Explore the Natural Beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park at Porter Beach
Discover the beauty of Porter Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park, where pristine sands meet diverse ecosystems along the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline.
Porter Beach, nestled within Indiana Dunes National Park, offers visitors a stunning blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and rich biodiversity, making it an essential stop for any tourist exploring the Indiana coastline. This picturesque destination is perfect for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking a serene escape from the everyday hustle.
A brief summary to Indiana Dunes National Park Porter Beach
- MW7P+7W, Porter, Indiana, US
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good parking spot, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks, as amenities are limited near the beach.
- Explore the nearby hiking trails for a unique perspective of the dunes and diverse wildlife.
- Check the weather before your visit; conditions can change rapidly near the lake.
- Visit during the weekday for a quieter experience, as weekends can get crowded.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, head east on U.S. Route 12 for about 4 miles. After that, turn left onto State Road 49 and continue for approximately 2 miles. Then, take a right onto County Road 700 North, which will lead you directly to the entrance of Porter Beach. There are parking lots available near the beach, but note that there may be a parking fee of around $5 per vehicle.
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Public Transportation
To reach Porter Beach via public transportation, you can take the South Shore Line train from various locations. If you are starting from downtown Chicago, take the train to the Portage/Ogden Dunes station. From there, you can catch a local bus, such as the 13 or 17, which will take you to the nearby area of Porter Beach. Make sure to check the bus schedule for the current times, and consider that a train ticket may cost around $10 for a one-way fare.
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Bicycle
For those who enjoy cycling, there are bike paths that connect various parts of Indiana Dunes National Park. If you are in the park, you can follow the marked bike trails towards Porter Beach. The ride is approximately 3 miles and is relatively flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Ensure that your bike is in good condition and be mindful of pedestrians along the paths.
Discover more about Indiana Dunes National Park Porter Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Le Petit Fort
0.2 km
Explore the charm and history of Le Petit Fort in Porter, Indiana, a captivating landmark surrounded by natural beauty and rich heritage.
Indiana Dunes State Park Gatehouse and Parking
0.5 km
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Iron Brigade Historic marker
3.0 km
Explore the Iron Brigade Historic Marker in Porter, Indiana, and discover the courage of Civil War heroes in this captivating historical landmark.
Edwin Way Teale Indiana Historical Marker
4.5 km
Visit the Edwin Way Teale Historical Marker in Chesterton, Indiana, to explore the legacy of a renowned naturalist and author in a serene setting.
Kemil Road Station
4.5 km
Discover the rich history of Kemil Road Station in Chesterton, Indiana, a charming historical landmark near the stunning Indiana Dunes.
Ogden Dunes Great Ski Jump historic marker
11.5 km
Explore the historic Ogden Dunes Great Ski Jump, a landmark celebrating Indiana's rich winter sports heritage amidst stunning natural beauty.
Visit Michigan City LaPorte
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Michigan City (E), IN
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Indiana Dunes National Park West Beach Southbound Entrance
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Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets
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Barker Mansion
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Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse
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Uptown Social
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Old Lighthouse Museum
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Harriet Colfax Memorial Bascule Bridge
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Unmissable attractions to see
Porter Beach
0.1 km
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Indiana Dunes State Park Bird Observatory
0.4 km
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Dunes Prairie Nature Preserve
0.8 km
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Mt Jackson
1.1 km
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Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
1.2 km
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Nature Center
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The 3 Dune Challenge
1.2 km
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Indiana Dunes National Park
1.4 km
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Indiana Dunes Hiking
2.0 km
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Indiana Dunes State Park
2.0 km
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Indiana Dunes Beach
2.3 km
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Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trailhead
2.6 km
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Indiana Dunes National Park Sign
2.8 km
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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
3.3 km
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Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail
3.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Dunes Pavilion Restaurant & Grill
0.0 km
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Park Pavilion
0.1 km
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Dari-Dip
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Wagner's Ribs
5.0 km
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Speakeasy at the Spa- Pizzeria Uno
5.1 km
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Craft House
5.2 km
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Namaste India
5.3 km
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Third Coast Spice Cafe
5.5 km
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Smokey's Southern Barbeque
5.7 km
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Lucrezia Café
6.3 km
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Goblin & The Grocer
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Quaker Steak & Lube
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LongHorn Steakhouse
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TACOS ON 20
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The Michigan City Sugar Bowl
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Schoolhouse Shop
4.3 km
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Dune Clothiers
4.3 km
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The IN Coast
5.9 km
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Camp Stop General Store & Beach Shop
6.5 km
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Over Yonder! Dunes Gift Shop 20+ Local Makers & Artists, Indiana Dunes Tees & goods & curated vintage
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Pieces of Jayde
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Bass Pro Shops
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The Market on 12
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Five Below
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Citi Trends
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Old Navy Outlet
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Candy Junction
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Amazing Images
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Nike Factory Store - Michigan City
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dunes Pavilion Lakeview Lounge
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Indiana Dunes UNO Pizzeria / Spa Special Events Center
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Gastro 49 Pub & Eatery
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Port Drive In
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Village Tavern
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Velvet Tiki
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Cheers! In Chesterton
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Aaron's Mortgage Inn
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The Barrel Tavern
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(219) Taproom
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Flannery's Tavern
5.9 km
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Pump
6.2 km
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Danny O's Bar & Grill
6.9 km
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Hunter's Brewing LLC
7.4 km
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D's Corner Tap
8.4 km
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