Portage Lakefront is a gem (in my opinion). From the waves of the beach to the distant but peaceful view of the Chicago coastline. Everything about this location is just a gem. Everytime I come to this spot, I feel so utterly peaceful. Like any bad vibes or if something negative happened to me that day...just disappears. Just without a care. Just a word... This place is pretty popular though. It can get crowded. Also, because of Covid-19 people have been wearing masks and practicing social distancing (if you are concerned about it). Plus, it is a good spot to take photos like the ones I have taken. Or if you are a photographer as well. Check it out! I am pretty sure you will like it!
This beach has definitely declined since we last visited a few years ago. The parking and facilities are still very nice (which is the only reason I gave it any stars), but the beach itself is in really bad shape.The trails to get to it are washed out / roped off, and parts are the original trail have fallen and are almost completely underwater (see sunken circular piece). Unfortunately there was no clear way to get to the water nor was there a place for my daughter to play in the beach sand. We ended up leaving after a few minutes playing in a small sand area up by the building.
Great place to just unwind and relax! Watch the sunset and see Chicago across the Lake. Easy access and parking. Small shop to get a bite to eat with tables to relax at. Beach section is no longer there, walking for easy exercise is Great. Closes at dusk.
A secluded spot that many don’t know about it’s existence, this lakefront area hosts a walking trail that loops alongside the channel that leads from the marina to the lake. Currently, it’s in a bit if disarray from the weather pushing on the trail, and lack of maintenance, but it’s still fun to walk. The pier is eye catching and attracts local fisherman. Weather from fall2019/winter2020 eroded the beach which now is causing a bit of a hazard, but it’s still a lovely place to see the Chicago skyline in the distance.
Great place to very good shots of crashing waves. Theyre doing construction, so you cant walk the beach or the pier right now.
This is a nice little park, it is easily accessible by car. It has two electric vehicles chargers which is very nice!. It has nice views and you can get a very nice view of the city of Chicago on a clear day. I see many fishermen fishing along the shore but I would not recommend keeping and fish from here because it is very close to steel mills water discharges!!. It has a venue for events, restrooms and few vending machines for a drink. Overall it is a nice park to check out if you are a local !
The power of mother nature is on FULL DISPLAY at this beach. Observe the destroyed concrete and steel, laying broken and scattered, as a testament to the ever-changing landscape that is the dunes and shores of Lake Michigan.
Clean and secluded, tucked away near a industrial area. Its got little pebbles and stones along the beach. Lots of driftwood for seating and shade. Water shoes recommended. Beautiful natural scenery.
Beautiful vistas and surprisingly clean areas... Exciting to see multiple forms of wildlife. The lizards, ducks, and gulls were a thrill to see up close.
Unsure of whats going on with the landscape, it would have be been beautiful to sit and watch the waves. Besides, it was closed due to dangerous water conditions.It looks deserted.
Very pretty. Lots of rocks to avoid in water. The flies were insane this day. (Not the Parks fault). The new building is very nice. Needs an official handicap as a accessible path to beach.
Its Beautiful even though weve lost all of the beach area,, be nice if people wouldnt park in circle an block others from driving out of PARKING AREA,, And when boat come in an out they dont make LARGE WAKES TO DAMAGE SIDES OF CHANNEL NEED MORE POLICE PATROLLING OF LAKE. HELP KEEP LAKE MICHGAN CLEAN AN SAFE FOR ALL! Thank You!
Beautiful recreation project plus free parking!
Nice place to go and get outside! They had a nice concession stand and beautiful scenery!
It was absolutely terribke. I dont think this is supposed to be a beach. Huge clusters of rocks IN THE WATER, COULD NOT WALK IN THE WATER, it was very dirty. WILL NOT RETURN
Beautiful view, you can even see Chicago from it. The trail is not worth it
Beautiful scenery. Lovely little beach ️
Always a favorite place for us to stop while in the area! Beautiful views and on a clear day you can see the City of Chicago skyline!
Good Walking Area--Trail was closed due to construction.
People were friendly. Food, beer,and wine was available for purchase. Call them on Facebook for upcoming events. Great place just to hang out.
Beautiful beach location. A little more food would be niceLove it there.
Beautiful, despite all the erosion along the now gone beach.
Beautiful location, well organized with parking and a boardwalk - easy to enjoy the surroundings.
Nice to take a easy stroll near the river. Be attentive of signage to get there since you can be driving into industrial area. Good place to take the doggie for a walk.
Nice facilities. The beach has a bunch of what appeared to be concrete sticking out of the water
So sad.... Got married on that circle in 2017... Theres no beach no more... I hope they are able to fix it... Love that place!
Wish the corosian would stop its still beautiful but cant swim there anymore
There is no better place to exist than this place
Nice area to hike and take in the lakefront sights
Wonderful place at sunset. I liked knowing the police are present, just in case of an emergency
Beautiful lakefront with good fishing, and summertime concession.
It was pretty cloudy today, but it was still quite lovely. Its impressive to hear of what it was like in the before they cleaned it up. However, all the steel mills are still nearby. With it being so cloudy out, it seemed a lot of the factory smoke was prsent. You couldnt see it, but you smelled it. It was a little hard for me to breathe and I am healthy, so keep this in mind if you have somebody that has trouble breathing take this walk. It is an easy walk from the parking lot and it is neat that you can see Chicago from this location. It was me seeing all the crashing waves because it made it feel like I was at the ocean.
Great Location to watch Sunset and enjoy the Riverwalk.
Chicago was very clear for this time day!
Beautiful view. PEACEFUL
Awesome! Must see!
Beautiful facility. Awesome place to view the lake and the Chicago skyline.
Beautiful sunset here!
I would receive anyone to stop by this beautiful gem in NW Indiana. The views are amazing especially when sun starts to set. The beach can be tricky to get to but worth it. All I can say is that if you want a nice relaxing evening to watch sun set this it place.
It wasnt crowded. Beautiful view
Just a nice place to watch a sunset or have a picnic or fish off the shore.
Great place to see the sun set, the beach has eroded, next year there going to repair all the damage and put some more sand down.
Lovely waterfront walking paths with views of the lake. I took a chance and stopped here with my dog while traveling through the state. As far as I could tell dogs are permitted around the walking paths and pier but not in the beach area.
Gorgeous sunset over lake
This is a really neat spot if you like scenes of nature reclamation. The overlooks have fallen into the water and the bars along the walkway have been destroyed by ice and thaw. It has a very apocalyptic feel to it.The new canal walkway is pretty cool too, it has an audio tour you can take if you bring your phone. Its not a long walk either way but its pleasant.
Not crowded...natural not commercial.
Getting down to the beach was a wee bit tricky and there werent any trash receptacles.
The lakefront at Portage is a gentle (at least today it was) heart freeing place. The walk down the pier was energizing to us. The beauty of the big lake stretching out before us all the way to the Chicago skyline was awe inspiring. The number of people who were out for a walk themselves showed me that this is a meaningful place tore people than just me.
Tell people not to sit on picnic tables...use the bench like a human
Beautiful area, family friendly, and lots to do.
Great sunsets can be seen from this location
Despite the fact that the weather and time have destroyed the walk.Another convenient way to enter has been built.The water is amazing here,its warmer and seems cleaner and clear.It doesnt get very congested.They have a nice consession stand and tables to eat it you bring your own food.The landscape is beautiful.A very nice beach to visit, despite the renevations that need to be made again.
Like walking the western jetty but disappointed that the river board walk was washed away and not replaced. Its not worth walking down there anymore unless you are going fishing.
Some pollution going on here, unfortunately...
The only thing dont like Theresa rocks before you get in water but I like it
This once rising lake front has been transformed and not well kept
Beautiful view of lake Michigan and catch the sunset! My wife and I have picnics here often.
The beach is not that large but there is a small pier that stretches out on the lake which is great for fishing or taking in a beautiful lake sunset.
It is an amazing place difficult to find with poor street sines. BUT it is well worth the difficulty getting to it. Has a great break wall one can walk out on.Great view of Chicago skyline 35 miles across lake. There are often Ranger led fireplace talks on evenings. One can rent the conference room for about 25-50 people. Don’t miss this! And find the River Walk.
Fantastic place for people who love exploring Gods wonderful creation.
Love the view, but its falling in to Lake Michigan due to errosion.
Trail Stop was awesome
This park is a little treasure, hidden behind the steel mills. Its one of the most easily accessible lakefront locations. Its easy to drive-in and park to make use of the walking trail, fishing pier, or beach front. The beach has had some erosion-related issues, but hopefully it will be replenished soon. Its a great stop, a little hard to find, but worth it.
So beautiful and serene
Awesome views! I would definitely recommend visiting to take in the lake. Just be warned that getting there can be a little confusing. Once there its worth the trip.
Romantic scenery.
The river walk is a short loop but half of it is looking at the steel plant across the river. The river itself is fairly polluted. I would not recommend coming to the area. There are plenty of much nicer areas in the national park.
Watched the sunset. Very clean and volunteers there were very kind and informative. Nice place.
Its a beautiful area. Enjoyed going there. Just make sure you dont have problems walking
Great view, and great place to get away from everything.
Beautiful setting! Very pleasantly surprised considering I thought we took a wrong turn! Worth checking out for sure. I bet its really beautiful in the warmer weather!
This place is nice.
Amazing example of storefront reclamation of a former steel mill dumping spot. Worth seeing!
It is a great place to go but the beach is pretty much gone. We need to do something about it in order to do more fun things out on the portage beach.
Love the natural beauty of this place. Fun for all!
Very nice walk. Beach was closed, but it was too cold for swimming anyway.
A nice place to stop if youre in the area theres pretty much no beaches for swimming but some nice views of Chicago and the waterfront. Also some nice hiking trails on a paved path through the dunes and along a canal
Very nice way to watch the sunset if youre not into the whole sand thing. Very clean as well. They do close the gates at dusk though.
Nice and the view
Beautiful and its free to walk around and take family pictures
My wife and I enjoy going out to the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. We are so lucky to live close to Lake Michigan and really enjoy the park.
Beach was GORGEOUS and not crowded
Great memories as a child catching my first ever catfish here, over 15 years ago. Miss this place
Omg what a hidden lil gem! And seeing the Chicago skyline across the lake was absolutely breathtaking!! It took us a minute to figure out how to get there but not very hard to find. Very much worth the stop along a long road trip when traveling along interstate 90/94! I will be returning sometime to show the rest of my family this beautiful spot! Although it was sad to see some of the paths were completely taken away from the water level rising but at the same time it put perspective on the effects we have done to our planet.
Great view of the lake. Attended a memorial service.
Beautiful views. They sure need help with shoring up the beach though. Come on politicians how about some domestic aid?