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

Ideal for photography.

81°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind 0 to 5 mph.

Weather

  • 81°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
75 /100
great
70 Sunbathe
79 Walk
74 Fish
85 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
81°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
W
Rain
12%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
75°F
Partly Sunny
Water Temp
Sunrise
6:21 AM
Sunset
7:08 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Sep 9
81°

Mostly Cloudy

12%
75
Thu Sep 10
75°

Partly Sunny

2%
83
Fri Sep 11
78°

Sunny

0%
86
Sat Sep 12
83°

Mostly Sunny

10%
84
Sun Sep 13
78°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

15%
82
Mon Sep 14
87°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

23%
47
Tue Sep 15
79°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

41%
37

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
10:20 PM - 12:20 AM
Minor
4:10 AM - 5:10 AM
Major
10:40 AM - 12:40 PM
Minor
6:10 PM - 7:10 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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