5 Dog-Friendly Beaches In Indiana That Are Perfect For Summer Adventures

Hoosiers who just so happen to be dog lovers have reason to be excited this summer: did you know there’s a decent number of dog-friendly beaches in Indiana? It’s true! We did the footwork for you, so all you’ve got to do is pack a day bag, put a leash on your pup, and get out there to enjoy the sunshine. Summer season means beach season – so now is the perfect time. Better still, many of these beaches are within the same general area, so you can knock out more than one in a day if you are feeling ambitious. Here are our picks for five dog-friendly beaches in Indiana that are just so woofin’ perfect for summer adventures:

U.S. Department of the Interior/Flickr

The majority of this list is in or around Indiana Dunes, and that's awesome - know why? It's one of the most beautiful places in the Midwest, and your pup will love it, too. Dogs must be kept on a six-foot-or-shorter leash at all times, and they're only allowed on the Pinhook Upland Trail, should you decide to go hiking while you're there. Keep in mind that it's not okay for your pup to chase or harass wildlife, and you can be fined if your dog is caught doing so. It's also important to know that there are no pets allowed in the lifeguarded zone of West Beach from the Friday of Memorial Day to the Monday of Labor Day Weekend, so make sure to plan accordingly!

Address: 1600 North 25 East, Chesterton, Indiana, 46304

unwiht/Flickr

This gorgeous beach is located within Indiana Dunes National Park (not to be confused with Indiana Dunes State Park), and the same six-foot leash law is in effect. Your pup will love splashing along the shoreline and digging into the sandy delightfulness that is the beach. You'll experience a cuteness overload watching your beloved pet have the time of his life at Kemil Beach.

Address: 27 North East State Park Road, Beverly Shores, Indiana, 46304

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Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr

Another beach on this list that's a small part of a much larger park (we're still in Indiana Dunes, just at another beach!), Lake View Beach near Beverly Shores has the same six-foot leash mandate as the other beaches on this list. Once you're done at the beach, Beverly Shores has loads of dog-friendly shops and things to do, so make sure to check it out! For more about Beverly Shores, take a look here.

Address: 50 West Lake Front Drive, Beverly Shores, Indiana, 46301

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restup/Flickr

We stray from Indiana Dunes National Park beaches to bring you the always-fun Fox Island Park. It has - get this - A DOGGY BEACH. That's right - it's a beach specifically for your furry friend. Though you'll probably want to skip swimming in Bowman Lake yourself, your dog is more than welcome to. In this case, he doesn't need to be on a leash unless you're exploring the rest of the park. Here, your pupper can stretch his legs and have a blast.

Address: 7324 Yohne Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46809

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr

Here's another stunning, pristine beach at Indiana Dunes National Park that's dog-friendly and packed with fun. Like the other beaches in the National Park, the six-foot leash law is in effect here. You could seriously make an entire day out of hopping from beach to beach at Indiana Dunes National Park; basically, anywhere east of the State Park region is green-lit for bringing your dog, so you'll have no shortage of things for them to do and see! Find the parking lot for this one on the corner of Dunbar Avenue and Lakefront Drive, in Beverly Shores.

As a bonus, there are also some local parks that are more than happy to welcome your doggo! You’ll want to check out parks like the Gabis Arboretum, Porter City parks, and the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. Whether you visit just one or all of these dog-friendly beaches in Indiana, your beloved fur-baby will no doubt have the time of his or her life – and they’ll thank you with all the love in the world.

What do you think? What other dog-friendly places in Indiana do you like to frequent? Tell us about your picks in the comments – you might see yours featured one of these days.