Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes are a national treasure. The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park offer something for everyone—hiking scenic trails, relaxing on beautiful beaches, immersing yourself in historical sites, and exploring diverse habitats for birding. Our guide will provide you with essential information to fully enjoy these parks and natural attractions in and around Lake Michigan.
Hiking Trails
Explore the best hiking trails at the Indiana Dunes, perfect for all skill levels and offering stunning views of diverse landscapes.
Cowles Bog Trail
The Cowles Bog Trail is a 4.7-mile route through ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas, and beaches. Steep sand dunes near Lake Michigan add a challenging element to this scenic hike.
Dunes Succession Trail
Part of the West Beach trail loops, the Dunes Succession Trail (also known as the Diana of the Dunes Dare) is a 0.9-mile path featuring over 270 steps—worth the climb for beautiful beach views from the top.
Dune Ridge Trail
The Dune Ridge Trail, which is 0.7 miles long, offers great views of wetlands and forests. This short hike is perfect for bird watching and enjoying fall foliage.
For a full list of hiking spots, visit our Hiking page.
Beaches
Get to know the beautiful beaches at the Indiana Dunes, each offering unique amenities and perfect spots for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Porter Beach
Porter Beach is ideal for swimming, beach sports, and sunbathing. This beach has bathrooms but no lifeguards.
West Beach
West Beach, one of the most popular spots, features a large sandy area, a bathhouse, and lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It's perfect for swimming and picnicking, with nearby trails for additional activities.
Kemil Beach
Kemil Beach offers a nice stretch of beach and picnic facilities and is close to the Dune Ridge Trail. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty.
For a full list of our beaches, visit our Beaches page.
Attractions
Discover the unique local attractions at the Indiana Dunes, where history and architecture come to life through fascinating sites and landmarks.
Century of Progress Architectural District
Located in Beverly Shores, The Century of Progress Architectural District features five homes from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, showcasing modern architectural styles and “new” (for the time) technologies.
Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm are two historical sites featuring 19th-to-early-20th-century buildings within walking distance. Explore the nearby restored Mnoké Prairie on the Little Calumet River Trail
Bird Watching at the Indiana Dunes
The Indiana Dunes boasts world-class birdwatching, as our diverse habitats attract a wide variety of bird species year-round.
Beverly Shores
Beverly Shores is a top bird-watching spot. The Great Marsh Trail and beachfront areas attract diverse bird species. During migration seasons, it's notable for Northern Shrikes and Sandhill Cranes.
West Beach
West Beach’s 3-Loop Trail is renowned for bird watching, with habitats attracting winter finches, Long-eared Owls, and various waterfowl. Birding is productive year-round, with fall sparrows and spring migrants being particularly notable.
Heron Rookery
The Heron Rookery is a prime spot for spring birding along the East Arm Little Calumet River. It hosts Yellow-throated Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Barred Owls.
Cowles Bog
Cowles Bog features a 2.5-mile trail circling wetlands, ideal for bird watching during migration seasons. Its diverse habitats attract many rare bird species, making it a hotspot for bird enthusiasts.
Miller Woods
Miller Woods is a crucial stopover habitat for neotropical migratory birds. Birders can spot species like Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Pie-Billed Grebes.
For a full list of birding spots, visit our Birding page.
Nearby Communities
After a day on the trail or beach, head to one of our many local communities for a bite to eat, a shopping trip, or a hotel room for the night. You'll find everything from family-friendly activities to spots for a great date night.
The Indiana Dunes have something for everyone, from scenic hikes and beautiful beaches to fascinating historical sites and excellent bird-watching spots. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing getaway, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Plan your visit today and experience the natural beauty and charm of this unique destination along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
