Let’s just get this out of the way first: yes, Indiana does have beaches. And what beautiful beaches they are! The Hoosier State may be firmly entrenched in the Midwest, but you’ll find some seriously spectacular beaches here. Whether the weather is wet and cold or sunny and warm, it’s time to start planning some adventures at these best beaches in Indiana!

1. Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA
Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons
Indiana Dunes State Park is a natural wonderland located in the northwest portion of the state. It really is one of the best must-visit beaches in Indiana, and boasts more than 2,000 acres of rugged shorelines, white sand, dazzling vistas, and sweeping dunes for those looking for a little challenge. There is also plenty of room for frolicking families to picnic and soak in the Indiana outdoors.

Explore the dunes like never before in this spectacular 4k video:
2. Pokagon Beach
Pokagon Beach, 20 Ln 105 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703, USA
MrHarman/Wikimedia Commons
Pokagon Beach is located in the eponymous Pokagon State Park, a place of seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Pokagon Beach is a beautiful little spot with a sandy little shore that's perfect for enjoying some fun in the sun.
3. Lake Monroe
Lake Monroe, Indiana, USA
Nyttend /Wikimedia Commons
You can find Lake Monroe just ten miles to the southeast of the city of Bloomington. This is actually the largest lake in Indiana and it features a beautiful beach.

If you liked the video of the dunes, you'll love this one of sparkling-blue Lake Monroe:

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4. Hidden Paradise
Hidden Paradise Campground, 802 E Jefferson St, St Paul, IN 47272, USA
Taycha Torres/Google Local
For one of the best lakes in Indiana with beaches, Hidden Paradise is actually a campground located in St. Paul. This beachfront campground is also an adventure park, with waterslides, zip gliding, inflatables, paddle boats, or good, old-fashioned swimming.
5. Lake Street Beach
Lake Street Beach, 860 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403, USA
Takingactioningary/Wikimedia Commons
Miller Beach is the name of a town in the state of Indiana. It just also happens to be home to a pretty incredible beach, Lake Street Beach. Miller Beach is where the Indiana Dunes National Park begins, and is surrounded on all sides by this breathtaking national park.

We can't get enough of this awesome birds-eye view of Lake Street Beach:
6. Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort, 5224 E Indiana Beach Rd, Monticello, IN 47960, USA
Karen Fasimpaur/Wikimedia Commons
The Indiana Beach Amusement Resort is *the* quintessential summer experience in The Hoosier State. Technically, this is an amusement park located in Monticello, Indiana. It just happens to be on a stellar waterfront, making it the ultimate day-trip adventure! An amusement park beach? Now that's something you'll only find in Indiana.

Have you been to any of these beautiful beaches in Indiana before? If so, which is your favorite? Share it with us in the comments! And for more epic adventures in The Hoosier State, be sure to check out these delightful Indiana day trips!

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Best Beaches in Indiana

Sarah | April 25, 2021

Does Indiana have any secret beaches?

Yes! Indiana has a few secret beaches such as the following:

  • Hidden Valley Lake's beach is one of our favorites. Situated on a 150-acre lake and surrounded by golf courses, this lovely beach is tucked away inside a charming little community. You'll often find boats floating on the water here at this peaceful spot.
  • Kemil Beach is one of the least-known beaches at the Indiana Dunes. This Lake Michigan hot spot is a must-visit if you hate crowds. Swimming is allowed, and there are trails all around the area.

 

Check out these spectacular secret beaches that are definitely worth a visit.

Are there any white-sand beaches in Indiana?

While the concept of white sand beaches may seem incompatible with Indiana, there are actually some dazzling white sand beaches here that will take your breath away. Most noteworthy are the beaches at Indiana Dunes State Park, which consists of over 2,000 acres of incredible lakeside beaches and is one of the state's most precious treasures. This gorgeous park is home to some of the whitest sand in the state at sites such as Dunbar Beach and Washington Park Beach. Located along Lake Michigan, you won't find more pristine beaches anywhere else.

Does Indiana have any swimming holes?

Yes, Indiana has many swimming holes. Fox Island State Park in Fort Wayne is a picture-perfect place to spend a summer day in Indiana. The most fascinating and popular feature is the natural swimming hole known as Bowman Lake. There is a small beach leading into the lake and guests are allowed to swim at their own risk as there is no lifeguard on duty. In addition to swimming and enjoying water recreation at Fox Island State Park, those with a fishing license can pay a small fee to spend a slow-paced afternoon engaging in this delightful pastime.

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