/indu.