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Beverly Shores is a small, low-key town on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in Porter County, Indiana. Despite its name appearing alongside 'Illinois' in some database listings, it is firmly situated in Indiana, roughly 50 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. Its permanent population numbers only in the hundreds, giving it a genuinely quiet, almost private character that contrasts sharply with the busy beach towns nearby.
The town sits almost entirely within or immediately adjacent to Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the more ecologically diverse national parks in the United States. Visitors come for sweeping sand dunes, miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, wetlands, bogs, prairie remnants, and hardwood forests — all within a single park unit.
Beverly Shores is also known among architecture enthusiasts for its collection of 'Century of Progress' homes — five houses originally built as exhibition structures for the 1933–34 Chicago World's Fair that were later barged across Lake Michigan and reassembled here. They remain privately owned but are visible from the road and occasionally open during local preservation events.
The overall atmosphere is residential and tranquil. There are no large hotels, no shopping districts, and very few restaurants within the town limits itself. Visitors should plan accordingly and treat Beverly Shores as a peaceful retreat and national park base rather than a conventional tourist destination.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Beverly Shores is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current rules relevant to your nationality.
What to Pack
- Beach and dune visits: Sun protection, water, sturdy footwear for sandy and uneven terrain. Dune climbs can be strenuous.
- Hiking: Trail maps (available at Indiana Dunes National Park visitor centers), layers for shoulder seasons when lake breezes can be cool even in summer.
- Self-sufficiency: Grocery stores and pharmacies are not within Beverly Shores itself. Stock up in Michigan City, Chesterton, or Portage before arriving.
Connectivity and Services
Cell coverage is generally adequate but can be inconsistent in heavily wooded or low-lying areas of the park. Do not rely on real-time navigation inside the dunes. Download offline maps before your visit.
Getting There
By Train
The South Shore Line (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District) connects Chicago's Millennium Station to Beverly Shores station, making this one of the most accessible car-free national park gateways in the Midwest. Travel time from Chicago is roughly 90 minutes depending on the service. Verify current schedules and fares at the official South Shore Line website before travel.
By Car
From Chicago, Beverly Shores is accessible via I-90/94 east to I-65 south, then connecting roads toward the lakeshore, or via the Chicago Skyway and US-12. The drive typically takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Parking areas exist at various Indiana Dunes National Park access points; an America the Beautiful annual pass or a standard National Park Service entry fee may apply — verify current fee information at nps.gov/indu.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW). Michigan City Municipal Airport is closer but serves limited general aviation traffic. Most visitors arriving by air rent a car or combine rail and ride-share options.
Getting Around
Beverly Shores itself is very small and walkable for those staying within the town, but the surrounding national park is spread across a wide area. A personal vehicle is the most practical way to move between different sections of Indiana Dunes National Park.
The South Shore Line train stops within the town, which is useful for day-trippers from Chicago arriving without a car, but reaching trailheads and beach access points from the station may require a walk of varying distance. Ride-share availability can be limited and inconsistent in this rural area — do not count on it without verifying in advance.
Bicycling is possible on some park roads and trails; the Calumet Trail connects several communities along the lakeshore. Verify trail conditions and permitted sections at the national park visitor center.
Where to Stay
Beverly Shores has no conventional hotel or motel properties within the town. Accommodation options are primarily short-term vacation rentals (search major rental platforms for availability near Beverly Shores or Indiana Dunes). Some properties sit on or near the lakefront and offer direct park access.
The Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park (a separate adjacent state park) offer campground options; reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and are managed through recreation.gov and the Indiana state parks system respectively. Verify current availability and reservation requirements before your trip.
Visitors seeking traditional hotel accommodation should look in Chesterton, Michigan City, or Portage, all of which have lodging chains within reasonable driving distance of Beverly Shores.
Things to See & Do
Indiana Dunes National Park
The primary reason most visitors come to Beverly Shores. The park encompasses beaches, dunes up to 200 feet high, wetlands, rivers, and forests. Mount Baldy is one of the most visited dune features — note that access conditions and guided-tour requirements have changed in recent years; check nps.gov/indu for current access rules before visiting. The park's trail network ranges from easy lakefront walks to more demanding dune climbs.
Century of Progress Homes
Five surviving structures from the 1933–34 Chicago World's Fair were moved to Beverly Shores and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They can be viewed from the road along Lake Front Drive. The Dunes Nature Preserve and local preservation organizations occasionally coordinate open-house events — check locally for current opportunities.
Birding and Wildlife
The ecological diversity of the dunes region makes it a noted stopover on migratory flyways. Spring and fall bring significant bird activity. The park hosts a range of habitats unusual for a single location, and naturalist programs are offered by the National Park Service seasonally — schedules available at the park visitor center.
Swimming and Beaches
Lake Michigan swimming is popular in summer. Water quality and beach conditions vary; check the Porter County Health Department or park website for current swimming advisories before entering the water.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or grocery stores operating within Beverly Shores town limits as of widely available information — verify locally in case this has changed. Visitors should plan meals before arriving or drive to nearby communities.
Nearby Options
- Chesterton, IN (roughly 8–10 miles west): A small downtown with several restaurants, a bakery, and a farmers market in season.
- Michigan City, IN (roughly 10 miles east): Larger selection of restaurants and a grocery infrastructure.
- Portage, IN (to the west): Chain restaurants and grocery stores convenient for stocking up.
If staying overnight, self-catering through a vacation rental with kitchen access is a practical strategy.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911. The nearest full-service hospitals are in Michigan City and Valparaiso. The national park has ranger staff who can assist with emergencies within park boundaries.
Time Zone Note
Indiana's time zone situation has historically been complex. Porter County, where Beverly Shores is located, observes Central Time including daylight saving time — the same as Chicago. However, if you are traveling from other parts of Indiana, be aware that not all Indiana counties follow the same rules. Verify your devices are set correctly.
Accessibility
Some beach and trail areas within Indiana Dunes National Park have accessible boardwalks and facilities. Contact the park visitor center for current accessibility information, as conditions and available accommodations change seasonally.
Money
Card payments are accepted at most businesses in the surrounding communities. Within Beverly Shores itself, carry cash as a backup given the limited commercial presence.
Safety
Beverly Shores is a quiet residential community with no particular safety concerns beyond those common to any outdoor recreation area.
Dune safety is the most relevant practical hazard. Steep dune faces can cause falls, and the reflected heat from sand surfaces can cause rapid dehydration or heat exhaustion in summer. Carry water, wear sun protection, and do not attempt dune climbs in extreme heat without adequate preparation. The Mount Baldy dune area has had documented sinkhole hazards in the past; follow all posted closures and ranger guidance.
Lake Michigan swimming carries real risks. The lake can produce strong longshore currents and rip currents, and water temperatures remain cold well into summer. Swim only in areas with lifeguard coverage when possible, and heed any posted flags or advisories. The lake's conditions can change quickly.
Wildlife: The dunes region is home to coyotes, white-tailed deer, and various snake species including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (rare but present in some wetland areas). Maintain distance from wildlife and stay on marked trails when possible.
