The sparse vegetation of Washington Park's wooded area is well suited for viewing migrant passerines during periods of heavy flight. These birds most commonly include thrushes, wrens, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. A visit to MCH at any time of year has the potential to yield great birds. Large shorebirds begin returning to Michigan City's beaches in late June and continue through September, whereas the specialty gulls and diving ducks start arriving in October and can be found through early spring. As is true for all the great lakefront birding sites, the best time to visit MCH for lakefront specialties is in the fall immediately after the passage of a cold front, especially one that brings strong winds from the north.
Annual passes are available.
On windy days the waves can be very unpredictable, washing up and over the concrete jetty with considerable force. In the winter this water can quickly freeze and make navigation on the jetty quite treacherous. Extreme caution should be employed under all circumstances. Indoor facilities are available at Washington Park Beach in the spring and summer. Birds of the Indiana Dunes.