Welcome to Whihala Beach County Park

1561 Park Road - Whiting, Indiana 46394

Whihala Beach GPS coordinates: 41.683887,-87.490886

Beach open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (daily) from Memorial Day - Labor Day (excluding weekdays the end of August and first of September prior to Labor Day); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weekends) Memorial Day - Labor Day (WEATHER PERMITTING)

WATCH FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ON 2010 BEACHFRONT OPERATIONS

Boat launch is currently closed due to low Lake levels.  

From I-80/94 travel north on  Indianapolis Avenue to 119th Street and follow park directional signs.

Whihala Beach offers the following features:
  • barrier free toilet
  • boat launch (currently closed due to low lake levels)
  • fishing (Indiana waters).  Fishing license required
  • limited food concessions
  • jogging
  • parking fee (when gatekeeper on duty)
  • picnic tables
  • swimmers rinse shower
  • swimming lakes
  • toilets (flush)

WELCOME TO WHIHALA BEACH

Lake County’s own portal to Lake Michigan is Whihala Beach County Park.  The summer proves Whihala popular with swimmers, boaters, and even sightseers.  During the spring and fall, birdwatchers use the beachfront to see many of the migrating bird species in the flyway.  While Whihala Beach is a smaller land base than other county park facilities, it is a mighty 21 acres.  On clear days the Chicago skyline looks like a 3-D viewfinder photo, popping out over majestic Lake Michigan. 

Whihala is a program unto itself, however proving popular with school groups is the Water, Water Everywhere program in September after the beach closes.  The program, designed for middle school grades, takes a hands-on look at one the greatest resources we have in Lake County Indiana – our Great Lake. 

Acquisition of Whihala Beach, named for Whiting/Hammond Lakefront began in 1977  when the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department purchases 3.82 acres of Lake Michigan lakefront in Hammond-Whiting area (Whihala Beach).

In 1981 the park was dedicated and added to the park system.  Four years later, in 1985 the boat launch ramp was opened and dedicated; providing access to Lake Michigan.  In 1996 the west end of Whihala Beach was opened and a fishing pier was added, providing fisherman without boats, access to lake fishing.

 HOME
Back to PARKS main page

 

 

FOR SHELTER RESERVATIONS CALL 

Phone:  219-769-PARK (7275)

(no shelters available at Whihala Beach)

Lake County Parks and Recreation Department Corporate Office
8411 East Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 

Just west of Deep River Waterpark   4.5 miles east of I-65 on Route 30