Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion

Side-view of Portage Lakefront Pavilion on a sunny day.

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 [phone] ext. 301 or the Indiana Dunes National Park at [phone].

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: 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.