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Particularly Special Place
Description
The Indiana Dunes National Park has 15 miles of freshwater beaches. All the beaches are free with the exception of West Beach, which has a seasonal $6 per car fee and offers lifeguards and showers. There are free beach parking lots at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, Porter Beach, Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach, Lake View Beach, Central Avenue Beach, and Mount Baldy Beach.
The beaches can be crowded on summer weekends but nearly empty at all other times.
The lake is beautiful year round. Since the park is on the east side of the lake, there are incredible sunsets. Don't miss seeing the shelf ice in the winter, but don't walk out on the ice as it is very dangerous.
Short Walk: Most beaches are just a few steps from the parking lots.
Family Friendly: Great freshwater beaches! Fantastic sunsets and views of Chicago.
Gem Type: Swimming
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Minor Issues
Update
Snowy, Icy, Fallen Trees - The path from the parking lot through th e woods to the summit is snow-covered, but easily walkable. To go down to the shore, follow the path and go around the short wooden fence. The path will go down to beach. Use a walking stick because it can be icy. Do not go out onto the ice! Walk along the shore keeping closer to the dune side than the lake side. The fallen trees are along the shore.
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