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Visitors swimming in the lake.
Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. You can swim, lay on the beach, and find restrooms and parking at:
The only beach with lifeguards and showers is West Beach where there is a fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The only beaches that leashed pets are permitted on from Memorial Day through Labor Day are Mount Baldy and Central Beach.
Beach parking fills up very quickly in the summer; some parking lots 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.
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; parents and guardians must keep a constant watch. Stay out of the water when there are high, breaking waves and rip currents. Don’t get pulled under the water by a forceful, unexpected rip current. Even a strong swimmer can drown! 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.
