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.

Dunes 101

Join Ranger Matt in our Dunes 101 Series to explore everything you need to know about the Indiana Dunes, including how to make the most out of your beach experience, where to camp, and the…

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…

Indiana Dunes National Park a month ago

A man in a blue shirt and light cap hikes on a sandy trail with hiking poles. Lake Michigan can be seen in the background.

Top Eight Reasons to Go to the Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival

4 minute read

Each fall, local organizations come together to lead over 100 events in ten days to celebrate the wide variety of outdoor adventures you can have in Northwest Indiana. The Indiana Dunes…

2 months ago

Celebrating the Barbie Movie at the Dunes

2 minute read

Barbie is everywhere these days thanks to the new Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Her presence is even felt in the Indiana Dunes area. Here are just some of the ways…

Arts & Entertainment 4 months ago

A brick building with a bright red door. A large tree sits in front of the building.

Introducing the Chesterton Arts District and Summer Third Fridays

2 minute read

The Chesterton Arts District is a vibrant collective of arts-aligned organizations and creative businesses dedicated to promoting and nurturing the arts in the Duneland community. This new…