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

The Indiana Dunes National Park has 15,000 acres of adventure; 1,100 flowering plants; 350 species of birds; 50 miles of trails over dunes, bogs, prairies, and forests; and 15 miles of shore.

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

The Indiana Dunes is woven from the history, scenery, and life of its communities, from Hebron's small-town charm to Chesterton's markets, Valparaiso's arts scene, and Portage's Lake Michigan…

Visitor Center

The best way to live like a local is to learn from a local. Start your trip at the Visitor Center and chat with our destination ambassadors—they’re our Indiana Dunes area experts.

Festivals & Events 6 days ago

A man in a red sweater holds up a printed paper showing black and white abstract geometric art in a studio.

4th Street Print Fest Brings Printmaking, Art and Hands-On Fun to Chesterton

2 minute read

Printmaking takes center stage in Chesterton this fall with the inaugural 4th Street Print Fest at Chesterton Art Center. The free community event takes place Saturday, October 3, from…

Communities & Local Experiences 10 days ago

A smiling woman in a denim jacket holds a baby outside the entrance of a store called Fireflies.

Fireflies Fun Zone: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun in Chesterton

2 minute read

This summer in the NWI, it seems that we're all on the search for that perfect nostalgic break. I keep hearing that inner voice calling louder and louder to return to the simple, to the…

a month ago

Woman standing on a trail surrounded by fall foliage with Lake Michigan visible in the background at Indiana Dunes

A Fall Weekend Worth Writing Home About

4 minute read

Fall has a way of bringing out a different and unexpected side of the Indiana Dunes. The air turns crisp, autumn colors fill the forests, and miles of trail lead to sweeping views of Lake…