Planning a weekend getaway in Indiana? The Indiana Dunes pair open-air adventure with laid-back charm, making it easy to plan a trip that feels relaxed and rewarding. Here’s how to spend two or three days exploring the trails and towns of Northwest Indiana.
Day 1: Start Your Stay with Local Flavor
Kick off your Indiana Dunes vacation by exploring the local food scene. For breakfast or a midday bite, try Third Coast Spice Cafe in Chesterton, known for its international dishes made with local ingredients. If you’re arriving in the afternoon or evening, visit Running Vines Winery or Aftermath Cidery & Winery to sip local pours. Both are located in downtown Valparaiso and offer relaxing tasting rooms perfect for easing into the weekend.
For dinner, settle in at Lucrezia Café in Chesterton, set in a cozy restored house with a shaded patio, or try Radius in Valparaiso for award-winning burgers and craft cocktails. If you're craving seafood or steak, Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille in Valpo won’t disappoint.
Day 2: Hit the Trails
Make the most of your morning with one of the best hikes in Indiana Dunes National Park. For a moderate (but rewarding) option, head to the Glenwood Dunes Trail, a forested loop popular with birdwatchers and horseback riders. If you're up for a challenge, try the Diana of the Dunes Dare at West Beach, where you can expect steeper climbs and sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
For a more laid-back hike, meander through Coffee Creek Preserve, where you can walk paved paths through restored prairies and wetlands. If you're staying the night, catch the sunset from the Lake View Beach and Picnic Area, a peaceful spot that’s less crowded than the main beaches and perfect for a golden-hour view.
If you’re looking for other fun things to do around the Indiana Dunes, check out local attractions like the Gabis Arboretum and the Memorial Opera House, unwind at a local spa, or catch a live show at the Chicago Street Theatre.
Day 3: Soak Up the Sand and Sun
No weekend getaway in the Indiana Dunes is complete without a day on the beach. Spend your third day at Indiana Dunes State Park, where you’ll find lifeguarded swimming areas, walking trails, and vast stretches of sand perfect for picnicking, sunbathing, or flying a kite.
If you want to explore a little further, stop at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, where you can walk the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the lake. For a casual lunch before heading home, try Leroy’s “Hot Stuff”, a local staple just a short drive inland.
Where to Stay in the Indiana Dunes?
If you're looking to stay in a quiet, wooded setting just minutes from the lakeshore, Spring House Inn in Porter offers comfortable digs with an indoor pool and forest views.
For convenience and affordability, Baymont Inn by Wyndham and Comfort Inn & Suites – Porter are both reliable options near U.S. Highway 20. Families or groups seeking more space may want to look into Dunes Vacation Rental in Beverly Shores, which offers a fully equipped home close to the national park and minutes from the beach.
Couples looking for a unique stay might consider Riley’s Railhouse Bed & Breakfast, located in a restored freight station in downtown Chesterton. For a spa-like retreat in the countryside, Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa offers peaceful surroundings and luxurious amenities.
If camping is more your speed, try Sand Creek Campground, located just minutes from the parks and great for staying on budget for a cheap weekend getaway. The Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers quick access to the beach and trails.
Ready to plan your escape? Browse more places to stay, find your next trail, or explore restaurants near Indiana Dunes. This is an Indiana weekend you’ll definitely want to repeat!
