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E. coli levels shut down swimming at Indiana Dunes beaches

Friday, July 31, 2026 at 7:33 AM

By Staff report

Testing on Wednesday indicated that E. coli levels at Mt. Baldy, Central, Dunbar, Portage Lakefront, and West Beach exceeded water quality standards for swimming.

Due to an increased risk of contracting an illness while swimming, the national park advises against swimming at Mt. Baldy, Central, Dunbar, Portage Lakefront, and West Beach until further notice. Additional testing at Mt. Baldy, Central, Dunbar, Portage Lakefront, and West Beach will occur to determine bacteria levels and results will be updated.

The National Park Service recommends enjoying Mt. Baldy, Central, Dunbar, Portage Lakefront, and West Beach from shore only. All other national park waters were within the water quality standards for swimming.

Indiana Dunes National Park provides this information for visitors so they may make informed decisions regarding contact with the waters of Lake Michigan within Indiana Dunes National Park. The National Park Service does not close its beach access areas due solely to elevated bacteria levels. The beach remains open and available for public use, and the public is advised to take precautions for their own safety based on water quality, weather conditions, and other relevant information.

Please note: West Beach is the only National Park beach where lifeguards are provided. For information on beach hazards visit the National Weather Service’s Web site: https://portal.idem.in.gov/BeachAlert/ 

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