Hagar Park Beach and the Hidden Lake Michigan Beaches Worth Driving to From Chicago
If you have driven I-94 between Chicago and Southwest Michigan, you already know how quickly the landscape shifts into dune country. What most visitors do not realize is that some of the best Lake Michigan beaches along that corridor are ones people drive right past. Hagar Park Beach is one of them. If you are planning a Lake Michigan weekend from Chicago, all of these beaches are within easy reach of a single home base in New Buffalo.
South Shore Vacation Homes manages four professionally maintained properties in New Buffalo’s White Pine Community, positioned at the southern end of this beach corridor. Each property puts you within a short drive of the beaches below, with no Airbnb uncertainty and no platform fees. If your group includes dogs, our guide on how to find pet-friendly Michigan cabin rentals that allow dogs is worth reading before you book.
The Lake Michigan Beaches Worth Knowing About
Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI
New Buffalo City Beach is the first public beach you reach after crossing into Michigan from Indiana and the most convenient option for South Shore guests. The beach offers nearly 800 feet of sandy shoreline at the end of Whittaker Street, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm. Clean restrooms, concessions, a free beach wheelchair, and a wooden dune walkway are all available on site. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. On clear days, the Chicago skyline is visible across the water.
Parking fills up quickly on summer weekends, so an early arrival is strongly recommended.
12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI
Warren Dunes State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Michigan for good reason. The park features three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, dune formations rising 260 feet above the lake, and six miles of hiking trails through forested dunes. The beach is wide and well maintained, with food trucks operating from May through Labor Day, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and accessible restroom facilities with foot showers. Dogs are permitted on leash. Day passes are $11 per vehicle for non-Michigan residents.
The dune climb at Mt. Randall is a highlight on its own. The view from the top across Lake Michigan on a clear day is one of the better natural vistas in the Midwest.
Lake St, Bridgman, MI
Weko Beach is the insider pick along this stretch of coastline. Nestled within 42 acres of wooded dunes in the small city of Bridgman, it offers a relaxed and uncrowded alternative to the busier beaches on either side. The beach house on site includes concessions and clean restrooms, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and two observation decks with panoramic lake views. A 50-year tradition of playing Taps at sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day adds a quietly memorable touch if you time your visit right. Parking is $15 per vehicle. Dogs are welcome on leash.
5440 M-63, Coloma, MI
Hagar Park Beach is the hidden gem of the entire corridor. Located in Coloma on M-63, the beach sits below a bluff with a wooden staircase and walkway descending to the sand. Above the beach, a shaded picnic area with grills and playground equipment overlooks the lake. The setting is clean, quiet, and natural, with no concessions or significant commercial infrastructure nearby. Dogs are welcome on leash both on the beach and in the water. The park opens at 6 am and closes at 11 pm daily. Parking is free.
Hagar Park Beach is not the right choice for guests who want amenities and a lively crowd. It is exactly the right choice for anyone who wants a quiet and uncrowded stretch of Lake Michigan with room to breathe and a genuinely unspoiled feel.
Which Beach Is Right for Your Group
New Buffalo City Beach
Best for families with young children who want lifeguards, easy access, and the ability to walk back to downtown shops and restaurants afterward.
Weko Beach
Best for a laid-back afternoon with a local crowd. Kayak rentals, sunset views, and the Taps tradition make it worth a dedicated visit.
Warren Dunes
Best for an active, full-day outing. Hiking the dunes, spending hours on the sand, and taking advantage of the on-site amenities makes for a complete day out.
Hagar Park Beach
Best for anyone who wants solitude, natural beauty, dog-friendly swimming, and free parking on a stretch of Lake Michigan that most visitors never find.
Where to Stay: South Shore Vacation Homes in New Buffalo
All four South Shore properties are located in the White Pine Community in New Buffalo, placing your group at the southern end of this beach corridor with easy access to every stop listed above. Every home is professionally managed, accurately listed, and bookable directly with no Airbnb or VRBO platform fees added on top.
Blue Haven offers three levels of living space, a screened porch with a fireplace, a fire pit, a seasonal heated community pool, and a basketball court. The property is three minutes from New Buffalo City Beach, 12 minutes from Warren Dunes, and 25 minutes from Hagar Park Beach.
“Close to everything, yet you’ll feel secluded in this exclusive neighborhood set amongst the trees.”
Best for: Large groups, family reunions, and multi-couple weekends.
Campsie Glen is the most-reviewed South Shore property in New Buffalo with 15 guest reviews. The home features a private hot tub, fire pit, screened porch with fireplace, basement theater room, game room, and seasonal pool. A full beach day followed by a hot tub and movie evening is the natural rhythm here.
“Modern, luxurious décor throughout provides the perfect mix of comfort and elegance.”
Best for: Beach weekends, couples groups, and mixed-age gatherings.
Woodsview was designed with families in mind. Child gates, a crib, and a highchair are all included. The property features a private hot tub, gas grill, fire pit, screened porch, a community pool two minutes away on foot, a stocked fishing pond, and walking trails through the neighborhood.
“Woodsview offers the perfect retreat from the hustle of everyday life in resort style living. Designed with families in mind.”
Best for: Families with young children and multi-generational groups.
One Sweet World was completed in late 2023. The home features two king bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms, with one featuring a soaking tub and walk-in shower. Picture windows look out onto a private fishing pond. A gas fireplace, gas grill, fire pit, and community pool access are all included.
Best for: Couples and two-person beach weekends.
A Simple Three-Day Beach Plan
Arrive at White Pine and get settled. Head to New Buffalo City Beach for the afternoon, just three minutes from the door. Walk back to downtown New Buffalo for dinner in the evening.
Start the morning at Warren Dunes for the dune climb and a full day on the sand. Stop at Weko Beach in the late afternoon for sunset and the Taps tradition at dusk.
Drive 25 minutes north to Hagar Park Beach before checkout. Arrive early, bring a cooler, and enjoy one of the quietest stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline on the southwest coast.
All four are located in New Buffalo’s White Pine Community, professionally managed, and within 25 minutes of Hagar Park Beach, Warren Dunes, Weko Beach, and New Buffalo City Beach.
Book direct. No platform fees. Professionally managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hagar Park Beach?
Hagar Park Beach is a public beach in Coloma, Michigan, located on M-63 in Hagar Township. The beach sits below a bluff with a wooden staircase down to the sand, a shaded picnic area above, grills, and playground equipment. Dogs are allowed on leash on both the beach and in the water. Parking is free and the park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. From South Shore’s White Pine properties in New Buffalo, the drive is about 25 minutes north.
What are the best beaches in New Buffalo, Michigan?
New Buffalo City Beach is the most convenient option, with lifeguards and walkable access to downtown. Warren Dunes State Park is 12 minutes away and offers three miles of shoreline and 260-foot dunes. Weko Beach in Bridgman is 15 minutes north and provides a relaxed, local atmosphere with kayak rentals. Hagar Park Beach in Coloma is 25 minutes north and is the most secluded and dog-friendly option along the entire stretch.
How far is New Buffalo from Chicago?
New Buffalo is about 70 miles from Chicago, which typically works out to a 75 to 90 minute drive depending on traffic. It is one of the closest Lake Michigan getaways from the city.
Are dogs allowed at these beaches?
Hagar Park Beach allows leashed dogs on the beach and in the water. Weko Beach also permits leashed dogs. Warren Dunes allows dogs on leash in designated areas of the park. New Buffalo City Beach does not allow dogs on the main beach during peak season. Always verify current rules before visiting, as policies can change seasonally.
Why book with South Shore instead of Airbnb or VRBO?
Booking directly through South Shore eliminates the 10 to 15 percent platform fees that Airbnb and VRBO add on top. Every property is professionally managed, accurately listed, and supported by a responsive local team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
July and August are peak season with the warmest water and the longest days. June and September offer a quieter experience with fewer crowds and still comfortable temperatures. Hagar Park Beach is particularly worth visiting during the shoulder season when the natural setting feels even more peaceful and uncrowded.
