Marquette Park
Relaxing Hiking Paddling Playing
Discover the southernmost point of Lake Michigan, right in Miller Beach.
Marquette Park features natural sand beaches, historic landmarks, access to the Calumet lagoon, a public disc golf course, picnic areas, and over 20 miles of paved hiking and biking trails.
This scenic lakefront park also contains two historic buildings and event venues, the Marquette Pavilion and the Gary Aquarium.
History enthusiasts can visit a statue of the explorer Father Marquette near the entrance of the park. A monument to the Tuskegee Airman stands proudly next to the stately Gary Aquatorium, along with a scale reproduction of one of their fighter planes. There is also a statue and model of an early flying machine designed by the father of flight, Octave Chanute.
Nature lovers can experience oak savanna forest, inland ponds, and tall dunes in this hidden gem. The sprawling lakefront gardens and walking trails are maintained by the City of Gary Park District with the help of a network of local volunteer groups: Friends of Marquette Park, Miller Garden Club, and Miller Playground Committee.
Do what you love in Gary’s Marquette Park.
Little bluestem turns shades of orange and rust. Here, they line a beach path in Marquette Park.
Indiana Dunes National Park Service Rangers provide programs in the park and host paddling events in the lagoon.
The ADA canoe/kayak launch allows everyone paddle in the Calumet Lagoon. There is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk and bench.
Enjoy bratwurst, coneys and the lake view at the Marquette Beach concession stand. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Marquette Park Pavilion has a ballroom, lounge, and memorable outdoor entertaining spaces facing the Calumet Lagoon. Rent this historic building for your special event.
Enjoy a quiet walk, with views of the lilypad from the bridges at Calumet Lagoon.
Children learn yoga in one of Marquette parks' picnic shelters.
Winter scene, over a dune on the shore of Lake Michigan. This is the shoreline west of the main parking area of the park.Winter brings intense colors of blue and white to the shore. Photo Credit: Peggy Vanhala
Rent the Gary Aquatorium for a weddings or private event. The 2nd floor overlook is open year round to the public when it isn’t being used for an event.
Winter brings intense colors of blue and white to the shore. Photo Credit: Peggy Vanhala
See where Octave Chanute did his first flying experiments, that helped the Wright Brothers!
Millers dog friendly beaches are great for walks year round. This is the beach directly north of the Gary Aquatorium.
Aerial view of the Tuskegee Memorial shows Chicago skyline on the opposite Lake Michigan shore! Photo Credit: Ed Stojancevich
Being outdoors in the Indiana Dunes instills a sense of wonder and joy. Photo Credit: Chiara Young
The Calumet Lagoon and bridge in Marquette Park in Gary Indiana.
Playgrounds at Marquette Park in Gary, Indiana.
Ice Hockey on the Calumet Lagoon in Marquette Park.
Playgrounds at Marquette Park, with a view of Lake Michigan.
Launch your jet ski or small craft from Lake Street Beach. Pull into shore to enjoy the boat-in beaches of Marquette Park. Photo Credit: Tracey Peterson
Ready to launch into the Calumet Lagoon? Pull in bars allows paddlers to pull themselves and their watercraft into the lagoon easily. Photo Credit: Ande Fonseca
Unlimited family fun on natural Lake Michigan beaches. Parents and kids love the shallow waters and sand bars.
Kayaking on the Calumet Lagoon in Marquette Park.
Hike and bike to your hearts content in Marquette Park. These bikers are near the Pavilion overlooking Calumet Lagoon.
Bring your chess set and pieces and play with the chess table near the Calumet Lagoon in Marquette Park.
The entrance to Marquette Park.
Steps behind the Marquette Pavilion lead down to the Calumet Lagoon waterfront.
Hiking in Marquette Park with the dunes and Lake Michigan in view.