Portage
Portage has always been a place where people of diverse backgrounds come together to work, live, and play in the shadow of a beautiful natural treasure. It’s one of the largest cities in the Indiana Dunes area, and, like our other communities, is extremely outdoors-friendly, with trails, recreational facilities, and parks scattered throughout the city, featuring everything from a mountain biking trail to a skate park.
Portage is also home to one of the area’s only entirely public marinas. Visitors and residents can launch out onto Lake Michigan for a day of sailing or dock their boats in public slips to grab a bite and a brew. Rent a boat or jet ski at CMS Marine, or relax and hire a charter for fishing and sightseeing.
Of course, when you’re in a city full of outdoor adventure, a visit to the Bass Pro Shop sportsman superstore is a must before venturing into one of the nation’s largest, most ecologically diverse national parks. If sand and swimming are more your things, the Park also contains the acclaimed West Beach—voted one of the Top 10 Family Beaches in the nation.

Dine
Recharge after a day of outdoor adventure and sightseeing by fueling up at one of the many great restaurants like Fuji Japanese Restaurant and Tate’s Place. If you’re hungry for a bite of drink around sunset, check out Dig the Dunes Trail Stop, the only location along the shores of the National Park where you can grab a light bite.
Do
Experience Portage’s expanses of nature at sites like West Beach, Tolleston Dunes Trail, and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. Check out the Sammie L. Maletta Public Marina and get out on Lake Michigan to see the Indiana Dunes from a unique vantage point. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the fall, prepare to get all shook up at the city’s wildly unique Elvis FANtasy Fest or pig-out at the Portage’s most popular event, Bacon Fest.
Of course, it can’t always be rainbows and sunshine on the shores of Lake Michigan. So, for an escape from the rain or cold, head to the Emagine Portage—for a movie-going experience like no other with plush power recliners and expanded concessions.
