Point of interest
West BeachWest Beach is the most developed and visitor-friendly beach in the park, making it a top choice for families and those looking for a well-maintained shoreline with convenient amenities.
Indiana Dunes
Rising along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park blends towering sand dunes, freshwater beaches, and diverse ecosystems.
Top Stops
Top places to visit in Indiana Dunes, from signature stops to easy additions for the trip plan.
Point of interest
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk BeachPortage Lakefront and Riverwalk Beach offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
Point of interest
Kemil BeachFor visitors looking for a serene, undeveloped shoreline, Kemil Beach is an excellent choice.
Information
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Visitor Essentials
Welcome to Indiana DunesSpanning 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana Dunes National Park is a hidden Midwest gem offering a blend of towering dunes, lush forests, and rich history.
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Visitor Essentials
Park Hours & Seasonal AccessThe park is open year-round, 24/7, but seasonality matters.
Visitor Essentials
Fees, Passes & Entry RequirementsIndiana Dunes requires an entrance pass ($25 per vehicle), which grants access for seven consecutive days.
Ranger Station
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Point of interest
Indiana Dunes Visitor CenterThe Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, located in Porter, IN, serves as the primary gateway to the national park and the surrounding region.
Point of interest
Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental EducationNestled within the scenic Miller Woods area, the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education offers an immersive and hands-on introduction to the Indiana Dunes' unique ecosystems.
Hiking
Explore Hiking inside Indiana Dunes with park-specific stops and route ideas.
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Point of interest
Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods)The Paul H. Douglas Trail meanders through the Miller Woods area, showcasing the park's rich biodiversity.
Point of interest
West Beach TrailThe West Beach Trail provides hikers with a comprehensive tour of the park's dynamic dune landscapes.
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Point of interest
Tolleston Dunes TrailThe Tolleston Dunes Trail offers a journey through ancient dune ridges formed over 10,000 years ago.
Beach Access
Explore Beach Access inside Indiana Dunes with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
West BeachWest Beach is the most developed and visitor-friendly beach in the park, making it a top choice for families and those looking for a well-maintained shoreline with convenient amenities.
Point of interest
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk BeachPortage Lakefront and Riverwalk Beach offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
Point of interest
Porter BeachNestled between larger, more developed beaches, Porter Beach offers a quieter, more secluded setting.
Bicycling
Explore Bicycling inside Indiana Dunes with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Porter Brickyard Bike TrailThe Porter Brickyard Bike Trail is a short but essential connector linking the Calumet Bike Trail and the Prairie Duneland Trail.
Point of interest
Calumet Bike TrailThe Calumet Bike Trail is a rugged, crushed limestone path that runs parallel to U.S. Highway 12 and offers a challenging ride through wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
Point of interest
Marquette Bike TrailThe Marquette Bike Trail offers a scenic ride along Lake Michigan's shoreline, passing through Marquette Park and providing access to the Miller Beach neighborhood.
Picnicking
Explore Picnicking inside Indiana Dunes with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Bailly Chellberg Picnic AreaLocated near the historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, this picnic area provides a great spot for families looking to combine history with outdoor dining.
Point of interest
West Beach Picnic AreaFor those planning a beach day, the West Beach Picnic Area offers eight covered shelters, two of which are wheelchair accessible.
Point of interest
Glenwood Dunes Picnic AreaNestled near the Glenwood Dunes Trail System, this picnic area is a great option for visitors planning to hike before or after a meal.
Point of Interest
Explore Point of Interest inside Indiana Dunes with park-specific stops and route ideas.
Point of interest
Armco-Ferro HouseThe Armco-Ferro House, built for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, stands as a pioneering example of prefabricated, all-steel construction.
Point of interest
The Bailly HomesteadThe Bailly Homestead is a significant historical site that tells the story of early European settlement in the Indiana Dunes region.
Point of interest
Chellberg FarmA living history farm nestled within the Indiana Dunes National Park, Chellberg Farm offers an immersive experience into Swedish-American homesteading life in the late 19th century.
Nearby Parks Around Indiana Dunes
Compare nearby parks around Indiana Dunes when planning alternatives, extensions, or a follow-up trip.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Indiana Dunes
Explore nearby points of interest around Indiana Dunes to build stop-level options beyond this park's top picks.
0.0 mi away
Indiana Dunes National Park
A remarkable diversity of native flora and fauna, as well as the sand-dune, lined shoreline of Lake Michigan.
0.0 mi away
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, located in Porter, IN, serves as the primary gateway to the national park and the surrounding region.
1.0 mi away
Tremont Picnic Area
One of the quieter spots in the park, Tremont Picnic Area offers a more secluded setting for those looking to escape the crowds.
1.7 mi away
Calumet Bike Trail
The Calumet Bike Trail is a rugged, crushed limestone path that runs parallel to U.S. Highway 12 and offers a challenging ride through wetlands, prairies, and woodlands.
1.7 mi away
Porter Brickyard Bike Trail
The Porter Brickyard Bike Trail is a short but essential connector linking the Calumet Bike Trail and the Prairie Duneland Trail.
1.7 mi away
Cowles Bog Trail
The Cowles Bog Trail is a renowned route that traverses a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, savannas, and beaches.
