Discover the Duneland Communities

Burns Harbor

One part industry, one part contemporary city—and all parts growing. A town built on steel, Burns Harbor has become a champion of the environmental movement, as showcased by The Village in Burns Harbor’s National Green Building Standard. With easy access to highways and a commuter rail, Burns Harbor offers a nature-inspired reprieve for those who work in Chicago but play in Northwest Indiana.

Chesterton

It’s not hard to be inspired by the abundant beauty of the Indiana Dunes area. That’s probably why Chesterton is home to a surprising number of artists and regional photographers, most of which can be found at the Chesterton Art Center. Beyond its art scene, Chesterton enjoys annual festivals, a renowned European Market that runs from May to October, and an eclectic collection of restaurants, studios, and shops.

Porter

The gateway to the Dunes. Porter has always been known as a place to stop, visit, and stay a while. Its most influential historical citizens—Joseph Bailly and the Chellberg family—were so captivated by the area’s beauty that they were amongst the first Europeans to settle here. You can visit the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm sites in the heart of the Indiana Dunes National Park and experience life as they did in the early days of Porter.

Play in Duneland

A great place to live and raise a family, Duneland boasts beautiful parks, beachfront property, small-town charm, and a big-city love of food. Think of it as a casual place to catch some rays, ride bikes, and enjoy some great locally-inspired Midwest cuisine.

Experience Indiana Dunes the best way possible—outside! Take a scenic hike, or enjoy fishing, picnicking, and bird watching at the 151-acre Coffee Creek Preserve. Afterward, explore the charms of Chesterton as you sample goods at the open-air European Market.

Duneland Dining

Start your day with the best breakfast in all of Indiana’s Cool North at Northside Diner, the 2018 Breakfast Wars Champion. Later, spend your visit restaurant hopping downtown at locations like Lucrezia Café, Joe’s Bread, or Octave Grill. Or, let the carhops at The Port Drive-In take you back in time to the 1950s. Finally, sink your teeth into a feast of saucy, award-winning ribs at Wagner’s Ribs or the authentic Italian pizzas at Pizza Terra.

Economic Development

Here in the Duneland communities of Chesterton, Porter, and Burns Harbor, people understand the value of hard work. This is a place where nature and industry meet, where farmers and steel workers live side by side because they understand the value of the art of living. It's quaint downtowns with big visions for the future—of tourism, boutiques, and fine dining.

With access to major railroads, trucking routes, and international shipping at the Port of Indiana, companies can move products and supplies across town or across the world.

Learn About the Indiana Dunes

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 perfect hiking trail for your skill level.

Want to know even more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you’ll learn fun facts about one of America’s most ecologically diverse areas.