Last updated: June 27, 2022
Thing to Do
Swimming at Indiana Dunes West Beach
Fifteen miles of sandy beach along the southern shore of Lake Michigan offer a wide variety of recreational activities. Whether it's enjoying a summer sunset stroll or marveling at the arctic beauty of Lake Michigan's shelf ice, you can enjoy the beach in all seasons.
There are several beach parking lots along the Indiana Dunes National Park. All beaches and parking lots are open daily, have restrooms, and potable water. Additionally, West Beach has showers and lifeguards from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
Passes are required at all beaches. For more information, visit the Fees & Passes page.
Beach parking lots fill up very quickly on summer weekends and holidays. See below for information on parking lot busy times. Several lots including Lake View, Dunbar, Kemil, Porter and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk fill up as early as mid-morning. It's best to arrive early or wait until late afternoon when parking spots become available as visitors depart. West Beach's lot holds nearly 600 cars and rarely fills up except on holiday weekends.
Tips
Prohibited Activities on the Beach
- The removal of natural items such as rocks, shells, and fossils.
- Wood and charcoal fires on the beach. West Beach and Lake View Beach do have dedicated grills in the picnic areas.
- Glass containers on all beaches.
- Pet rules differ for each beach area. Please visit the Pet Information Page.
- Launching, landing or operating any unmanned aircraft (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes National Park except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Beach-going Tips
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear a hat, shoes and sunglasses.
- Stay on marked trails to protect the plants and animals of the dunes.
- Stay out of the water when rip current warnings are posted.
- Stay off the shelf ice. It is full of hidden, thin spots and gaps that people can fall through.
- Stay out of the water when signs are posted to alert you to high bacteria counts. The bacteria may harm your health.
- Watch for strong winds blowing away from the beach that can hijack rafts and beach toys.
- Do not feed the gulls or other birds. Human food is unhealthy and encourages them to flock. When they flock, they make the beach dirty.
Swimming Safety Tips
- Use caution when swimming in Lake Michigan. The bottom is uneven with holes and deep drop-offs. These inshore holes are very dangerous to small children and non-swimmers.
- The only beach with lifeguards is West Beach.
- Parents and guardians must keep a constant watch of children in the water.
- Stay out of the water when there are high, breaking waves and rip currents.
- Rip currents are caused by a sudden break in an offshore sandbar that releases water rapidly back into the lake. Rip current conditions often occur when the wind is out of the north. These dangerous currents can also occur in waters adjacent to seawalls, artificial reefs, and erosion control structures; stay clear of these areas. Obey posted and verbal rip current warnings.
- If being pulled out into deeper water by a forceful, unexpected rip current, DO NOT PANIC. Follow the rip current or try to swim out of it by swimming parallel to shore until the pull outward into deeper water subsides.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
These are suggested duration times and should not be used as personal measures of your time spent swimming. These are also not related to opening and closing times of the beach.
Activity
Freshwater Swimming
Prohibited Activities on the Beach
- The removal of natural items such as rocks, shells, and fossils.
- Wood and charcoal fires on the beach. West Beach and Lake View Beach do have dedicated grills in the picnic areas.
- Glass containers on all beaches.
- Pet rules differ for each beach area. Please visit the Pet Information Page.
- Launching, landing or operating any unmanned aircraft (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes National Park except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
Beach-going Tips
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear a hat, shoes and sunglasses.
- Stay on marked trails to protect the plants and animals of the dunes.
- Stay out of the water when rip current warnings are posted.
- Stay off the shelf ice. It is full of hidden, thin spots and gaps that people can fall through.
- Stay out of the water when signs are posted to alert you to high bacteria counts. The bacteria may harm your health.
- Watch for strong winds blowing away from the beach that can hijack rafts and beach toys.
- Do not feed the gulls or other birds. Human food is unhealthy and encourages them to flock. When they flock, they make the beach dirty.
Swimming Safety Tips
- Use caution when swimming in Lake Michigan. The bottom is uneven with holes and deep drop-offs. These inshore holes are very dangerous to small children and non-swimmers.
- The only beach with lifeguards is West Beach.
- Parents and guardians must keep a constant watch of children in the water.
- Stay out of the water when there are high, breaking waves and rip currents.
- Rip currents are caused by a sudden break in an offshore sandbar that releases water rapidly back into the lake. Rip current conditions often occur when the wind is out of the north. These dangerous currents can also occur in waters adjacent to seawalls, artificial reefs, and erosion control structures; stay clear of these areas. Obey posted and verbal rip current warnings.
- If being pulled out into deeper water by a forceful, unexpected rip current, DO NOT PANIC. Follow the rip current or try to swim out of it by swimming parallel to shore until the pull outward into deeper water subsides.
Activity Fee
Yes
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle Pass - $20.00
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass - $25.00
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups) - $15.00
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Commercial Tour Fee - Sedan (1-6 persons) - $25.00
Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate).
Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00
Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.
Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00
Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.
Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00
Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.
For the most current information on our fee program, see our Fees and Passes page.
Location
West Beach at Indiana Dunes
West Beach Parking Lot
376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403
376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The trail to the beach is paved. Beach sand wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the peak season. Let the staff know at the entrance kiosk that you require a sand chair.
NPS Photo Collection
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Beaches
Beach Parking Lots
Parking lots can fill up fast during the peak summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Parking Lot
Central Avenue Beach
- 68 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 41.701488, -86.948473
Paved parking lot with 68 parking spaces. 0 spaces are accessible. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
During the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), the parking lot can fill up fast.
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- No
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 0
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 0
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 0
- Total number of spaces
- 68
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
Dunbar Beach
- 24 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 41.683551, -87.002856
Dunbar Beach parking lot is paved and has facilities located within the parking lot.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
During the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) the parking lot can fill up quickly.
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 2
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 2
- Total number of spaces
- 24
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
Kemil Beach
- 96 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 41.677357, -87.00895
The parking lot is paved and there are facilities located on site.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
During the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) the parking lot can be very busy.
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 2
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 2
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 2
- Total number of spaces
- 96
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
Lake View
- 25 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 41.686222, -86.996077
The parking lot of Lake View is paved and accessible. Facilities and a shelter are also accessible. There are stairs down to the beach.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 2
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 2
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 2
- Total number of spaces
- 25
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
Mt. Baldy
- 89 total spaces
- 3 oversized spaces
- 41.706852, -86.929907
The parking lot is paved and facilities are located on site.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.80.00
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 0
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 0
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 0
- Total number of spaces
- 89
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 3
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
- 97 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 41.630994, -87.178383
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk has 3 separate parking lots.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.0.00
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
The parking lot can be busy during the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 8
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 8
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 8
- Total number of spaces
- 97
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
Porter Beach
- 65 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 41.660272, -87.069387
Porter Beach has 2 parking lots. The North parking lot is closest to the Lake and facilities. The South parking lot is gravel, which is closed for construction until further notice due to a paving project at the site.
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
During the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) the parking lots can become busy.
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 6
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 4
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 6
- Total number of spaces
- 65
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Image Gallery
Parking Lot
West Beach
- 655 total spaces
- 50 oversized spaces
- 41.622934, -87.207747
7 Day Motorcycle Fee
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $20.00
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Cost: $25.00
7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Cost: $15.00
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass
This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Cost: $45.00
Annual Pass (Interagency)
Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Cost: $80.00
Annual Military Pass (Interagency)
Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade
Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.
Cost: $0.00
Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)
The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $20.00
Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)
A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.
Cost: $80.00
Lifetime Access Pass
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability.
Cost: $0.00
During the peak Summer Season, West Beach can become busy.
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 20
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 20
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 0
- Total number of spaces
- 655
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 50
Image Gallery