Recommended as a “Best For Families” park by National Geographic, Indiana Dunes National Park is an ideal destination for family adventures. Located just a few hours from major cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, the park offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, scenic trails, historical sites, and more. Here’s a guide to help you plan an unforgettable family visit.
Kid-Friendly Hikes
Exploring the park’s trails is a fantastic way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and learn about nature.
Calumet Dunes Trail: This short, 0.5-mile paved trail is perfect for young children. Kids will love learning about the Calumet Dunes ridge, the ancient shoreline of Lake Michigan from over 12,000 years ago!
Bailly and Chellberg Trail Loop: This 2.1-mile loop offers a mix of boardwalks and stairs, providing close views of wetlands and ravines. The shorter loop can be completed in about 30 minutes, perfect for the little ones, while the longer loop and its extensions may take several hours.
West Beach Trails: A bit more challenging, this 3.4-mile trail includes the 270 stair steps of the Dune Succession trail. Kids who can handle the steps will enjoy the rewarding views and the opportunity to skip rocks at the lake shore (note that taking rocks home is prohibited).
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail: This trail includes access to a 3,500-square-foot public pavilion with restrooms, a seasonal snack bar, and a glass-walled classroom/meeting space. This stroller-friendly trail offers views of dune plant succession and restored lagoons.
Visit the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
For a hands-on historical experience, head to the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm. The Bailly Homestead is a National Historic Landmark and includes a main house built in the 1830s, a two-story log cabin, a storehouse, and an 1874 brick house. The nearby Chellberg Farm represents a typical 1890-1910 Swedish and Northwestern Indiana farmstead. This living history farm allows kids to see farm animals and participate in seasonal activities.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger program is perfect for young explorers. This free program encourages kids to learn about the park’s diverse ecosystem and conservation efforts through various activities, including sensory exploration, creative writing, and matching games. Completing the activity guide typically takes a couple of hours, and a ranger will swear in the new Junior Rangers at the end.
Seasonal Public Programs
Fireside Chat with a Ranger: Every Wednesday during the summer, join a park ranger at the pavilion to watch the sunset beside the fireplace. BYOM (Bring Your Own Marshmallows) to roast up some s’mores.
Nature Play Date: On summer Saturdays, the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education features family-friendly activities, including crafts, live animals, and a Nature Play Zone.
Visit the National Park Service calendar for specific information on each program.
Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park with kids is a fantastic way to connect with nature and history. With some planning and these tips, your family will surely have a memorable adventure!
