When you think about beaches in Indiana, your mind probably automatically goes to Indiana Beach and Indiana Dunes State Park. In fact, we covered a few of the most popular beaches here last year. Indiana may be mostly landlocked, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying the lakes and creeks around us! However, these are some amazing, little-known beaches in Indiana that will help make your summer even more unforgettable. Check these awesome little-known beaches in Indiana, in no particular ranking order, below!

1. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk - Portage
100 Riverwalk Dr, Portage, IN 46368, USA
Michael Bessler/Google
This stunning beach often gets less attention than the Indiana Dunes State Park beach but is every bit as beautiful. This small, secluded beach offers a view of the Chicago skyline on clear days and has free parking.

Get an aerial view of this gorgeous beach:

2. Beach Lodge - Culver
819 E Lake Shore Dr, Culver, IN 46511, USA
Chris Huffman/Flickr
Beach Lodge in Culver, Indiana, often referred to as Culver Beach, is poised along Lake Maxinkuckee. This amazing beach offers swimming, boating, and other water-themed fun activities for children and adults.
3. Saxony Beach - Fishers
13358 Pennington Rd, Fishers, IN 46037, USA
Saxony Lake and Beach/Fishers
This stunning beach is located alongside of Saxony Lake, which spans approximately 20 acres. Build sandcastles, go for a swim, rent a kayak, go fishing, paddle board, or enjoy a long walk around this breathtaking beach.
4. Buffalo Trace Park - Palmyra
1540 US-150, Palmyra, IN 47164, USA
Ashleigh Melton/Buffalo Trace Park Facebook
Buffalo Trace Park has a gorgeous beach to offer visitors in southern Indiana. This gorgeous beach wraps along the man-made body of water, Lake Coleman, and offers visitors a perfect place to swim, fish, boat, play, and camp.

Take a closer look at this lovely beach:

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5. Whihala Beach - Whiting
North Township, IN, USA
Kimberly D./Yelp
Another great northern beach to explore is Whihala Beach in Whiting. This beach has lifeguards, beachfront parking, and it's located not too far from Chicago. This gorgeous beach is one you absolutely have to check out!

Get a bird’s-eye view of this stunning beach:

6. Brookville Lake Beach - Brookville
14108 IN-101, Brookville, IN 47012, USA
kristen673/TripAdvisor
In eastern Indiana, one of the best beaches around is Brookville Lake Beach. Wrapping around the stunning Brookville Lake, this beach offers swimming and boating and has campgrounds and playgrounds nearby.
7. Prairie Creek Reservoir Park - Muncie
North 3, IN-3, Muncie, IN, USA
Prairie Creek Reservoir Park/Facebook
If you're looking for a whole lot of fun in the water, Prairie Creek Reservoir Park in Muncie is the place for you. With tons of boating activities, swimming, and more, you'll fall in love with this hidden spot.
8. Cagles Mill Lake - Cloverdale
Cagles Mill Lake, Indiana, USA
mlf102indiana/TripAdvisor
If you're in mid-western Indiana, Cagles Mill Lake might be the best hidden beach near you. With miles of sand, a vast lake to explore, and great areas for fishing, boating, and swimming, you'll find everything you need for summer fun right here.
9. Eagle Creek Park - Indianapolis
7602 Eagle Beach Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46254, USA
Eagle Creek Park/Facebook
Indianapolis has its share of lakes and creeks and one of the best beach spots here is in Eagle Creek Park. This picturesque beachfront offers a great place to lounge and relax, as well as plenty of water for swimming, boating, fishing, and more!

Which of these awesome little-known beaches in Indiana will you be checking out this summer? Have you already been to any? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you’re looking for even more beaches, check out these stunning Indiana beaches.

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More to Explore

Amazing Attractions in Indiana

William Suphan | May 27, 2023

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Indiana?

The best kid-friendly hikes in Indiana include:

  • Trail 10 at McCormick’s Creek State Park. This is the first state park in Indiana and has an easy hike with amazing canyon views.
  • Strahl Lake Trail at Brown County State Park. This is a hike that goes around a lovely lake and has a fun nature center.
  • Trail 4 at Chain O’Lakes State Park. This is an easy 1-mile hike that will bring you to four different lakes with varied wildlife.
  • Trail 9 at Clifty Falls State Park. This hike on a wooden boardwalk goes past beautiful waterfalls.

Learn more about the best kid-friendly hikes in Indiana. 

What are the best amusement parks in Indiana?

The best amusement parks in Indiana include:

  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure. Rather than rides, this park has you propelling yourself along tunnels, bridges, ziplines, and a whole lot more active fun.
  • Deep River Water Park. The Paddle PlayZone and bumper boats are great fun for all ages.
  • Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Fun characters greet you at this fun park that has the longest water coaster in the world.
  • Fun Center Paiges Crossing. This place has mini-golf, go-karts, rides, arcade games, and so much more.

Find out more about the best amusement parks in Indiana. 

What are the best animal encounters in Indiana?

The best animal encounters in Indiana include:

  • Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. This is where you can pet ostriches, elk, bison, zebras, llamas, and many other animals.
  • Wolf Creek Habitat. You can pet adult wolves and wolf puppies here as well as foxes and rabbits.
  • Wilstem Ranch. This is an elephant retreat where you can pet and bathe elephants. There are also giraffes, horses, and kangaroos.
  • Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve. Come here to interact with and learn about buffalo and stay in a teepee if you like.

Discover more about the best animal encounters in Indiana. 

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