An hour's drive from Chicago, it's a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and families. Spanning 15,000 acres along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the park is home to diverse ecosystems, rich history and fun for all ages. Here are the top 10 things to do at Indiana Dunes National Park.
1. Hike the Dunes
Explore the towering dunes that define the park. Trails like the Dune Succession Trail at West Beach offer spectacular views of Lake Michigan after a challenging ascent. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. For real-time information on parking availability, check the Congestion Monitor.
2. Explore the Trails
Explore beyond the sand dunes on 15 unique trail systems that span over 50 miles, each offering its own adventure. From short easy strolls to challenging all-day treks, most of the trails are open all year and the hiking experience will change with each season. The Cowles Bog Trail, named after ecological pioneer Henry Chandler Cowles, takes you through wetlands, forests, and dunes, offering a mix of scenery and wildlife.
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3. Relax on the Beaches
Indiana Dunes boasts some of the best beaches in the Midwest. West Beach and Porter Beach are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. West Beach has a large parking lot with facilities, while parking at Porter Beach is more limited. Arrive early (or late) in peak summer months to avoid crowds. Don’t miss the sunsets over Lake Michigan—they’re breathtaking!
4. Birdwatching
The park is a premier destination for birdwatchers, with over 350 recorded species. During migration seasons, you can spot hawks, sandhill cranes, warblers, and waterfowl. The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, held during the third weekend of May is a remarkable four-day event highlighting dozens of birding hotspots across the region with guided outings led by experts. Registration opens March 1.
5. Camp Under the Stars
Stay at one of the campgrounds for a night immersed in nature. Three campgrounds offer a mix of sites, including RV and tent accommodations, providing a serene setting near the park’s main attractions. Dunewood Campground, the park’s main site, features 66 campsites with modern amenities, including restrooms and showers. Reservations are available six months in advance at Recreation.gov.
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6. Geocaching
This modern-day treasure hunt combines technology with outdoor adventure, making it a great activity for families, friends, and solo explorers. Indiana Dunes has four unique types of geochaches: Traditional, EarthCaches, Lab Geocaches and Virtual Caches. Register for a free account and visit NPS.gov for more information.
7. Diana Dunes Dare
The Diana Dunes Dare is an inspiring trail challenge celebrating Alice Mabel Gray, nicknamed “Diana of the Dunes.” This self-guided hike honors Gray’s legacy as a naturalist and conservationist who lived along the dunes in the early 1900s. Follow scenic trails and explore diverse landscapes like towering dunes, wetlands, and beaches. Complete the challenge for a commemorative sticker. Best of all, pets on leashes are allowed!
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8. Kayaking and Canoeing
Paddle along the Little Calumet River or the shoreline of Lake Michigan. These waterways offer calm stretches for beginners and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. Always check the weather and water conditions, know your limits, and remember, swimmers always come first.
9. Century of Progress Homes
Indiana Dunes preserves more than 60 historic structures, including the Bailly Homestead, a National Historic Landmark. Other notable sites include Camp Good Fellow, Chellberg Farm, and five iconic houses from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. The Century of Progress Homes showcase innovative architecture from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. These five modernist houses highlight cutting-edge materials and designs of the era and focus on futuristic living and sustainability.
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10. Biking
Indiana Dunes offers more than 37 miles of trails, weaving through forests, wetlands, prairies, and along the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. The scenic Calumet Trail and the Dune Ridge Trail are favorites, with breathtaking views and varying terrains.
