90°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
39%
34
LaPorte County, IN · Great Lakes
Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)
100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360
Michigan City's flagship lakefront park — nearly two miles of Lake Michigan beach framed by dunes and the 1904 Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse (Indiana's only working lighthouse) with its iconic catwalk out to the breakwater.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 90, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Patchy smoke after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 39% rain — pop-up showers possible
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued july 18 at 4:33pm edt until july 19 at 5:00am edt by nws northern indiana
34 /100
skip
45 Sunbathe
17 Walk
4 Fish
28 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued July 18 at 4:33PM EDT until July 19 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...North winds 10 to 20 knots becoming northeast at 5 to 15 knots late. Gusts up to 25 knots this evening. Waves 2 to 3 feet building to 3 to 5 feet. * WHERE...Michigan City IN to New Buffalo MI. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 5 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Patchy smoke from late evening on.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
10 mph
N
Rain
39%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Patchy Smoke then Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
1 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:28 AM
Sunset
9:18 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Patchy Smoke then Sunny
0%
87
87°
Mostly Sunny
3%
82
85°
Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
80%
15
73°
Sunny
2%
78
78°
Sunny
0%
86
81°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
77
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 39% rain chance
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Best Fishing Times Today
Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.
Minor
11:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Major
4:20 AM - 6:20 AM
Minor
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Major
4:40 PM - 6:40 PM
Beach Info
Parking
Paid lot at the park; fills early on summer weekends.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the swimming beach. Dedicated dog beach at NIPSCO Beach east of the main park.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) today?
Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the swimming beach. Dedicated dog beach at NIPSCO Beach east of the main park.
Is there an entry fee at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?
Entry to Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?
Amenities at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) include lifeguards (posted hours), restrooms, showers, concession with rooftop restaurant, lighthouse with catwalk, splash park, zoo, marina.
When is the water warmest at Washington Park Beach (Michigan City)?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) located?
Washington Park Beach (Michigan City) is in LaPorte County, IN, at 100 E Michigan Blvd, Michigan City, IN 46360.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS