Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk — Attraction in Portage

An amazing place 3 minutes off the Interstate!

Plenty of parking, lots to explore, easy access to Lake Michigan, and you can easily see the Chicago skyline on clear days. Sunsets and sunrises on Lake Michigan almost never disappoint as long as they are not blocked by clouds.

I was amazed so much the first time on my way through Chicago, I stopped again on my way back the other way.

The new building is now open and air conditioned. The bathrooms were nice and new. There were benches inside and picnic tables setup under a roof covered area outside. I believe there were even drinks and food being sold from a sliding window on the side?

Be sure to know how humid and hazy it is. Sometimes Chicago is not visible since it is almost 30 miles across the lake. One hot and humid summer day we stopped and it was not very visible at all. The pictures I posted are a day they were more visible.

The Standard Entrance Pass is $25 (1-7 days) for a vehicle or the Annual Entrance Pass is $45. We purchased the $45 Annual Pass since we pass by here occasionally. It requires the owner to be present, but works for everyone in the family sized vehicle. The park ranger at the entrance we bought it from was real...

One of my favorite places to visit each summera Parking is limited with three small lots, and police will ticket improperly parked vehicles.

The beach is nice. Kids enjoy going up the dunes, and rolling down. There is a restroom inside the building, which also has a concession stabd, and I have seen people use the building for hosting special events.

There are no trash bins on the beach, and some people are inconsiderate and leave a mess. This of course leads to feather friends swooping in which can scare the kids. There are no lifeguards on duty so warnings are posted. Enter the water at your own risk.

Because there is no patroling, some of the gatherings including open flames, smoking and extremely loud music. When you're with small children, it can be annoying and no longer...

Nice serene peaceful walk in a national park across from a steel mill. Very interesting concept to see how nature and industry are separate but cohesive. The center has a snack food vendor, restrooms, gathering/meeting area, outdoor picnic tables and fireplace. There is also a beach here and a walk to a pier/navigation aid. 2 hikes are here, the short hike is very easily accessible to handicapped individuals, however there are steps down to the path on the canal side, and the hike is approximately 45min to hour on paved trails/boardwalk depending on your speed and how many selfies you take. I highly recommend...