Beautiful Lake Michigan. The only Great Lake to lay wholly within the borders of the United States. At 321 miles long and 119 miles wide, with a surface area of 45.500 square miles and a maximum depth of 923 feet deep, it is the second largest Great Lake only behind Lake Superior. Along the southern shores of Lake Michigan lies the renowned Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Established in 1966, and rebranded in 2019, the federally protected lakeshore spans more than 15,000 acres comprised of sand dunes, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and popular beaches.
Lake Michigan is a beloved summer destination for many beachgoers. Its expansive shoreline, soft sand, and freshwater waves make it a perfect getaway. Each year over 3 million visitors embark on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, not knowing beneath all the beauty lies a serious reality - Lake Michigan is the most dangerous lake of all the Great Lakes, especially along its southern shores in Indiana.
Each year, lives are lost due to dangerous currents, sudden drop-offs, and a general underestimation of how powerful this lake can be. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, or just visiting for a quick dip, understanding the risks is crucial to staying safe. Unlike oceans, people often assume freshwater lakes are calmer and safer, but Lake Michigan has proven otherwise. In fact, it consistently ranks as the deadliest of the Great Lakes due to its geography and wind patterns, which create deadly currents.
Courtney Papka, a Lifeguard at West Beach and Customer Care Associate with Franciscan Health Fitness Center Chesterton, has firsthand experience of how dangerous Lake Michigan can be. We spoke with Courtney about how visitors can stay safe while enjoying Lake Michigan. She shared some essential advice that all beachgoers should keep in mind whether planning a full day by the water or just a quick visit.
“Before you even head to the beach, check the weather,” Papka says. “It helps you know what to wear, what to bring, and how to plan. The sun can really drain your energy, and if you’ve brought too much stuff, it’s hard to make that hike back to your car, especially if you’re tired or have any mobility challenges.”
Tent safety is another top priority at West Beach. Papka advises: “Please bring tents with flat tops and always set them up behind the lifeguard station. Anything that blocks our view of the water slows down our response time. It may not seem like a big deal, but every second counts in an emergency.”
When it comes to the water itself, Papka emphasizes knowing your surroundings. “The bottom half of Lake Michigan is known for rip currents, and they’re no joke. If you get caught in one, flip onto your back, float, and follow the current instead of fighting it. You’ll eventually escape it and can swim back to shore safely.” She also reminds us “If someone looks like they’re drowning, do not go in after them. It’s extremely dangerous and you too could be pulled down. So please, always alert a lifeguard or call for help instead.”
Understanding the color of the water can also help you stay safe, Papka states. “Darker water usually means deeper water. If the water looks brown, that’s sand stirred up, which means the sandbar has shifted, and the deep spots have changed. It’s also important to know green water is a red flag for high E. coli levels, so you should stay out.”
As far as visibility is concerned, Papka advises, “Always wear brightly colored swimwear. It makes you easier to spot if something goes wrong in the water, darker color swimsuits can blend into the water and make it much more difficult to find you.” Be mindful in choosing a bright color swimsuit. Bright greens and blues can blend into the water, making it difficult for a lifeguard to see a person if they are under the water.
Finally, Papka reminds everyone to be respectful of the beach itself. “Be aware of your surroundings, and please pick up your trash. We want everyone to have a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience here.”
Lake Michigan is breathtaking, but it demands our respect. By staying informed, preparing ahead, and following simple safety guidelines like those shared by Courtney Papka, every visitor can help ensure their beach day ends with happy memories instead of tragedy. Whether you’re setting up a tent, stepping into the waves, or just relaxing on the sand, remember beauty and danger can exist side by side. Stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy everything this remarkable lake has to offer.
Popular Beaches Along the Northwest Indiana Shoreline
Most beaches require an entrance fee, please contact the beach directly for more information.
All Safety Rings are located 50 meters from the shoreline, if in an emergency, scan the shoreline to find a Safety Ring.
Hammond Lakefront
Address: 701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN 46320
Phone: (219) 659-7678
Amenities: Boat launch, Concessions, Restrooms, Lifeguard, Wheelchair accessible
Wihala Beach
Address: 1143 115th St, Whiting, IN 46394
Phone: (219) 659-0860
Amenities: Whoa Zone Floating Waterpark, Concessions, Restrooms, Lifeguards
Jeorse Beach
Address: 3301 Aldis Avenue, East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 391-8482
Amenities: playground, a walkable breakwall and a splash pad to keep kids cool. Adjacent to East Chicago Marina and Ameristar Casino. Parking and restrooms are easily accessible. The home of Fusic Fest!
Safety: No Lifeguards
Miller Woods Beach
Address: 100 N Lake St, Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 395-1882
Amenities: No amenities offered.
Safety: No Lifeguards
Lake Street Beach
Address: 860 N Lake St, Gary, 46403
Phone: (219) 938-7362
Amenities: Boat launch and wave-runner ramp, fishing access, restrooms, lifeguard, wheelchair accessible. Dog-friendly.
Marquette Beach
Address: 1 N. Grand Blvd, Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 881-1300
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, Aquatorium, fishing lagoon, wheelchair accessible, shelters, playground, Marquette Trail
Wells Street Beach
Address: 9501 Lake Shore Dr., Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 938-8275
Amenities: Concessions, restrooms
Safety: No Lifeguards
West Beach
Address: 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 926-7561
Amenities: Concessions, restrooms, picnic area, first aid, wheelchair access, fishing at nearby Long Lake and bird watching. Bathhouse with showers and lockers is open seasonally
Portage Lakefront Beach
Address: Riverwalk Dr, Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 762-1675
Amenities: A 3,500 square foot public pavilion includes restrooms, a seasonal snack bar, fishing pier, trails, and a glass walled classroom and meeting space
Safety: No Lifeguards
Porter Beach
Address: Wabash Ave. & Duneland Dr., Porter, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 926-7561
Amenities: Parking available for 65 vehicles. Seasonal restrooms. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible but the beach is not. No alcohol, no glass containers, no fires on beach. no removing plants, rocks, shells and fossils
Safety: No Lifeguards
Indiana Dunes State Park Beach
Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 926-1952
Amenities: Concessions, restrooms, lifeguard (11am to 6pm in season), picnic areas, campgrounds, wheelchair access
Kemil Beach
Address: E State Park Road, Beverly Shores, IN 46301
Phone: (219) 926-7561
Amenities: Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). Alcohol permitted when used responsibly. Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches. Seasonal restrooms and a drinking fountain at the parking lot available from mid-April through mid-November.
Safety: No Lifeguards
Dunbar Beach
Address: 300 W Lake Front Drive, Beverly Shores, IN 46301
Phone: (219) 395-1882
Amenities: Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). Alcohol permitted when used responsibly. Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches. Seasonal restrooms and potable water available from early April through mid-November.
Safety: No Lifeguards
Lake View Beach
Address: NW Corner of Lakefront Drive & Broadway Street, Beverly Shores, IN 46301
Phone: (219) 926-7561
Amenities: Parking for cars, information board listing current park activities, year-round restrooms and potable water, picnic tables and shelters.
Safety: No Lifeguards
Central Avenue Beach
Address: Central Avenue and Valley Avenue, Beverly Shores, IN 46301
Phone: (219) 926-7561
Amenities: Seasonal restrooms mid-April through mid-October. Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). Alcohol permitted when used responsibly. Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches.
Safety: No Lifeguards
Mount Baldy Beach
Address: 101 Rice Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 926-7561
Amenities: No amenities offered.
Safety: No Lifeguards
Washington Park Beach
Address: 115 Lakeshore Dr., Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 873-1506
Amenities: Swimming beach, Indiana's only working lighthouse and catwalk, fitness trails, splash park, concessions (seasonal), historic monuments, marina and boat launch, public access fishing and zoo.
Sources:
Lake Michigan | Depth, Freshwater, Size, & Map | Britannica
Beach Closures, Safety & Weather | Indiana Dunes