Portage Indiana Beaches and Biking?

I will be staying at the Country Inn and Suites in Portage, Indiana in late July and was wondering 3 things: (1) Is the water still cold? (2)Are there paved bike trails nearby and if so, where? (3) Is the sand clean and good for kids?

Thanks! Meli

Portage Indiana Beaches and Biking?

Not sure about the bike trails, but the water isn%26#39;t bad. We were at Washington Park beach last weekend in Michigan City. It was cold, but not to the point where you go numb like earlier in the season. The kids thought it was great and had no problems. The sand is great all over, the kids wil have fun! Some beaches were closed last weekend due to the rip current, but that%26#39;s a day to day thing. Have fun!

Portage Indiana Beaches and Biking?

There are a few bike trails in Portage and most of them travel east and west. If you are staying at the Country Inn and Suites, there is a bike trail about a mile (or less) south of the hotel. Go go GOOGLE MAPS and look at the satellite image of the area around Willowcreek Rd and Stone Ave. There is a bike trail that runs diagonally from southwest to northeast.

The water shouldn%26#39;t be too cold anymore. Usually by mid-July, the water temp is in the high 60s or low 70s. It will feel cool, but not too cold. Similar to an unheated pool around this time of year. The sand is clean, very little beach pollution (if any) and the water is clean also. Brown areas in the water aren%26#39;t to be worried about...there are many streams that flow into Lake Michigan that create this look from the decaying leaves and branches. Normally in waist to chest deep water, you can still see your feet. It is not murky, unless after a big rain or during high winds and choppy waters.