New Buffalo Area Beaches and Parks
New Buffalo City Beach & Lakefront Park
New Buffalo's Lakefront Park and Beach are located on the North end of Whittaker
Street, just across the Galien River Bridge.
Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Additionally, there are 'Warning' flags to indicate lake conditions.
Helpful information for a day at the beach:
Swim Safe - Beware of Rip Currents
The National Weather Service Meteorologists now make warnings available for New Buffalo area beaches based on heights of waves and how they hit the shoreline. These warnings are an extension of those that have been in place on the country's east and west coasts for several years.
Although the New Buffalo Public Beach is staffed by life guards during peak swim times, all swimmers should be aware of how to react if caught in a rip current. If the caught in one of these currents (you will know it if it happens) you must react properly. Do not fight the current – swim parallel to the beach until out of the current, then swimming back to shore.
Those most vulnerable to rip currents are swimmers who like to body surf in high waves on Lake Michigan.
Check for Rip Current Warnings for New Buffalo area beaches. 
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More than a Beach...
In addition to swimming, there are dunes and wooden walkways. The Lakefront complex is often used as a scenic backdrop for professional photographers and a location for weddings and reunions.
Beach Parking
The City Beach parking lot fee is $5.00 for the first two hours.
A fee of $1.00 is charged per each additional hour, to a maximum of $10.00 for seven or more hours. If your ticket is lost, the maximum $10.00 fee will be charged. Seasonal passes are only available to residents.
Sunrises & Sunsets are Free. No parking fees are charged to visitors using the City Beach parking lot before 9am or after 8pm. Visitors using the parking lot after 9am and before 8pm will still be responsible for fees incurred.
Beach & Park amenities include:
- Restrooms and Showers
- Full service snack bar
- Handicap access – a sand wheelchair
(available at the snack bar).
- Pavilion, picnic tables, grills, playground and benches.
- Bicycle parking
- Paved auto parking (hourly/daily fees charged until 8pm)
Beach Restrictions
- Swimming is only permitted the designated, signed areas.
- No pets, fires on glass containers.
- No alcoholic beverages
- Park closes at 11pm
- No overnight parking
Lions Pavilion Park
This pavilion is the home of the New Buffalo Lions Club. It is located just across the street from the Beach and is considered part of the Beach Park complex. It is available for group outings and is often used as an entertainment venue (see our events calendar).
How to get there...
If traveling on I-94 use exit #1 or Exit # 4. Traffic flows into New Buffalo from US-12 or M-239. From the town's center – the intersection of US-12 and Whittaker St. – go west, down Whittaker St, across the bridge (the Public Marina will be on the left, the Stray Dog on the right)– proceed to where Whittaker St. ends. Turn left for the Beach Park. Turn right if you are towing a boat( public boat launch).
 For additional information on the Beach Park, please call New Buffalo City Hall
at
(269) 469-1522. For an interactive Map of New Buffalo, click here.
Dog Park
The Sari Asher Memorial Park, located at 1420 East Washington St., is a designated area for dogs to run and play. Open daily, dusk to dawn to local residents and visitors. An Annual or Daily Permit (available inside park) is required for each dog present. Onsite parking is available.
Park Restrictions
- All dogs must be under owner's control at all times.
- Aggressive dogs or dogs in heat are not allowed in this park.
- Dogs must be licensed and have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
- Clean up after your dogs required (seal the waste in a bag before disposing in dog waste container).
- Pets must be leashed prior to leaving the fenced area.
New Buffalo Township Memorial Park
Located on Red Arrow Highway just north of U.S. 12, the Township park has a pavilion with picnic benches, grills, playground and washrooms. The pavilion is available for rent. For more information call (269) 469-1011.
Oselka Park
Located behind the New Buffalo High School football field at Bronson and Indiana Streets this athletic complex offers baseball and soccer fields, horseshoes and a children's playground. The H.S. running track at the football field is also available.
Nature Preserve
The Sima Preserve is located along the Galien River in New Buffalo, adjacent to a 86-acre Galien River County Park Preserve purchased by Berrien County in 2001. This is the only remaining Great Lakes marsh of its size in southern Michigan and a sanctuary for native and migratory birds and a diverse population of native plants and animals.
The best access is via low impact boating (canoe or kayak) which can be launched at the Galien River Access located on Red Arrow Hwy., just north of Kruger Road at the bridge in New Buffalo Township. This state-run access area can also be used to launch small fishing boats.
Skate Park
Located at 1011 E. Clay St. (across the street from New Buffalo High/ Middle School), the Park is a joint venture with New Buffalo Township and New Buffalo Area Schools and is designed for use by skate boarders and in-line skaters. The park is open 9am until dusk.
Wetlands and River Park Planned
The Director of Berrien County Parks Brian Bailey recently announced plans to build the County's 5th Park in New Buffalo Township on the Galien River. Located near the intersection of Red Arrow Highway and U.S. 12, construction could break ground as early as 2012.
The Park will be phased in over several years, according to County planners. The first phase will consist of two miles of trails and elevated boardwalks, one of which will go to a 30-foot high observation deck overlooking the surrounding wetlands and the other to a fishing and viewing deck at the river's edge. There will also be a landing for water and boat access.
Future construction will provide a bridge over the Galien River, which will connect to an island, which will host an additional mile of trails, a lodge and a interpretive center. All trails at the park will be wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Book your hotel reservations online and get special rates...
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