Hoosiers know that they don’t need to go to the coastal United States to see absolutely awe-inspiring beaches. Nope, we can just head to Lake Michigan and the many beaches Indiana offers along this large natural body of water. Sometimes, you might even forget you’re NOT at the ocean.

One such spectacular lake is Michigan City Beach, located in, you guessed it, Michigan City, Indiana.

Jim723/TripAdvisor Otherwise known as Washington Park Beach, this place features more than two miles of totally pristine beach not at all unlike those of the seas.

It’s also home to a publicly-operating lighthouse, the only working one in the state!

Bettina P/TripAdvisor Much like the ocean, sunrises and sunsets here are absolutely worth waking up and staying for.

The beaches aren’t the only lure to the area; there is so much to do around here that it may need another article to explain all the way through!

Tom Gill/Flickr Some nearby attractions include the Washington Park Zoo, a splash park, and, of course, maritime activities like fishing and boating.

A lot of days, usually on the weekends, this beach finds itself just as busy as one in, say, California.

sally s/TripAdvisor People come from all over to relax and unwind in the tropical-like atmosphere.

Other days, though, the beach is quiet - a perfect place to pause and reflect.

Tzuhsun/TripAdvisor Just how crowded Washington Park Beach is depends on the day and time of year. It’s well worth visiting during the off-season, just as much so as the popular summer season.

People don’t exactly think “beaches” when they think “winter,” but the winters at this beach are postcard worthy!

Tom Gill/Flickr There’s something just lovely about snow and sand in the same place, especially when there’s the lighthouse to marvel at.

Make sure to bring a camera - you’re going to be happy you did.

Ashtin Buchanan/Flickr Photogenic all year-round, we’re pretty sure a visit to Michigan City/Washington Park Beach is one you won’t forget.

For more information including hours, fees, permits and other resources, check out the Michigan City website for the park here.

Jim723/TripAdvisor

Otherwise known as Washington Park Beach, this place features more than two miles of totally pristine beach not at all unlike those of the seas.

Bettina P/TripAdvisor

Much like the ocean, sunrises and sunsets here are absolutely worth waking up and staying for.

Tom Gill/Flickr

Some nearby attractions include the Washington Park Zoo, a splash park, and, of course, maritime activities like fishing and boating.

sally s/TripAdvisor

People come from all over to relax and unwind in the tropical-like atmosphere.

Tzuhsun/TripAdvisor

Just how crowded Washington Park Beach is depends on the day and time of year. It’s well worth visiting during the off-season, just as much so as the popular summer season.

There’s something just lovely about snow and sand in the same place, especially when there’s the lighthouse to marvel at.

Ashtin Buchanan/Flickr

Photogenic all year-round, we’re pretty sure a visit to Michigan City/Washington Park Beach is one you won’t forget.

Have you ever been to a beach that feels like the ocean but isn’t? Which one? Tell us about them in the comments!

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Address: 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA