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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Central Avenue Beach was reopened to the public on Saturday July 16, 2016. The popular beach has been closed for almost a year due to erosion from large storm waves that removed nearly all the beach’s sand. The waves also left a dangerous eight-foot drop-off from the access path down to a mix of clay and asphalt chunks from an old road bed. Over the last couple of months, the beach sand has been slowly replenished through natural deposition from the lake. In addition, national lakeshore staff have removed the old road debris and created a walkable path to the beach. When visiting Central Avenue Beach, the public is urged to remain on the beach area and not climb up the dune slopes directly behind the beach. These slopes have been severely eroded leaving them very dangerous to climb. Trees and other objects can be dislodged by climbing on the dunes and can cause those objects to fall on the climber. Visitors should always remain on designated trails for their safety and to protect the fragile dune habitat. Central Avenue Beach does not have lifeguards. Learn how to enjoy Lake Michigan safely and always check the National Weather Service forecast for dangerous lake conditions. For more information on Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call the park’s information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu. |
Last updated: July 19, 2016