Beaches are pretty popular in Indiana, particularly in the summertime. While you might love the sand and water, you may not be overly fond of the crowds. If that’s the case, then you’re in luck! Today, we’re presenting a hidden beaches road trip that offers some of the lesser-known beaches in The Hoosier State. These lesser-known beaches are also some of the best beaches in Indiana.

This road trip focuses on northern Indiana, but stay tuned for a similar southern road trip.

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1. Prairie Creek Reservoir Park
7801 S 560 E Rd, Selma, IN 47383, USA
Prairie Creek Reservoir Park/Facebook
When you think of beaches, northern and southern Indiana most likely come to mind. But this hidden beach, which is the first stop on our road trip, is only just slightly north of the central part of the state and is absolutely breathtaking. There are numerous boating activities and great swimming spots all over this lovely beach.
2. Fox Island County Park
7324 Yohne Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809, USA
rsteup/Flickr
Next up, we move a bit north to this gorgeous lake in Fox Island County Park, which is a hidden treasure of a beach that many Hoosiers have never heard of. You'll enjoy both swimming and fishing in this lovely lake.
3. Beach Lodge
819 E Lake Shore Dr, Culver, IN 46511, USA
Chris Huffman/Flickr
Our third stop is a quiet, yet charming, beachfront. Positioned around the incredible Lake Maxinkuckee, Beach Lodge is a fantastic hidden beach that mostly only locals know about. Kids and adults both can enjoy swimming and various boating adventures along these gorgeous waters.

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4. Kemil Beach
Kemil Beach, Beverly Shores, IN 46304, USA
Kat/Flickr
This insanely beautiful beach is next up on our road trip. Kemil Beach is located along the Indiana Dunes in the tiny town of Beverly Shores. If you're looking for the ultimate gorgeous beach getaway that's filled with peace and quiet, you won't be disappointed.
5. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
Riverwalk Drive, Riverwalk Dr, Portage, IN 46368, USA
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk/Facebook
Since Indiana Dunes is arguably the most popular beach along the famous dunes, this riverwalk and beach is your best shot at getting an incredible beach day in without running into hundreds of people.
6. Miller Beach
Miller Beach, Gary, IN 46403, USA
Steve Johnson/Flickr
Gary, Indiana often gets a bad rap, but you might change your mind when you take in the sight of this amazing beach. Miller Beach may be the most hidden gem in all of Indiana and is well worth checking out.
7. Whihala Beach
Whihala Beach, Whiting, IN 46394, USA
HoosierHusker/TripAdvisor
Our last stop may be the most magical hidden beach of all. This enchanting beach offers not only miles of stunning beachfront, but also an incredible pier and trails to explore.

Have you ever been to any of these remarkable hidden beaches in Indiana? If so, let us know in the comments below. Also, for another incredible swimming spot in Indiana, be sure to check out this truly unique hidden gem.

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best beaches in indiana

Jennifer Young | March 25, 2022

What's one of the best private beaches in Indiana?

There are several secret beaches in Indiana worthy of a visit, including Porter Beach. Because not many people visit this particular beach when compared to others, it's also considered one of the best private beaches in Indiana. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the beach without dealing with large crowds, a visit to Porter Beach is a wonderful option.

What are three of the best Indiana beaches to visit during the summer months?

Beaches are great places to visit year round, especially during the summer. Have you ever asked yourself "What beaches near me belong on my summer itinerary?" If so, we have you covered! Listed below are three Indiana beaches that are most certainly worth a visit this summer.

1. Indiana Dunes

Located in the northwestern section of Indiana is Indiana Dunes, a beautiful park with 15 miles of shoreline that's perfect for beach goers. Anyone who visits this park will especially love the large sand dunes, which rise high to the sky. In fact, the three tallest sand dunes are nearly 200 feet tall. Amazing!

2. Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe, which is located just outside of Bloomington, Indiana, has two beautiful beaches that are accessible to the public. These beaches are Paynetown Recreation Beach, which is inside the Paynetown State Recreation Area, and Fairfax Beach, which is near the Fourwinds Resort and Marina. In addition to swimming and sunbathing on the beaches, visitors of Lake Monroe also enjoy water skiing and boating. For anyone planning to stay a while, visitors also have access to campgrounds.

3. Morse Park

Indiana's Morse Park and Beach is located in Hamilton County and is the perfect place for spending a summer day. There's something for everyone at this 23-acre park, including an 18-hole disc golf course, a water park, playgrounds, and of course its incredible beach area. A few activities visitors enjoy at Morse Park include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and playing volleyball. You might even want to pack a lunch because this park is also a great place for a family picnic.

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