Marquette Park adventures

Marquette Park Adventures

Marquette Park is a historic lakefront urban park in Gary, Indiana, offering sandy beaches, dunes, and scenic views along Lake Michigan's southern shore.

164
Acres Protected
3.5
Miles of Trails
Approx. 250,000
Annual Visitors
1920
Year Established

About Marquette Park

 

Marquette Park spans approximately 164 acres along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in Gary, Indiana. Established in 1920, this municipal park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, legendary landscape architects, to combine natural dunes and wooded areas with recreational facilities. The park features a long stretch of sandy beach on Lake Michigan, making it a prominent destination for swimming, fishing, and watersports in the region. Inland, visitors encounter bluff-top walking trails and dunes that showcase diverse plant communities, including native dune grasses and wildflowers. Marquette Park also houses several historical landmarks such as the Gerald R. Ford Gateway, commemorating the former president, and masonry pavilions reflecting early 20th-century park architecture. The park's accessibility and mixture of natural and cultural elements draw local families, anglers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Seasonal festivals and outdoor events further enhance the park’s community appeal. Its combination of beach recreation, dune ecology, and scenic views of Lake Michigan provides a unique outdoor experience in an urban environment rarely matched in the region.

Highlights

Highlight

Long, sandy Lake Michigan beach with designated swimming areas

Highlight

Dune ecosystems supporting native prairie grasses and wildflowers

Highlight

Gerald R. Ford Gateway Memorial, a prominent historical tribute

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Bluff-top walking trails offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan

Notable Natural Features

Gerald R. Ford Gateway

A memorial dedicated to the 38th President of the United States located at the park entrance along the lakeshore.

Beach and Dune System

A combination of expansive sandy beaches and rolling dunes that provide habitat for native plants and wildlife.

Olmsted Brothers Design

The park's layout and landscaping were developed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers, integrating natural features with recreational use.