The Ultimate Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Indiana Dunes National Park is a beautiful national park on Lake Michigan’s southern shores. This national park brings approximately 2.5 million visitors annually, with the record-breaking year of over 3 million in 2021. This gorgeous park has miles and miles of sandy beaches, lush woodlands, sprawling prairies, and mesmerizing dunes waiting to be explored.

How To Get to Indiana Dunes National Park

Where Is Indiana Dunes National Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, approximately 40 miles from Chicago. This national park stretches over 15,000 acres of beach, wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and dunes. Many roads and entry points around the park can access this Indiana Dunes National Park.

Nearest Airports to Indiana Dunes National Park

Several options exist for visitors who want to fly to Indiana National Park. Whether you decide on a nearby major airport or a smaller airport in close proximity, you can rest assured that there is a perfect solution for your travel needs.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport is located 43 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park. This airport offers 220 daily flights to 77 U.S. cities and several direct flights to over 12 international destinations.

Many popular airlines are serviced by Chicago Midway International Airport, including Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, and Southwest. The airport is close to the park and serves many well-known airlines, making it an excellent choice for flying to Indiana Dunes National Park.

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare International Airport is about an hour and 10 minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park. This airline offers 100 daily direct flights to 62 international cities and over 800 daily direct flights to more than 150 cities in the U.S. This airport services many popular airlines like Aeromexico, Air France, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, and JetBlue.

The airport is not too far away from Indiana Dunes National Park. Choosing this airport is a wonderful option for guests seeking a larger airport with a great number of flights and airlines offered.

South Bend International Airport (SBN)

South Bend International Airport is just 34 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park. This airport makes an excellent choice for flying to this national park. South Bend International Airport offers nonstop service to several large cities in the U.S. The airlines serviced by this airport include Allegiant, American, Delta, and United.

Bottom Line: South Bend International Airport is an obvious choice for guests who want to make the most of their travel time.

Driving to Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park can be accessed by various roads and highways, depending on which area you are arriving from. The main routes to this national park include Interstate 94, Indiana Toll Road (I80/90), Highways 12 and 20, Indiana State Road 49 (the main road for entering the park), and several other state roads.

Taking the Train to Indiana Dunes National Park

A trip by railway is always an experience to remember for ages. The Chicago and South Shore Train has stops in Indiana Dunes National Park. Taking the train to Indiana Dunes National Park allows visitors to sit back and enjoy the ride and sights along the way to this national park.

Taking the Bus to Indiana Dunes National Park

Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) is another option for arriving at Indiana Dunes National Park. This bus transit runs Monday to Saturday and is an excellent option for guests seeking alternate transportation to the park.

GPTC offers routes that pass directly in front of the visitor center near the park entrance. This form of transportation is super affordable, with no trip costing over $4 and opportunities for multi-day passes.

Getting Around Indiana Dunes National Park

Driving a private vehicle is the best way to get around Indiana Dunes National Park. Plenty of parking lots and roads travel through the park for easy exploration. The National Park Service provides several maps, both printable and interactive, to help plan your Indiana Dunes adventures.

What To See and Do in Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park has sites and activities for every visitor to participate in and explore. There’s a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities available at this national park. Let’s discover several popular activities at this national park and see which ones you’d like to add to your Indiana Dunes National Park itinerary.

Geocaching

Geocaching is an exciting way to explore Indiana Dunes National Park. Geocaching is like a treasure hunt that uses GPS to find hidden containers and trinkets throughout the park.

There are 4 different types of geocaching available at this national park, each bringing its own unique flair to participants. Traditional geocaching, EarthCaches, lab caches, and virtual caches are the types of geocaching visitors love to experience at Indiana Dunes National Park.

This activity can be enjoyed in various areas, including the Chellberg Farm area, several beaches, and Portage Lakefront and Riverfront, with virtual caches in the Bailly Homestead area, the Chellberg Farm area, and in the Century of Progress Historic District. This activity can be enjoyed with friends, family, or alone.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are an excellent option for experiencing Indiana Dunes National Park. This particular park offers over 400 programs, ranger-led walks, and talks throughout the year in various park areas.

Some of the most popular guided tours include boat tours on Lake Michigan, historic house tours, ranger-led tours of the Century of Progress homes, and tours of the Pinhook Bog. Participating in a guided tour at Indiana Dunes National Park is a wonderful way to learn about the park, interact with guests and park rangers, and explore the park.

Hiking

Hiking enthusiasts love visiting Indiana Dunes National Park for its outstanding hiking opportunities. There are over 70 miles of hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities. The hikes offered at Indiana Dunes National Park take visitors through a variety of ecosystems, including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and of course, dunes.

Some of the most popular trails at Indiana Dunes National Park include the

Hiking through Indiana Dunes National Park is an excellent way to experience the beauty and wonder of this spectacular park.

Historic Landmarks

Indiana Dunes National Park has over 60 historic structures within the park boundaries, including a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour each of these historic areas to learn about the natural and cultural history of the park. The historic landmarks of Indiana Dunes National Park include:

The park also features historic homes that are part of the 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress theme and showcase new construction techniques, modern home appliances, and innovative building materials. These sites include the Armco-Ferro House, Cypress Log Cabin, Florida Tropical House, House of Tomorrow, and Wiebolt-Rostone House.

Bottom Line: Visiting these historic homes and landmarks gives a glimpse into life in the earlier history of the area.

Horseback Riding

Indiana Dunes National Park has an incredible variety of activities for visitors to participate in. One exciting opportunity is to explore the park on horseback.

This park offers horseback riding and programming on specific days. Still, for horse riding enthusiasts, there are many areas of the park where horses are permitted. Experiencing nature and exploring Indiana Dunes National Park on horseback will create memories to last a lifetime.

Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center

The visitor center is always a great place to start when visiting a national park. The visitor center at Indiana Dunes National Park is an excellent starting point before exploring the park.

Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center has art exhibits, an activity room for kids of all ages, 2 informational films, and a bookstore where you can purchase souvenirs.

This visitor center is an excellent place to begin your vacation and learn about this incredible park.

Lake Michigan Beaches

Indiana Dunes National Park has over 15 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. These beaches provide a multitude of recreation opportunities. From long walks and picnics on the beach to swimming and soaking in the sun on the shimmering sand, there’s something for everyone at one of the beaches in this national park.

The parking lots at many beaches, including Lake View, Porter, Portage Lakefront, Kemil, and Dunbar, fill up quickly, so planning to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon will help you secure a parking spot.

Another fantastic opportunity to spend time at the beach is to take one of the many nearby hikes. One of the most popular beach area hikes is the Dune Succession Trail. This trail features stunning scenery of pine trees, lots of birds for birdwatching, and secluded forest areas.

With no shortage of activities and recreation, it’s easy to see why most visitors plan to spend a great deal of time at the beaches of Indiana Dunes National Park.

Hot Tip: If you’re in the area, check out our guides to the best beaches in Chicago and Michigan.

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is a beautiful facility dedicated to connecting visitors to the natural environment of Indiana Dunes National Park.

This center has hands-on exhibits, lectures, animals, crafts, ranger-guided hikes, and a Nature Play Zone for kids. The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is dedicated to educating visitors about this phenomenal park in an exciting, interactive way.

Best Times To Visit Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is a wonderful park to visit no matter which time of year you arrange a trip. There are better times than others to visit this national park if you are hoping to participate in a specific event or activity.

Best Time To Visit Indiana Dunes National Park for Hiking

Visitors who love the adventure of hiking through a national park will want to visit Indiana Dunes National Park in October. October brings milder temperatures that are perfect for hiking through the park. During this month, visitors can expect daytime highs in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s. Not only is the temperature ideal for hiking, but there are also much fewer crowds in the park during this time of the year.

Best Time To Visit Indiana Dunes National Park To Avoid the Crowds

Winter is the least crowded at Indiana Dunes National Park due to the cold weather. If you want to plan a trip to this national park and avoid crowds, a trip during December is a great idea. The temperatures in December are warmer than in the other winter months, with less chance of precipitation.

Bottom Line: A trip to Indiana Dunes National Park during December allows for exploring the park at your own pace with more comfortable temperatures.

Best Time To Visit Indiana Dunes National Park for Wildlife

Wildlife enthusiasts will love seeing various animals living in Indiana Dunes National Park. An excellent month for viewing wildlife in this national park is in March.

The temperatures are beginning to rise, lots of birds are migrating to the area, and many animals can be seen getting out to enjoy the warmer temperatures.

Cheapest Time To Visit Indiana Dunes National Park

Planning a trip in September is ideal for visitors hoping to save money while traveling. Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park after Labor Day is a great way to spend less on flights and accommodations since this is when park visitation takes a dip in numbers.

Not only will visiting Indiana Dunes National Park during September allow you to spend less while traveling, but there will also be fewer crowds, which means you can enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace.

Annual Events in Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park hosts a variety of events each year. Whether you are seeking events in nature, races, or a festival, there is always plenty to choose from at this national park. Take a look at a few of the top events at Indiana Dunes National Park.

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is a beautiful time for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to gather to learn about and watch the variety of birds who make their home in the park. This festival takes place each May.

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival partners with the Indiana Audubon Society and provides opportunities for guests to participate in workshops, hikes, and programs for beginning and advanced birdwatchers and dune and plant devotees.

Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park during the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival would be an enchanting experience and amazing opportunity to see the hundreds of species of birds that live in the park.

Maple Sugar Time Festival

In March, the Maple Sugar Time Festival occurs yearly at Indiana Dunes National Park. This event has been taking place for over 43 years and offers visitors to the park a sneak peek of spring. There are self-guided tours of historic landmarks, demonstrations on how maple syrup is made, and opportunities to sample exciting snacks and goodies.

The Maple Sugar Time Festival has several children’s programs, crafts, hikes, and performances for visitors. This event is an excellent time for families and friends to make memories and learn at the same time.

Running with the Irish 5K

Each year in March, the annual Runnin’ with the Irish 5K takes place in Chesterton, Indiana. This race has been taking place for 23 years. The course for this 5K winds through Indiana Dunes National Park, providing a stunning scene for the run. This event has awards for all age groups and benefits St. Patrick School in Chesterton.

If you are a running enthusiast, you will want to make sure to visit Indiana Dunes National Park during this race so you can enjoy the thrill of the race while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the park simultaneously.

Where To Stay in Indiana Dunes National Park

There are plenty of options for lodging when visiting Indiana Dunes National Park. Whether you desire to stay on the park’s property or in one of the nearby towns, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in this beautiful area of the U.S. Below you will find options for accommodations in and near Indiana Dunes National Park.

Inside the Park

The only option for lodging in Indiana Dunes National Park is camping. This national park has 2 campgrounds for visitors: 1 for groups and 1 for traditional camping. Let’s look at these camping options to see if either works for your vacation needs.

Dunbar Group Site

The Dunbar Group Site is less than 500 feet from Dunbar Beach and overlooks the Great Marsh and Lake Michigan. This campsite is exclusively for tent camping and larger groups. This site can accommodate up to 30 people and has parking and restrooms nearby. If you plan to travel with a group, be sure to reserve the Dunbar Group Site for the ultimate camping experience.

Dunewood Campground

Dunewood Campground is a double-loop campground featuring 66 campsites for tent and RV camping. This campground has several amenities, such as modern restrooms with hot and cold showers, water, dump stations, and an amphitheater.

Dunewood Campground is also close to convenience stores and gas stations. Camping at Dunewood Campground is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Indiana Dunes National Park.

Towns Near Indiana Dunes National Park

For visitors who prefer to stay near the park, the surrounding towns have plenty of options. These towns have plenty of lodging, dining, and recreation opportunities. Check out the most popular towns for setting up a home base near Indiana Dunes National Park.

Chesterton, Indiana

Chesterton is less than 3 miles away from Indiana Dunes National Park. This city is an excellent option for visitors who want to stay near the park. There are plenty of places to stay and dine and many activities to enjoy.

There is a variety of accommodations available for visitors, including bed and breakfasts, contemporary hotels, and campgrounds. Whether you are hoping to sleep under the stars or in a traditional lodging accommodation, there’s plenty to choose from in Chesterton.

The dining scene is exquisite, with several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Mediterranean to farm-fresh dishes. These restaurants are mostly locally owned and create spectacular dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the hiking and biking trails, the gorgeous beaches of Lake Michigan, and golfing. Those who enjoy learning about history can explore the Commercial Historic District and the Westchester Township History Museum. There are also opportunities for shopping and visiting art galleries.

Bottom Line: The town of Chesterton has plenty to offer visitors who want to set up a home base near Indiana Dunes National Park.

Michigan City, Indiana

Michigan City is 11 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park. This city is an excellent place to set up a home away from home during a vacation to this national park, as it has a variety of excellent lodging opportunities, sites to explore, and plenty of restaurants to try.

There are dozens of options for lodging in Michigan City. From charming bed and breakfasts to campgrounds in the great outdoors, from vacation homes to luxury resorts, you can find just what you are looking for.

This city has an abundance of activities, including local art galleries, artisanal shops, and theaters. Outdoor activities include visiting the orchards, farms, and gardens, fishing, golfing, or even sky diving.

There are plenty of options for dining, with dozens of restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, including authentic cultural restaurants, gourmet steak houses, and unique pizza parlors. Michigan City is wonderful at melding high-class dining and classic favorites.

With its close proximity to the park and its endless list of dining, recreation, and lodging opportunities, Michigan City would be an excellent choice for setting up a base camp near Indiana Dunes National Park.

Portage, Indiana

Portage is a mere 10 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park. This town is another great place to set up a home base while visiting Indiana Dunes National Park. There is an abundance of accommodations, restaurants, and activities for visitors to enjoy.

There is a variety of budget-friendly and luxury hotels available for guests to choose from. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly retreat or a couples getaway, you can find the perfect accommodations in Portage.

Food enthusiasts are in for a treat as there are excellent restaurants around every corner in this town. There’s something for every palate, from award-winning burgers to fresh fish tacos, and from comfort foods like macaroni and cheese to gourmet steaks.

There’s no shortage of recreation in Portage. Visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures like hiking, relaxing on the beach of Lake Michigan, cycling, and exploring the nearby dunes. There are also many exciting events, such as music festivals, art shows, and beer and wine events.

Portage is an excellent option for visitors wanting to stay near Indiana Dunes National Park. The fun never ends in this tourist town.

Where To Eat Near Indiana Dunes National Park

There are dozens of top-ranked restaurants near Indiana Dunes National Park. Whether you are craving a juicy burger, high-quality steak, or a sizzling pizza, you can find exactly what you crave just minutes from the park.

All of our recommendations are located in Valparaiso, just 13 to 14 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park.

Industrial Revolution Eatery and Grille

For an educational and delicious dining experience, be sure to visit Industrial Revolution Eatery and Grille. This restaurant, open daily for lunch and dinner, is dedicated to sharing the story of America’s past while serving classic foods well-loved by American workers. It has coined the term “upscale industrial” to describe its atmosphere, and a meal here features an unforgettable meal, historical entertainment, and inspiration to take advantage of life’s opportunities.

The restaurant features an impressive menu of gourmet burgers, brick oven pizzas, soups, sandwiches, salads, and Revolutionary Originals. Some of the favorite meals include the pot roast burger, the Freedom Pie pizza, the chicken fried chicken, and the “Captain Jones” fish tacos. There are also dishes for specialized diets and food sensitivities.

Meditrina Market Café

Meditrina Market Café serves an impressive menu of Mediterranean dishes, fine wines, and beers. Customers rave about the chicken shawarma, Meditrina pizza, and falafel. This restaurant also has specialty dishes for vegan and vegetarian diets, so every customer will have an incredible culinary experience no matter what.

The café is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and is an excellent place to stop to refuel after a long day exploring Indian Dunes National Park.

Stacks Bar and Grill

Stacks Bar and Grill is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that serves unique dishes in a library-themed setting. This downtown restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Northwest Indiana. It is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch, dinner, and late-night desserts and drinks.

Dining is offered in the reservation-only dining room or on the rooftop. The rooftop is perfect for grabbing drinks with friends, enjoying the live music, and ordering off the small plate menu.

Customers’ top-ranked dishes include the Stacks burger, blackened salmon, chicken bruschetta pizza, and the mixed berry white chocolate bread pudding. Stacks also proudly serves dishes for guests on a gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diet. This restaurant is a great place to unwind and enjoy a fine dining experience.

Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery

Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery is open Sunday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. If you find yourself with a hankering for a premium slice of pizza during your national park vacation, look no further.

This incredible pizza restaurant serves top-quality pizzas and Italian dishes with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Favorite dishes from locals and visitors include the Soul Chaser or Meatgazer pizzas, the Moneymaker calzone, and the famous doughnuts flavored with various herbs and cheeses.

Whether you come in to dine at Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery or grab a pie to take with you, you can rest assured that you will be delighted with the delicious cuisine you are served. This is the perfect place to refuel before, during, or after your Indiana Dunes explorations.

Indiana Dunes National Park Facts

1. A New National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is one of America’s newest national parks. This park was established on February 15, 2019. Indiana Dunes National Park is the United State’s 61st national park. Before this establishment, the area was authorized as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966.

2. A Park in a Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park is comprised of 2 park systems. These park systems are the Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park. Since this park is truly 2 parks in 1, you can expect many days worth exploring and sightseeing when planning a trip to Indiana Dunes.

Because this park is so large and since it is composed of 2 separate parks, the number of visitors to this park is comparable to the number of visitors Yellowstone National Park gets each year. It is also important to note that this park has 2 separate entities, so you can expect separate fees for each park.

3. America’s Fifth Most Biodiverse National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is America’s fifth most biodiverse national park. This park is home to an abundance of animals and plant species. Over 1,960 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and vascular plants are documented in this park. The parks that precede Indiana Dunes National Park when it comes to being so diverse in plant in animal life include the Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, New River Gorge, and Yosemite National Parks.

4. National Historic Landmark

The Bailly Homestead was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. This historic homestead was home to Honore Gratien Joseph Bailly de Messein and Marie LeFevere Bailly from 1774 to 1866. Bailly had a significant role in establishing the Calumet Region of northern Indiana. He was one of the earliest settlers in Indiana and began a fur trading post in the area. This area is exciting to explore and learn about the cultural history of this part of the park.

5. Singing Sands

Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its singing sands. This naturally occurring phenomenon is a true sight, or sound, to behold. Singing sands occur when avalanches move down the sand dunes, producing an audible vibration.

6. Paradise for Birdwatchers

Indiana Dunes National Park is a paradise for birding enthusiasts. There are over 350 bird species that have been documented in this national park. Some birds that make their home in Indiana Dunes National Park include the great blue herons, great egrets, and sandhill cranes.

7. Celebrity Status

Indiana Dunes National Park was the setting for a major motion film in 2009. Christian Bale and Johnny Depp starred in a movie called “Public Enemies” that was shot at this park. Other films that have been shot in this park include a short science-fiction film called “Illusions of Life” and a drama called “Sun Opener.”

8. Land Expansions

This area of this national park has been expanded 4 separate times in 1976, 1980, 1986, and 1992. The park continues to grow to preserve and protect the parklands and the ecosystems it comprises.

9. Wonder Women

There are 14 women who greatly impacted Indiana Dunes National Park. These women were activities, naturalists, botanists, and survivors who exemplified resilience during an era of change. These remarkable women who made their mark on Indiana Dunes National Park include Charlotte Read, Dorothy Buell, and Flora Richardson. These 14 women used their skills and abilities to fight for the rights, preservation, and protection of the Indiana Dunes parklands.

10. Henry Cowles

Henry Cowles is a remarkable man who significantly impacted the history of Indiana Dunes National Park. Cowles was a botanist that rescued the parkland from being destroyed. He ended up being nicknamed “the father of modern ecology” because of his efforts in protecting this area of America. His work helped establish this area as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in November of 1966.

11. An Abundance of Artifacts

Indiana Dunes National Park has an abundance of artifacts that have been collected over the years. These artifacts are displayed in a museum collection and tell the story of the rich cultural and natural history of this area of the U.S. Some of the artifacts that have been collected include portraits, photographic negatives, and signs from buildings of the past.

12. Educational Opportunities

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a variety of educational experiences for students of all ages, whether they are physically visiting the park or visiting virtually online. There are many educational opportunities for students, including climate change curriculum, math activities, bird tracking, story maps, and history of the plants in the land.

Not only can the park host these activities on the park boundaries, but also a variety of activities for students who may be unable to visit for one reason or another. There is so much to learn about Indiana Dunes National Park. The staff and volunteers make learning available and accessible for all visitors, no matter what.

13. 2 Types of Dunes

There are 2 types of dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park: foredunes and blowout dunes. Foredunes are near the beach and feature vegetation. Blowout dunes are another type of dune found in Indiana Dunes National Park. These dunes are created because of strong winds tearing the dunes apart. The loose sand makes a dune that can move year after year.

Final Thoughts

There is no shortage of things to see, do, and experience at Indiana Dunes National Park. From outdoor adventure to history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this magnificent park. Book your trip to Indiana Dunes National Park and experience this spectacular area filled with beauty, wonder, and history.