6 Gorgeous Beaches in Indiana That You Must Check out This Summer

Let's just get this out of the way first: yes, Indiana does have beaches. And what beautiful beaches they are! The Hoosier State may be firmly entrenched in the Midwest, but you'll find some seriously spectacular beaches here. Whether the weather is wet and cold or sunny and warm, it's time to start planning some adventures at these beautiful beaches in Indiana!

1. Indiana Dunes State Park - Chesterton, IN

Indiana Dunes State Park is a natural wonderland in the northwest portion of the state. It is one of the best beaches in Indiana, boasting over 2,000 acres of rugged shorelines, white sand, dazzling vistas, and sweeping dunes for those looking for a little challenge. There's also plenty of room for frolicking families to picnic and soak in the Indiana outdoors. Come to this must-visit destination for a day of fun this summer!

Explore the dunes like never before in this spectacular 4k video:

2. Pokagon State Park Beach and Bathhouse - Angola, IN 

Pokagon State Park Beach is located in the eponymous Pokagon State Park, a place of seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Pokagon Beach is a beautiful little spot with a sandy shore that is perfect for enjoying fun in the sun. In fact, coming here is one of the best things to do in summer in Indiana.

3. Lake Monroe - Bloomington

Lake Monroe is just ten miles southeast of Bloomington. It is the largest lake in Indiana and features three beautiful beaches, which are at Fairfax State Recreation Area, Paynetown SRA, and Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Which of these Lake Monroe beaches will you head to first this summer?

If you liked the video of the dunes, you'll love this one of sparkling-blue Lake Monroe:

4. Hidden Paradise Campground - St. Paul, IN

For one of the best lakes in Indiana with beaches, Hidden Paradise is actually a campground located in St. Paul. This beachfront campground is also an adventure park with waterslides, zip gliding, inflatables, and paddle boats, or you can enjoy some good, old-fashioned swimming. So, bring your camping gear and your swimwear and book a campsite at Hidden Paradise this summer.

5. Lake Street Beach - Miller Beach, IN

Miller Beach is the name of a neighborhood in Gary, Indiana. It just also happens to be home to a pretty incredible beach, Lake Street Beach. Miller Beach is where the Indiana Dunes National Park begins and is surrounded on all sides by this breathtaking national park. Be prepared to enjoy beautiful surroundings when lying along the shore of Lake Street Beach.

We can't get enough of this awesome birds-eye view of Lake Street Beach:

6. Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort - Monticello, IN

The Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort is *the* quintessential summer experience in The Hoosier State. Technically, this is an amusement park located in Monticello, Indiana. It also happens to be on a stellar waterfront, making it the ultimate day-trip adventure! An amusement park on an Indiana beach? Now, that's something you'll only find in Indiana.

Have you been to any of these beautiful beaches in Indiana before? If so, which is your favorite? If you have any other fun suggestions on what to do in summer in Indiana, please share them through our nomination page.

And for more epic adventures in The Hoosier State, be sure to check out these delightful Indiana day trips!