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/
With sectional title in hand, Riverton Parke looks for more
Nearly 3,000 Indiana students to explore career pathways at LENS Apprenticeship Showcase
Prep your vehicle for winter weather
Expanded opportunities for incarcerated Hoosiers through 10-year Ivy Tech partnership
Legendary Vietnam gun truck to ride DC National Veterans Parade
Rockville man arrested on CSAM charge
Conservation officers remind hunters to prioritize safety during deer season
Ex-postal worker receives sentence for stealing checks in massive $34 million fraud scheme
Christmas Nights of Lights returns to Indiana State Fairgrounds for the 2026 holiday season
MMR vaccines available at Parke County Health Department
Governor Braun extends gas tax savings
Smith, Russell earn spots on Rockville Town Board
Indiana Department of Education changing how schools are graded
Polls open statewide at 6 a.m. Tuesday
Keystone and Caledonia Farmers Elevator agree to pursue merger following successful due diligence
Indiana BMV extends hours ahead of general election
INDOT reminds drivers stay alert for road crews, Project Greenlight to increase worker visibility
GROWMARK invests in Wabash Valley Resources’ Indiana ammonia fertilizer project
