Spacious, Fun and Family Friendly Beach Home
Guest rating: 4.8 / 5
Overview
Spacious, Fun and Family Friendly Beach Home (also described as “The Blue Butterfly”) is a multi-level cottage-style vacation home in Miller Beach, a neighborhood of Gary in New Chicago, set near Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes area. It’s positioned as a family-friendly beach getaway with an easy walk to the shoreline (noted as under about 1.5 blocks from the beach) and serves as a base for dunes, nature, and Chicago day trips.
Layout & Sleeping
The home spans three floors plus a basement and includes four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Notable features include a first-floor primary bedroom with a California King memory foam mattress and walk-in closet, plus additional bedrooms with multiple queen beds and a futon; one upstairs bathroom has a jetted tub and skylight. A basement bedroom and game room add extra separation for larger groups.
Kitchen & In-Home Conveniences
Self-catering is a key fit here with a fully equipped kitchen featuring granite countertops and a dishwasher. Practical stay amenities include air conditioning, a washer/dryer, cable/internet, and multiple flat-screen TVs for downtime between beach and dune outings. The property is smoke-free.
Outdoor Space & Recreation
Outdoor amenities include an outdoor pool, a walk-out deck, and a fenced backyard and driveway area. Guests have access to a Weber charcoal grill and a Weber charcoal smoker, plus patio seating and Adirondack chairs for outdoor meals. Family play is supported with a swing set, along with indoor entertainment such as foosball, bean bag toss (corn hole), and board games.
Location & Nearby Spots
The home is near Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Park/National Lakeshore area, with easy access to beach and dune activities including birdwatching and other nature outings. Public transit options include the Oak & Vermillion bus stop about 131 m away and the Portage/Ogden Dunes train station about 3.7 km away. Nearby dining options range from Flamingo Pizza Of Miller (~592 m) to Beach Box (~3.2 km), with additional restaurants and bar & grill choices within a short drive.
Best for
This home is best for families and multi-family groups who want space to spread out across multiple floors, plus kid-oriented extras like a high chair, playpen, swing set, and game room with foosball. It also suits beach-and-dunes travelers who want a Lake Michigan base near Indiana Dunes National Park while still being within day-trip range of downtown Chicago (about 45 minutes per the source summary). Pet-friendly policies and a fenced outdoor area make it appealing for guests traveling with pets.
Travel tips
If you plan to use public transit, the Oak & Vermillion bus stop is very close (about 131 m), and the Portage/Ogden Dunes train station is roughly 3.7 km away for broader rail connections. For flights, Chicago Midway is about 47 km away and Chicago O’Hare about 69 km away, so allow extra time for airport transfers. The home provides parking for up to six vehicles, which can simplify beach days and Indiana Dunes outings.
What guests say
Reviews emphasize the location for beach access, noting it’s an easy walk to the shoreline and convenient for nearby dunes outings (including Mt. Baldy). Guests also highlight the amount of space, describing it as comfortable for larger groups such as multiple families. The stay is framed as fun and activity-friendly, aligning with the home’s game and recreation setup. No consistent negative themes were provided in the available excerpts.
Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure