Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)

100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360

Michigan City's flagship lakefront park — nearly two miles of Lake Michigan beach framed by dunes and the 1904 Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse (Indiana's only working lighthouse) with its iconic catwalk out to the breakwater.

Ideal for a beach walk.

85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 69. East wind 0 to 10 mph.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions
83 /100
great
81 Sunbathe
86 Walk
87 Fish
82 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
85°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
NE
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
90°F
Sunny
Water Temp
Water Quality
Clean
1 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sunrise
6:23 AM
Sunset
9:22 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Jul 12
85°

Sunny

0%
84
Mon Jul 13
90°

Sunny

0%
80
Tue Jul 14
93°

Sunny

0%
75
Wed Jul 15
91°

Sunny

0%
78
Thu Jul 16
88°

Sunny

4%
82
Fri Jul 17
88°

Mostly Sunny

12%
79
Sat Jul 18
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

26%
46
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major
10:40 PM - 12:40 AM
Minor
3:30 AM - 4:30 AM
Major
11:10 AM - 1:10 PM

Parking

Paid lot at the park; fills early on summer weekends.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on the swimming beach. Dedicated dog beach at NIPSCO Beach east of the main park.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360

lifeguards (posted hours)restroomsshowersconcession with rooftop restaurantlighthouse with catwalksplash parkzoomarinaboat launchpicnic sheltersfitness trails
Is it safe to swim at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) today?

Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on the swimming beach. Dedicated dog beach at NIPSCO Beach east of the main park.

Is there an entry fee at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?

Entry to Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) is free.

Are there lifeguards at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?

Amenities at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) include lifeguards (posted hours), restrooms, showers, concession with rooftop restaurant, lighthouse with catwalk, splash park, zoo, marina.

When is the water warmest at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?

Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.

Where is Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) located?

Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) is in LaPorte County, IN, at 100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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