The Indiana Dunes is a place where a simple picnic can become the highlight of the day. Set up steps from the lake, or enjoy shade from the forest canopy near quiet trails. Here are a few of the best Indiana Dunes picnic areas.
West Beach
Just a short walk from the Lake Michigan shoreline, West Beach includes eight reservable covered shelters. Grills are provided, and facilities include paved parking, restrooms, and beach access. Summer is the most popular time to visit, especially for swimming and sunbathing, but spring and early fall offer quieter picnics with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. After eating, stretch your legs on the Dunes Succession Trail, a one-mile loop that climbs wooden staircases through foredunes, black oak savanna, and a high ridge with lake views.
Tremont Picnic Area
Located near the Dune Park South Shore train station, Tremont is a convenient wooded picnic area with covered shelters, picnic tables, and seasonal restrooms. Cooking fires are allowed in designated grills, making it a solid choice for a spontaneous picnic or BBQ. This area is especially charming in the spring and fall when the forest is full of colorful leaves!
Lake View Beach
Lake View Beach lives up to its name with stunning views of Lake Michigan from its shaded picnic shelters. Facilities include accessible restrooms and potable water, and the picnic area is fully wheelchair accessible. Grilling is only permitted in designated areas. Visit in summer for the full beach experience, or in early fall when the crowds thin out.
Bailly Chellberg
For a more historic atmosphere, the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm area has three reservable shelters near quaint trails. It’s a great place to pair a picnic with a visit to the historic buildings and learn about 19th-century life in Indiana.
Mount Baldy
Mount Baldy boasts a picnic shelter and two tables. Note: The summit is only accessible via ranger-led tours, but the beach is open seasonally. If you’re into birding, pack some binoculars to catch hundreds of migrating species overhead!
Paul H. Douglas Center and Nature Play Zone
For families, the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education offers shaded picnic tables next to its Nature Play Zone. While grilling isn’t allowed here, it’s an excellent place for a bite before exploring Miller Woods. This spot is enjoyable year-round thanks to indoor exhibits at the on-site Education Center.
Coffee Creek Preserve
Located just outside the two main parks, Coffee Creek Preserve in Chesterton is a 157-acre park that offers plenty of open space to spread a blanket for a classic picnic. The preserve also features a 3,600-square-foot Pavilion with 20 picnic tables, ensuring shade and comfort for your picnic, rain or shine!
Ready to plan your outdoor getaway? Explore hidden gems in the Indiana Dunes and find nearby places to stay so you can make the most of every picnic, trail, and lakeshore view.
