Explore the Dunes

Our stories are written across every mile of beach, forest, and meandering trail. Hear them in the haunting call of the loon and the snap of branches on the woodland floor. See them in the crisscross tracks of trains past and carved moldings of historic buildings. Feel it with every warm hello and sandy toe that greets you on our friendly shores. Want to know more about the Indiana Dunes? Just ask, we’re not shy.

Aerial view of the shoreline. The water is a deep blue. The sand changes to beach grass and eventually trees.

Indiana Dunes National Park

When it comes to our newly minted national park, it’s a numbers game. It’s 15,000 acres of unadulterated adventure; 1,100 flowering plants; 350 species of birds; 50 miles of trails over dunes…

A wooden staircase leading down towards the water

Indiana Dunes State Park

Serving up adventure since 1925. With over 2,000 acres of stunning terrain to explore, discover our Hoosier landscape from beaches and sand dunes to wetlands and ancient forests.

Getting Here

Before you lose yourself in the beauty of the Indiana Dunes, you’re going to want to find us. Of course, finding us is easy. The hard part will be leaving.

A park ranger stands in front of a dune. He is wearing a tan uniform with a classic ranger hat.

Dunes 101

Watch Ranger Matt's Dunes 101 videos to learn everything you need to know about the Indiana Dunes, including how to have the best beach experience, where to camp, and which trail to hike.

Explore Our Communities

Find it in the friendly streets of small towns like Hebron, the charming downtown festivals and markets of Chesterton, the world-class arts scene of Valparaiso, and warm summer days spent on…

Visitor Center

The best way to live like a local is to learn from a local. Our Visitor Center offers everything you need to learn more about the Indiana Dunes area with the added assistance of our super…

12 days ago

An Update on the Indigenous Cultural Trail

6 minute read

The Indiana Dunes is more than sandy beaches and towering dunes; they're a place with rich indigenous history—history that is often overlooked. The area is the ancestral homeland…

Discovery Trail 18 days ago

Our Favorite Reasons to Explore the Discovery Trail

2 minute read

Less than an hour from Chicago, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, is an extraordinary place—the Indiana Dunes. While it might be best known for its fifteen miles of…

Attractions & Recreation a month ago

A hand holds a glass in front of barrels.

Journeyman Distillery Tasting Tours: Craft Spirits & History in Valparaiso

3 minute read

What do popcorn, organic grains, and an old windshield wiper factory all have in common? Journeyman Distillery has turned them all into something new and unique to the Indiana Dunes region…