West Beach Picnic Shelters

About West Beach Picnic Shelters

Overview Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 16,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests. Recreation There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes. As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs. Facilities West Beach offers eight universally accessible picnic shelters. Seasonal restrooms and potable water are available at the picnic area from mid-May through mid-October, while year-round restrooms and potable water are available at the contact station. A bathhouse with showers and lockers is open seasonally. The West Beach parking lot has 596 spots including 20 bus/RV parking sites. Please note the lot may fill up on holiday weekends. Natural Features Indiana Dunes National Park i

How to Get There

The address for West Beach is 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403 For more detailed directions for all areas of the park visit the Directions page on the park website.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to West Beach Picnic Shelters

Heading to West Beach Picnic Shelters? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)