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.

Eats & Drinks 27 Shops 7 Charters & Tours 7 Stay 3

Decent day for photography.

51°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Weather

  • 51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny
53 /100
ok
42 Sunbathe
66 Walk
57 Fish
68 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
51°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
22 Good
Ozone · Hammond-Gary
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 10 AM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 11 AM
Tomorrow
56°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
—
Sunrise
6:26 AM
Sunset
4:35 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Nov 7
51°

Mostly Sunny

0%
53
Sun Nov 8
56°

Mostly Sunny

1%
54
Mon Nov 9
57°

Sunny

0%
61
Tue Nov 10
58°

Sunny

0%
62
Wed Nov 11
57°

Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

16%
55
Thu Nov 12
50°

Chance Rain Showers

53%
15
Fri Nov 13
48°

Chance Rain Showers

33%
29

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
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
9:10 AM - 11:10 AM
Minor
3:00 PM - 4:00 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

esc