One of Porter County's best-kept secrets has gotten out -- well, sort of.

Indiana Dunes State Park has been named by Tripadvisor.com as one of the country's Top 10 family beach vacation spots.

Criteria used for the Top 10 list included beaches with soft sand, calm and temperate water, activities or amenities that are fun for kids, and conveniences like bathrooms and picnic tables.

The only trouble is, Tripadvisor's Web site has the beach listed in Michigan City. Dunes State Park property manager Brandt Baughman said he notified the online travel community about the error and hopes it will be corrected soon.

"As far as the criteria goes, it's a perfect fit," Baughman said. "Considering all the Great Lakes, we're very pleased to say the least."

Indiana Dunes State Park was the only beach located on a lake; the others edged oceans, bays and the Gulf of Mexico.

"We're hoping it increases traffic significantly for us and reaches out to an even broader market, considering it's a national site," Baughman said. "What makes it even better is that we didn't do any of the nominating or know anything about it beforehand."

When the beach officially opens on Memorial Day weekend, visitors will be welcomed by a new toll booth constructed about 400 yards closer to the lakeshore. The $2.7 million entrance project replaces the two tiny booths on Ind. 49, while the two historic stone gatehouses on each side of the highway remain. Baughman said the new location of the entrance will be especially welcome on busy weekends to avoid traffic backups along Ind. 49.

In addition, several acres of impermeable parking surface have been removed and some culverts eliminated to employ basin infiltration. This prevents water from flowing directly into the storm drains, Baughman said.