Indiana Dunes National Park
- Wild Dirt
- 18 minutes ago
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Indiana Dunes National Park Travel Guide
Indiana Dunes National Park invites visitors to find sand and solitude along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The lake's waves and winds shape the park's beaches and towering dunes, while forests, prairies, wetlands, and savannas host over 1,100 plant species. Just an hour's drive from Chicago, it offers an unexpected natural escape amid the Midwest's industrial corridor.
Indiana Dunes National Park is where the waves of Lake Michigan carve shifting dunes and rare plants thrive, offering a surprising sanctuary of beaches, wetlands, and forests within sight of Chicago's skyline.
How to Get There
To reach the park, take Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road (I‑80/90), U.S. 12, or U.S. 20 to Indiana State Road 49, which leads to the visitor center near Porter. The South Shore Line commuter train stops at Dune Park station, about a mile from the visitor center. Nearby airports include Chicago Midway (MDW), O'Hare (ORD), Gary/Chicago International (GYY), and South Bend International (SBN). Many visitors pair a trip to the Indiana Dunes with a visit to Chicago or Michigan's Harbor Country.
Know Before You Go
Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle (valid for one to seven days). Parking areas fill quickly on summer weekends—arrive early or take the train. Swimming is popular, but it's essential to respect rip currents and heed lifeguard warnings. Portions of the beach close periodically to protect nesting endangered piping plovers. Mosquitoes thrive in wetlands; bring repellent. Fires are allowed only in designated beach fire pits. Winter brings snow, transforming the dunes into a serene landscape.
Best Time to Visit
Summer draws beachgoers seeking sun and swimming. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and migrating birds. Winter sees far fewer visitors; snow creates opportunities for cross‑country skiing on some trails. Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
Best Things to Do
Relax on West Beach, hike up Mount Baldy (a living dune), or stroll along Dune Ridge Trail for sweeping lake views. Kayak the Little Calumet River or bike the Calumet Trail. Visit the historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm to learn about early European settlers. Join a ranger‑led bird walk to spot warblers and sandhill cranes.
Best Hikes
Dunes Succession Trail (0.9 mile, moderate): Features 250 stairs up a dune and views of Lake Michigan.
Tolleston Dunes Trail (2.9 miles, moderate): Winds through black oak savanna and wetlands.
Heron Rookery Trail (3.3 miles, easy): Follows the Little Calumet River, with wildflowers and bird life.
Cowles Bog Trail (4.7 miles, strenuous): Loops through wetlands and dunes to a secluded beach.
Places to Stay
Indiana Dunes National Park lacks lodges or official campgrounds; however, camping is available at the neighboring Indiana Dunes State Park. Nearby Chesterton, Porter, and Michigan City offer hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Dunewood Campground in the state park provides 66 sites with showers. For glamping, try the yurt at nearby Turkey Run State Park.
Places to Eat
Food isn't sold in the park. Bring picnic supplies or stop in Chesterton for local restaurants like Octave Grill or Third Coast Spice Café. Grab craft beer at Burn' Em Brewing in Michigan City. Farmers' markets in Chesterton and Valparaiso supply fresh produce for beach picnics.
