Sitting on the fringes of northwest Indiana in the city of Gary, the neighborhood of Miller Beach is a well-kept secret. It is home to a collection of picturesque shores along the expansive Lake Michigan. A local and tourist favorite? The town’s many serene beaches.
Take an unhurried walk along the community’s five miles of uninterrupted public beaches. Pause for dips in the cool water and admire the rare scenic beauty of the surrounding natural sand dunes and wetlands.
Take one vacation to this eco-conscious lakefront region, and you’re guaranteed to be longing for a second (or tenth) visit. And for every stay, we welcome you to make yourself at home in our Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. For 16 years, we have been the choice for more than 16,000 guests. We know our way around, and our local expertise helped us craft this guide on the town’s beach beaches.
Ready to relax? Walk with us through the many Lake Michigan beaches of Miller Beach!
Best Miller Beach Beaches
The sheer variety of shoreside experiences in the Miller Beach neighborhood makes it an appealing destination for beach lovers. Whether it’s the family-friendly Marquette Park, the secluded tranquility of Lakefront Beach, or the rare natural beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park, our beaches redefine the conventional seaside getaway.
1. Lake Street Beach
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
- Address: 860 N Lake St, Gary, IN
- Best for: Families looking to swim, Vermillion Sunset Views, Jet-skiing
Despite sitting at the heart of Miller Beach, Lake Street Beach is a pristine, crowd-free paradise that stretches along the lakefront. With shimmery sands so soft, your toes sink in with every step.
Families are drawn to its shallow, swimmable waters and easy accessibility. The calming sound of wave-lapped shores provides the perfect soundtrack to unwind by the water. There’s even a boat launch for a small, personal watercraft available during summer. At times, the sparkling blue waves of the beach get rough. On those days, it’s wise to stay on the shore, settle in with your favorite book, and take in the blazing sunset skies.
Trails connect Lake Street Beach to the Paul Douglas Environmental Education Center, Marquette Park, and Miller Woods trail, providing opportunities for day-long exploration.
Open daily from dawn to dusk, Lake Street Beach offers a perfect escape, especially during the summer season from Sunday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards ensure safety from 10 am to 6 pm, offering peace of mind as you soak up the sun and enjoy the beach.
2. Marquette Park Beach
Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: Marquette Park Beach, Gary, IN
- Best for: Shorter visits; for a run on the beach or a romantic stroll, dog walking
For a blend of recreation and natural beauty, Marquette Park stands out. With swathes of green expanses and family-friendly amenities, this beach presents an ideal setting for a day of relaxation and play. Marquette Park Beach goes the extra mile; they welcome human visitors and furry friends. Bring along your dogs to cool down in the waters.
On clear days, the beach affords breathtaking vistas of the iconic Chicago skyline— this perfect postcard makes Marquette Park Beach worth visiting.
While a slight breeze and chill may be present, the adjacent Marquette Park serves as a heart-pumping escape into nature. Get on the Calumet Lagoon with a kayak, stroll along the boardwalk, and refuel with a serving of delectable bratwurst at the concession stands.
3. Wells Street Beach
- Address: 9513 Lake Shore Dr, Gary, IN
- Best for: Quiet time on the beach, delicious meal options and people-watching
Sitting on the eastern slice of Miller Beach, Wells Street Beach invites you to indulge in a laid-back beachside escape. This intimate stretch of shoreline is a go-to spot for Miller Beach residents to unwind and connect.
While it may not boast the grandeur of larger, more commercialized beaches, Wells Street Beach gives an authentic beach community experience. The absence of overwhelming crowds allows for an undisturbed relaxation session, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the appeal of nature, peace, and quiet. While you soak up the sun under the shade and enjoy the waves, you’ll find the beach a pet-free sanctuary, ensuring a quiet environment.
While the beach may be cozy, the concession stand’s menu is grand! It goes beyond the basics, treating you to mouthwatering burgers, sizzling hot dogs, indulgent ice cream, and an array of cold, refreshing drinks.
4. West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park
Photo Credit: Indiana Dunes National Park via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: 376 N County Line Rd, Gary, IN
- Best for: Swimming, Hiking, Photo-Ops
Venturing east of Miller Beach leads you to the majestic Indiana Dunes National Park. Here, you’ll encounter diverse landscapes. From sweeping dunes and sandy shores, the park introduces visitors to the area’s most unique ecosystems. Several beaches are nestled within the national park, with standout ones including West Beach, Miller Woods Beach, Kemil Beach, and Lake View Beach. Amongst them, West Beach and Miller Woods Beach are easily accessible from Miller Beach.
Recognized by Parents Magazine as one of the finest destinations for family bonding, West Beach lives up to the accolade!
West Beach is crowd-dense, so we recommend going before 9 a.m. Yet, amidst the lively energy and bustling throngs, picture-perfect expanses of soft white sand and crystalline waters make it a must-visit. Explore numerous pathways and wander through shaded woodlands near West Beach. Hiking trails wind through forested dunes, blowouts, grassy dune ridges, and pine groves, offering a refreshing contrast to the traditional beach experience.
The Succession Trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Michigan with sweeping views of the Chicago Skyline in the distance.
5. Miller Woods Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park
Photo Credit: Samuel Love via Flickr CC 2.0
- Address: 5596 Indian Bend, Gary, IN
- Best for: Alone time, reading a book, easy swimming, romantic walks
At the westernmost stretch of sand within Indiana Dunes State Park, Miller Woods Beach attracts those in search of solitary meditation or a romantic sunset stroll along the water’s edge.
Families gather for picnics on the sandy shores, while couples find solace at this unspoiled haven in Miller Beach.
Park your vehicle at the Paul H. Douglas Center parking lot and set off on a hike on the Miller Woods Trails, where you’ll be rewarded at the end by the sugary beach sands and shallow, crystal-clear blue waters. Spend a playful day with your pooch, as dogs are allowed — just make sure they are on a leash.
Unwind at the Beach with Miller Beach Vacation Rentals!
A day at one of the town’s many beaches is one of the best things to do in Miller Beach. But after swimming and sunbathing your way through the Miller Beach community’s refreshing waters, your tired bones will seek respite.
The best place for deep rest is on the south shore of Lake Michigan. The cozy, comfortable, and fully equipped Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. Whether you’re looking for a cozy villa for two or a spacious haven for the whole family, our beachfront accommodations cater to all preferences.
So, pack your beach essentials and reserve your home-away-from-home rental. Visit Miller Beach today!