The Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse was originally built in 1904 and remains a functioning aid to navigation.
The Washington Park Zoo, established in 1928, is built on a hillside that offers elevated views of the lake.
The beach is part of a larger 99-acre park that includes a historic bandstand.
The harbor area is home to a significant fleet of recreational fishing charter boats.
The sand at this beach is part of the extensive Indiana Dunes ecosystem.
The park contains memorial gardens and various statues dedicated to local maritime history.
Washington Park Beach is a prominent Lake Michigan shoreline located in Michigan City, Indiana, featuring over two miles of sandy coastline. The property integrates the Washington Park Zoo, which houses over 90 species of animals across 15 acres of rugged terrain. The site features a historic pier that leads to the 1904 Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse. Visitors have access to a large marina, picnic pavilions, and extensive sand dunes. The beach is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months. It serves as a regional hub for recreation in LaPorte County. The park grounds provide direct access to the North Pier and views of the surrounding harbor activities.
The mid-point of the pier looking back toward the lighthouse and the shoreline.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the transition between the sandy beach areas and the concrete pier.
Pack a windbreaker, as lakefront temperatures can be significantly cooler than inland areas.
Check local water quality reports before swimming, as conditions on Lake Michigan change daily.
Do not attempt to walk on the pier during high waves or storm conditions, as it becomes extremely slippery and dangerous.
Beach facilities and concessions are seasonal; the lighthouse is not typically open for interior tours.
Carry-in/carry-out trash policy; keep dogs on a leash in designated areas and off the primary swimming beach.
