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Sarah Schreiber, Demand Media

Indianapolis plays host to the famous car race. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images )

Indianapolis is Indiana's state capital, well known for sporting events, like the Indianapolis 500, and teams like the Colts of the NFL and Pacers of the NBA. Far from the oceans of the coasts, and several hours from the Lake Michigan beaches of the north, swimming beaches are not common. Only one exists within the city's borders, with one additional option in neighboring Hamilton County.

Eagle Creek Park (indy.gov) is home to the only swimming beach within the borders of Indianapolis. The sand beach is on the banks of Eagle Creek Reservoir and has an enclosed swimming area. A separate area is blocked off for children, and goes no deeper than three feet. Those wanting to utilize the water for exercise have use of a dedicated lap lane. Next to the beach is a sand play area and playground. Other features include a beach volleyball area, shade trees and Plunge Harbor, an inflatable water slide and trampoline. Entrance to the beach is $3 for hikers and bikers, and $5 per vehicle, as of publication.

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (hamiltoncounty.in.gov) operates Morse Park and Beach in Noblesville. The beach is approximately 30 minutes from the northeastern section of Indianapolis. Visitors to the park can enjoy a disc golf course, softball fields, picnic shelters and a playground, in addition to the beach. Admission is required for park entry, and run between $1.50 and $2.00 per day, as of publication. Seasonal passes are also available. The beach is sandy, with room for sunbathing, beach volleyball and fishing. Prepare for swimming at the bathhouse, which includes lockers, showers and restrooms.

Indianapolis is cold in the winter, but the area has several indoor beach alternatives. Krannert Park (indy.gov) has an indoor pool with both open and lap swim times for the public. Indy Island (indy.gov), at Raymond Park, is a city-run indoor water park open throughout the year, featuring a water playhouse with slides, sprays and geysers. A larger slide empties into the leisure pool. A separate lap pool is open during select times. Those needing some time away from the kids can head to the adults-only spa.

The closest beach options outside of the Indianapolis area are in Bloomington, 65 miles to the south of the city's center. Lake Monroe is the state's largest inland lake and has three recreation areas with swimming beaches. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, Fairfax State Recreation and Paynetown State Recreation Area have sandy beach areas with bathhouses for changing. Hardin Ridge charges $5.00 for entrance to the park, as of publication. Swimming at the other locations is free.

Sarah Schreiber has been writing since 2004, with professional experience in the nonprofit and educational sectors as well as small business. She now focuses on writing about travel, education and interior decorating and has been published on Trazzler and various other websites. Schreiber received a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications.

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Indianapolis Beaches | USA Today