Here Are 6 Beaches In Indiana That Rival The Caribbean
Indiana is one of those states that has four seasons, which is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s almost like no season is long enough (except winter, which can be TOO long more often than not), and on the other, it means new times and a fresh start are never too far ahead. But, sometimes, no matter which season it may be at the time, you crave a little bit of summer, and when that mood strikes, you know what to do. That’s right: read up on the most amazing beaches in Indiana – and maybe pay each one a visit! Each of the following amazing Indiana beaches is beautiful all year long, and boy, do they give the Caribbean a run for its money.
Beverly Shores has the distinct honor of being both an amazing, dark-sky city, and for having some of the most pristine beaches Lake Michigan has ever seen. Kemil Beach is but a stone's throw away from the best shops and eateries in Beverly Shores, and it's absolutely stunning. Anyone who misses the ocean and feels "stuck" in the Midwest ought to visit this spectacular beach in Indiana no matter what (or when).
Though Washington Park Beach is its official name, you might also hear this beach referred to as "Michigan City Beach". Here, you'll find one of the most intriguing and photogenic sights in the whole state: a picturesque lighthouse in Indiana (you read that right) that's truly worthy of being put on a puzzle as it stretches into the almost endless horizon of Lake Michigan. Perfection.
Washington Park Beach, City Hall & 100 E. Michigan, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA
Okay, here's one of the few on this list that aren't beaches on Lake Michigan, but in all fairness, only Lake Michigan is enormous enough to look and feel like the ocean. A close contender, though, are the beaches at Patoka Lake, a gorgeous hidden lake in Indiana worthy of an addition to your bucket list. The sunsets and sunrises just hit different here. Come see how!
Okay, back to Lake Michigan. Miller Beach is known as "where the dunes begin", as it's essentially the gateway to Indiana Dunes National Park. It is the westernmost beach on Lake Michigan, and its pristine, blue waters are like something out of a tropical island vacation. Nope, no need to pinch yourself - it's no dream. Just Indiana.
Hidden Valley Lake is not unlike a hidden tropical beach paradise in Indiana that few people - even Hoosiers - seem to know about. There's nothing boring or traditionally Midwestern about this one: Hidden Valley Lake is perfect for unleashing your inner surfer (or jet skiier). Hang ten!
Finally, we return to Lake Michigan to admire the incredible beauty that is the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This region has a very specific, very special trivia attached to it: it has the honor of being the first National Park in Indiana. By visiting Indiana Dunes, you'll be able to visit a couple of the beaches on this list, so we strongly recommend a day trip to experience them all.
Indiana Dunes National Park, 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, USA
So, no matter what time of year it is, at least know this, Hoosier friends: there’s always the beach, and there are amazing beaches even in Indiana. Which gorgeous Indiana beach is your go-to favorite? Tell us about it in the comments.
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Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
