Last updated: August 2, 2024
Place
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion
![Photo of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion.](/common/uploads/cropped_image/primary/75E6D3B9-0B69-8C88-582FBE112DA91551.jpg?width=1600&quality=90&mode=crop)
NPS Staff / Jeff Manuszak
Quick Facts
Location:
1000 Riverwalk Drive, Portage, 46368
Significance:
Model of brownfield reclamation
Designation:
Building, Michigan Lake Observation, Recreation, Public programs
Amenities
28 listed
Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Baby Changing Station, Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Bicycle - Rack, Cellular Signal, Dock/Pier, Electric Car Charging Station, Fire Extinguisher, Fire Pit, Food/Drink - Snacks, Food/Drink - Vending Machine/Self Service, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
This popular location is a great place to view the ever-changing seasons along Lake Michigan and watch dramatic weather and clouds build over the lake. It's an easy location to watch for migrating birds in the spring and summer, and observe shelf ice that forms along the beach edge in the winter. Visitors can enjoy easy access to the lakefront and trails that highlight dune succession. A 3,500 square foot public pavilion includes restrooms, a seasonal snack bar and a glass walled classroom/meeting space.
For more information about public programs offered here, please contact the Portage Parks and Recreation Department at (219) 762-1675 ext. 301 or the Indiana Dunes National Park at (219) 395-1882.Open daily from 7:00am until Dusk. Hours are temporarily shortened to 8:00 am – 9:00 pm due to a spike in overnight vandalism and illegal beach fires. Gates will be locked at 9:00 pm.
Trail:Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. Open daily at all times for those actively involved in fishing. Hours are temporarily shortened to 8:00 am – 9:00 pm due to a spike in overnight vandalism and illegal beach fires. Gates will be locked at 9:00 pm.
For more information about public programs offered here, please contact the Portage Parks and Recreation Department at (219) 762-1675 ext. 301 or the Indiana Dunes National Park at (219) 395-1882.
Directions:
From the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, take IN-49 North to US-12 West. Follow US-12 West for approx. 8.3 miles to IN-249 South. Continue on IN-249 South for approx. 1.9 miles. Turn right at Midwest Steel Hwy. After the bridge, at the stop sign, turn left, cross the bridge, and turn right at the following stop sign (Riverwalk Drive). Continue North on Riverwalk Drive to the parking lot.Hours:
Pavilion:Trail: