If we told the average person that there aren’t just one, aren’t just two, aren’t just three amazing beaches in Indiana, but many, they’d probably assume we were nuts and back away slowly. Sure, the Hoosier State might be landlocked, but as any real Hoosier knows, we’ve got our very own beaches that are so intensely beautiful and relaxing that you really might just forget you’re not on the coast somewhere for a while. Craving a beachfront getaway without the need to travel to a distant coastline? There are many a beach in Indiana worthy of the trip – and here’s one of our favorites:

Nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan (which is so enormous that it just straight-up looks like the ocean from most angles) is Indiana Dunes National Park.

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr And, nestled within Indiana Dunes National Park, there’s a beach nearby an adorable coastal town calling your name.

It’s known as Dunbar Beach, and it’s one of Indiana’s most beautiful places.

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr It’s never very crowded, though this could be due to limited parking nearby. Get here early if you want to get good parking; most folks will see the parking lot is full and will go to another beach, leaving this one all for you (and whoever else got there in time).

Nevertheless, given its extraordinarily photogenic nature and the amazing sunsets you’ll see here, it’s easily one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the entire state.

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr There are many beaches along Lake Michigan, but this beach is one of our very favorite beaches. Can you blame us? Come on.

…just look at this:

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr When people think about Indiana, usually the plains and prairies come to mind. Our state is so much more diverse than folks tend to give it credit for, and this immaculately perfect beach is the ideal illustration of this.

Whether you come by yourself to dip your toes in or you bring the whole family, you’re sure to create plentiful lifelong memories.

Lee Simpson/Flickr The crystal-clear water reflects the blue sky amazingly, resulting in a blue sky, blue lake vibe that’s sure to put just about anyone at ease.

And, as we briefly mentioned above - when it comes to sunsets, you’re going to want to stick around for that.

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr

Nearby Dunbar Beach is the beautiful little town of Beverly Shores, which is one of Indiana’s awesome dark-sky towns, so after that sunset, make sure to hang out and stare at the stars for a while, too. Do you have a favorite Indiana beach? Tell us about it in the comments!

Indiana Dunes National Park/Flickr

And, nestled within Indiana Dunes National Park, there’s a beach nearby an adorable coastal town calling your name.

It’s never very crowded, though this could be due to limited parking nearby. Get here early if you want to get good parking; most folks will see the parking lot is full and will go to another beach, leaving this one all for you (and whoever else got there in time).

There are many beaches along Lake Michigan, but this beach is one of our very favorite beaches. Can you blame us? Come on.

When people think about Indiana, usually the plains and prairies come to mind. Our state is so much more diverse than folks tend to give it credit for, and this immaculately perfect beach is the ideal illustration of this.

Lee Simpson/Flickr

The crystal-clear water reflects the blue sky amazingly, resulting in a blue sky, blue lake vibe that’s sure to put just about anyone at ease.

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Address: Dunbar Beach, Beverly Shores, IN 46360, USA