Discover the Lakefront Communities

Beverly Shores

Step into a restaurant, deli, and cafe inspired by the fairytale “The Goblin and the Grocer.” Catch a food truck near the camp store, or check out the iconic Beverly Shores train station, which is also home to the Beverly Shores Museum and Art Gallery. Enjoy, as well as great hiking and bird-watching spots along the Great Marsh Trail in Beverly Shores. Learn the history of the Century of Progress Homes and maybe even take a tour during the annual architectural tour in October. Afterward, continue along Lake Front Drive and stop for a picnic at the Lake View Picnic Area, followed by a walk on the sandy beach.

Dune Acres

Dune Acres is located right on the shore of Lake Michigan, surrounded by the wooded beauty of the National Park. Conjure up images of frisbees, flip-flops, and beachside cookouts, and you’ll get an idea of what life is like. Most of Dunes Acres is residential.

Furnessville

Furnessville is known for its boutique shopping in its historic Schoolhouse Shop. This shop boasts an eclectic array of unique gifts, artisan foods, and more. Dating from 1886, this former Porter County Schoolhouse now serves as a shopping destination in the Indiana Dunes.

Ogden Dunes

Ogden Dunes began life as a resort community. Once home to the highest ski jump in the U.S.A., it was taken down in 1932. The town’s charm has long outlasted fairweather pursuits, and Ogden Dunes has become one of the region’s most upscale communities for year-round residents. Most of Ogden Dunes is residential.

The Pines

The Pines, with its mid-century ambiance, is a tiny borough just outside Michigan City. Featuring well-preserved motor lodges straight out of the 50s, visiting here is like taking a trip back in time.

Play at the Lakefront

Here, you could be making sand castles at the beach one moment and enjoying local history and art museums, quaint shops, or stone-baked pizzas the next. Most of the communities are nestled among state and national parks, providing miles of trails and world-class birding opportunities. 

Each community has its own uniqueness to offer. Ogden Dunes is adjacent to West Beach, home of the Diana of the Dunes Dare, Dune Acres has remote hiking trails and picturesque dune landscapes, Beverly Shores and the Pines have award-winning chefs delivering memorable fare at the local eateries, and Furnessville has boutique shopping in a historic schoolhouse.

Economic Development

We invite you to tap into the potential of the Lakefront Communities. Each encourages outdoor living and connection, and countless residents have moved to the area to take advantage of this urban/rural relationship. With multiple highways running parallel to the lakefront and nearby train stations, these communities offer both an oasis of natural living and a transit corridor to Chicago. 

So, if you’re looking for untapped opportunities and a sense of calm, easy living, you’ve found it.

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.