Ogden Dunes Beach, Ogden Dunes, Indiana
The town of Ogden Dunes, Indiana (pop. 1,112 in 2012) sits between West Beach to the west and the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk to the east. The beach here is part of the town and is open to the public. The sand here is wonderful on the feet with the occasional piece of beach glass to find.
Like many other points of interest in northern Indiana, the town of Ogden Dunes is right off Route 12. The beach here isn't very big, but it provides a lovely view of both the shore and of beachfront homes on a pleasant stroll.
The residents of Ogden Dunes must undoubtably love their beach all year round. Footprints lead to and from the yellow staircase on the left, while a surfboard sat at the ready just beyond it.
The South Shore Line is a rail service for passengers going from South Bend, Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois, and many points between. The Portage/Ogden Dunes station was rebuilt at this location in 1998 and now includes a few small passenger shelters. It's very accessible. A ticket can be purchased on the train, which runs at all hours of the day and night.
This map is posted at the Portage/Ogden Dunes stop along the South Shore Line. Beach-lovers who wish to visit Chicago's famous Oak Street Beach can take the train to Millennium Station, walk to Michigan and South Water, take a 20-minute bus ride north on Michigan Avenue, and get off at Delaware/Walton. Oak Street Beach is just a short walk past East Lake Shore Drive over the bridge.