I thought this was a great park! There's a beach, zoo, and more. The beach was beautiful! The boardwalk was nice to walk along the beach. Plus there were lots of picnic and seating areas. The parking is nice and there's plenty of it. But I ended up having to pay twice since each lot had a different zone code even though we were in the same park. read more

Washington Park - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

I really like this Beach. I visited on a random Friday and there was plenty of space to park. I appreciate it the cleanliness of the beach, love that there was a ramp going from the walkway to the sand but wish that they had the accessible aisles leading onto the sand like I've seen at other beaches. For a Midwest Beach, the water was very clean. Of course one season is over so there weren't any lifeguards and there was signage explaining that you are swimming at your own risk. I like that there are two restaurants very close by and although I hate porta potties I appreciate that they are an option when the bathroom closes. I'd definitely visit again! read more

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I was here for the lighthouse and the beach, which turned out to be pretty darned awesome. Even on a cool autumn morning, it was a great visit. They were not yet enforcing the parking which is always a bonus. There were a few other people - not many - and the lack of crowds was great too. [Review 20618 overall - 149 in Indiana - 1599 of 2023.] read more

Washington Park - Washington Park, Michigan City - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

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Disappointing experience. When we went to the entrance to pay, we were told that, because we were pulling a trailer, it would be double the fee to park. There were hardly any people there and plenty of room. We were traveling from Michigan to Texas so we couldn't just ditch the trailer. Also, because there was no swimming allowed, we also couldn't walk on the boardwalk to see the lighthouse. Definitely go a little further west to Indiana Dunes Park. read more

L'endroit est sympa mais le prix du parking est vraiment exagéré ! 20 $ pour se garer durant la visite du zoo, soit 2 heures, et pas d'avantages liés à ce parking... un conseil : garez vous à la marina, certes il faut marcher 200 mètres mais au moins c'est gratuit !!! read more

$20 to enter a park that doesn't allow me to walk my dog seems wild. The lady said no swimming today which was fine we hadn't planned on swimming. Wanted to walk around the park, see the lighthouse and admire the water/boats but we opted out. Do better Michigan City. read more

We are staying up the road at the Beachwalk cottage rental community, and popped over today for the art fair at Washington Park. We didn't need to park, as we were on foot, so it was free to go to the fair. However, to access the rest of the park, the area with food trucks and live music, required a fee. So we skipped the food trucks, sadly. But we enjoyed the art fair it and bought a few things! The park was clean. The terrain is a bit uneven, so watch your step if you have balance issues. But we managed ok. It was fun! read more

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I visited Washington Park on a weekday so it wasn't crowded at all. The zoo is nice for a smallish municipal park. Nice collection of animals displayed well. The downside is that the zoo is not very handicapped and/or elderly friendly. Most of the paths and stairways are uneven cobblestone with no handrails. I would not recommend it for anyone with mobility problems. They have a nice little gift shop where I bought some cute little mugs. The beach is wonderful. It stays shallow for a distance making it nice for toddlers. The walk out on the pier to the lighthouse has some good views although I don't know if the lighthouse is actually open to the public. They had a covered shelter at the beach with a lot of room if someone wanted to stay out of the sun and the beach itself is huge. I'm sure that you can find a place even on the busiest days. The restroom nearest the zoo was extremely nasty that day but the bathhouse at the beach was less so. If I lived closer I would go frequently! read more

Washington Park - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

Washington Park Beach is great. The water is clear and shallow for a bit. The lifeguards are active and attentive. The beach was fairly clean. It's $20 to park, but that parking fee is good for the day and you can drive and use it at other parts of the beach, the splash pad and zoo. The only bad part about this place- the bathrooms. They were beyond disgusting. read more

We were recently visiting the area to explore Indiana Dunes National Park. One evening we came over to Washington Park to enjoy the sunset over Lake Michigan with the scenic lighthouse backdrop. The views did not disappoint! There is a boardwalk along the beach, so you don't have to get all sandy if you don't prefer. The boardwalk connects to the pier with the lighthouse. You can walk far out onto the pier to take in the waterfront views. At sunset, the sky was entirely alive with pinks, purples, oranges, and every hue in between. There were many photographers set up along the boardwalk, capturing pictures of the sunset with the Chicago city skyline across the lake. Parking lots were ample and free when we visited, but it appears they may charge for parking sometimes. If you are near hear when the sun is going down, don't miss natures most colorful show of the night! :-D read more

Washington Park - Enjoying the sunset. #NoFilters - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

Lovely park along the lake. Hang out on the beach, enjoy the lighthouse view, stroll through the park, play in the splash pad, and enjoy the landscaping. There are pavilions to have picnics under. The lighthouse museum is within walking distance. Across the way is the Washington Park Zoo to stroll through. There are also several restaurants in the area to grab a bite at. Normally very windy since you are at the lake. Can be chilly unless you are there in the summer, so dress accordingly. read more

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I sincerely believe if they were to start sifting the sand this could become the most popular beach in the Midwest when the power plant finally comes down. It's enormous, the small dunes are beautiful, it has an incredible amount of parking, and looks out on the lighthouse. You can bring alcohol as long as it's not glass. As it stands it's still pretty great. It's close to about 20 bars and restaurants and has a couple along the park itself. The water is clean and generally calm enough to swim from mid-June to late September when the water gets above 66F. There are pebbles along the edge of the water but they're not painful to step on. read more

Nasty overflowing toilets. I do not enjoy walking in sewer water. People bathe in the toilet stalls, and sinks which clogs the drains The Lake is creepy and polluted. read more

Fantastic public park and beachfront with 2 playgrounds, the harbor nearby, the lighthouse and pier etc. There is so much to do and see with picnic pavilions (covered) with built in BBQ to the lighthouse museum to the Splash Pad FREE! There is a charge for anyone not living in City limits and parking fills up very quickly in the summer! The only thing it's missing is a snack shack on the boardwalk. Not sure how MC has totally blanked on this obvious revenue stream read more

The only place to park on the beach. Day pass is $15. Lifeguard station. Outdoor showers to get the sand off your feet read more

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The beach, lighthouse, and overall grounds were great! The crowd was easy going and parking was easy. The only annoying part was that it was $8.00 to park and they didn't take credit cards. I think with a park this size they should take cards or at least post a sign that's it cash only. read more

Beautiful spot, parked right next to the walk way, seating along the walkway just in case you want to sit and enjoy the view. This would be a perfect spot to stop and go fishing, but we just really wanted to get in the water, just a little to cold for that. Definitely next time. Parking off season was free, think sign said $15.00 regularly. read more

Washington Park is pretty much perfect. There's plenty of soft white sand. $7 gives you ample parking that's right by the beach. There are lifeguards. The water is shallow enough for young swimmers. If you have a Wave Runner, you can park it just beyond the sandbar. Sunsets are stunning. You can walk to the lighthouse for a beautiful view. There are public bathrooms. --they're as dirty as you'd expect, but hey, they're bathrooms. And just as important, a shower to remove all of the sand from your crevices before you climb into my car! read more

Pretty nice beach area. Lots of boats, noisy with some trains, planes, and boats but still cool to chill in. Still a fun beach vibe and not too packed. Also right near Michigan city lighthouse and pier read more

First time on this side of Lake Michigan by Michigan City. Ample parking spaces, lifeguard available. Nice to take a walk by the lake and walk towards the lighthouse. Not the white sand we've grown accustomed to at Waverly Beach but this is still a good place to just relax. Very close to the outlet mall and Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant. read more

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Beautiful and clean park and beach! I love coming here with friends and family, it's a nice beach to just take a walk down! Unless you have a pass to get in, it will get expensive though. read more

Washington Park - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

This is our go to beach for trips. Parking is $8 and has a decent amount. Beach is very clean. Does get busy but still always plenty of room. The last couple of times there hasn't been lifeguards on duty. I believe this due to COVID restrictions. read more

A beautiful park and beach. We visited for an evening walk along the pier, but would be perfect for a mid-day stay at the beach as well. Soft sand, easy access, no trash. The sunsets here are gorgeous. Only knock would be that around dusk, the main parking lot to the beach was very noisy (take your kids home before dark) - car doors open blaring music, people yelling, revving engines, motorcycles flying through the parking lot, etc. read more

This park has a beautiful beach. The sand of course has some rocks, but not enough to make your feet uncomfortable. And the waves are magnificent! A great place to go to for sunsets and sunrises! If the weather is clear enough, you can even see the Chicago skyline. It's truly a lovely beach to go to - 10/10! I highly recommend visiting. From now on, this will be my place to go for beach days. read more

Washington Park - Little birds footprints! A super plus. - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

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This is a great spot in Michigan City to go out and hang on the beach for the day. Be warned you do have to pay for parking to get close. This area has several restaurants and the zoo is right there. This whole park is a great spot for a full day of activities. read more

Disappointed you can go to multiple other beaches in the area but this one is closed due to COVID.

Lovely park by the lake. You can walk the entire beachfront year round. There is a beautiful lighthouse on the pier which you can walk out to. Great for swimming in the summer, viewing shelf ice in the winter, and talking walks/runs daily. Very unique place in Indiana. read more

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This was probably one of my favorite mini getaways. The beach had beautiful white sand, not to mention the wonderful view of the light house. Very clean beach, many different activities such as the splash pad, sport activists and the zoo.. I'm sure there is more than that we just didn't venture around enough.. Tasteful restaurants on sight. The water was very clean as well. Parking was only 7$ for the entire day which isn't too bad I've paid a lot more for a lot less. There was a lifeguard on the beach. Family friendly too. This is most certainly a place I would return to. read more

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What had been a major tourist spot in the 1920's The area has lost a lot of the charm it once had.

We came here for Father's day for a family gateway and I must say that I was impressed. At first we were thinking to go to the Central beach but the parking was closed so we ended up at Washington beach and we didn't regret it. The beach was very clean and not crowded. I liked how the sand dunes wraparound the beach and the huge hills, oh, they kept my daughter busy for an hour. We didn't came for swimming because the water was sooo cold, however it's good to know that there are lifeguards on duty. Be aware that you do have to pay $7 for parking but it's worth because the parking is very close to the beach. Tip: You can only pay with cash for parking, however there is and ATM at the ZOO which is right across the parking. read more

Never been here before but wanted to check out the pier. Drove 1 1/2 hrs from Chicago and the drive was nice and smooth. The beach is clean, people are friendly...I'll definitely be back. read more

I love this park/beach. $7 for car/motorcycle parking for the day. There is a beach house for use. Very nice beach, the water depth is VERY gradual which is perfect for kids. read more

In the morning, the beach's aura gave off a sense of tranquility and calmness. However, the icy freeze of the lake was bone-chilling. I had flashbacks to the time when I almost drowned on the Titanic. As the day passed, young people began to arrive. There was too much squalor in the air. The seagulls felt entitled to our food which did not bode well with me. I believe that there is a seagull rivalry at the beach that needs to dealt with, like the bloods and the crips. One of my dear friends was viciously attacked by a rabid duck. A beloved member of my party was attacked by the sun's dangerous rays. Too much sand. Fun time overall, it was aight. read more

$7 to enter the parking lot for a photo on a foggy rainy day? How sad, no "breaks" for pass thrus. Beautiful location with lots of memories but not the same as when I was a resident. There is construction in the area--who knows what the building is. Parking lot a little scary with "derelicts". There are new nice picnic tables on the cement platform near the cat walk. 5-star memories but a "meh" experience for my money. read more

Was here last Sunday, parked and watched the seagulls fighting over the few dead fish they find along the shore.Went swimming and had a great time here for a whole day last summer, so have experienced the place in all seasons. Came here in the middle of the winter too, was really cool then. Except for the occasional socially marginalized type that happens by almost every public place now, it is mostly safe. Nice place, though I like New Buffalo much better.The nice thing about this beach/park is that Michigan City has many more bars and fooderies to offer, and much closer. read more

Wonderful gem on Lake Michigan. The view is breathtaking. I was there in May so not many tourist more locals with there kids. Very peaceful environment. read more

Beautiful beach, lots to do in the park, awesome view of Chicago, and an amazing sunset. The only downfall is the playground equipment. There are 2 playground in the park and all of the equipment is dated. read more

Washington Park - #washingtonparksunset - Parks Near Me - Michigan City, Indiana

My husband and I spent the evening at the beach and the light house. We had a wonderful time!