Discover Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park features over 2,000 acres of towering sand dunes, beautiful beaches, and miles of trails, including the 3 Dunes Challenge, a one-of-a-kind hike up the park’s three tallest dunes for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The park also features an astonishing array of ecosystems, from marshes, to forests, to oak savannas. Informative exhibits in the Nature Center tell the remarkable story of this Indiana treasure.

Discovery Trail Logo

Park within a Park

The Indiana Dunes State Park has over 3 miles of beach and covers more than 2,000 acres. It is one of the few state parks in the country surrounded by a national park. Just think of it as a park within a park.

One State Park, Seven Amazing Trails

The Indiana Dunes State Park features seven trails, taking you through an astonishing array of ecosystems and offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

Indiana Dunes State Park Trail Map

Four athletes stand atop a sand dune near a 3 Dune Challenge sign. The blue water of Lake Michigan is in the distance.

Trails 4 and 8

This loop traverses the three tallest dunes in the state park, making up the famous “3 Dune Challenge.” Complete the hike and you'll get a free sticker for your accomplishment!

Barren tree trucks stand on a sand dune. A large lake and cloudy skies are in the background.

Trail 10

This trail follows the majestic shoreline of Lake Michigan and leads through stands of white pines. Watch for the “tree graveyard” in Big Blowout, where the forces of sand and wind have buried…

The Geological Story of Indiana Dunes State Park

The peaceful surroundings of Indiana Dunes State Park make it easy to forget the titanic natural forces that created it. After the glaciers of the last ice age receded, the water that took its place not only formed the Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, but its waves helped to form the dunes. In the Indiana Dunes State Park, the oldest of these dunes are approximately 4000 years old. The tallest dunes were formed later, some two thousand years ago, when shifting winds piled up the mountains of sand we see today.

Marvelous Plants of Indiana Dunes State Park

687 different native plant species can be found in the Indiana Dunes State Park. This incredible array includes everything from cinnamon fern, which thrives in the wetlands in the park, to the towering jack pines in the forest, to the goldenrod and black oak trees of the savanna. Thanks to the unique combination of ecosystems the glaciers left behind, you can even spot prickly pear cactus in the park.

While all of these plants are marvelous, the humble marram grass plays a starring role here, as its ability to thrive even while buried in the sand is crucial to stabilizing the dunes and allowing other plant life to take root.

Flower Quest

The Indiana Dunes is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the entire country. Over 1,100 flowering plant species and ferns make their homes here. How many flowers can YOU find?

Official Indiana Dunes Gift Shop

Don’t just experience the Indiana Dunes; take it home with you. Find your new favorite T-shirt, hoodie, or accessory in our online gift shop. Show off your love for the Indiana Dunes!

Beautiful Birds of the Indiana Dunes State Park

The hammering of woodpeckers, like the red-headed woodpeckers, often echoes through the trees of the state park. The lovely pine siskin, a finch smaller even than the goldfinch, winters here, and over 350 other species of birds pass through the park on their annual spring migrations thanks to the wind funnel effect on the southern shores of Lake Michigan.

Observation Tower

Sitting atop a 60-foot sand dune, the Longshore Birding Platform offers a unique vantage point to observe the beautiful birds that call the park home. Be the early bird in the morning to see the most activity as clusters of birds move through the area. The tower is also a great place to view the sunset!

New to birding?

Grab a copy of this self-led birding tour, and visit six of the Indiana Dunes area birding recommended by local birders. Spectacular birds are waiting for you. Can you spot 'em all?

Easy Viewing

The Nature Center has a dedicated Bird Watching Room that provides a great view of the feeding area. Many species of birds frequent this hot spot, from the large and royal-looking Pileated Woodpecker to the tiny Downy Woodpecker. The delicate Ruby-throated Hummingbird makes a common appearance, as do finches, nuthatches, cardinals, bluejays, sparrows, and many more. Those who persevere may be lucky enough to have a rare encounter with a Harris’ Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, or a Hoary Redpoll.

Visitors can take a rest on the benches and listen to the constant chatter via the connected audio speakers. Reference photos and information sheets are also available to help novice birders identify our feathered friends.

Bird viewing Nature Center

Amazing Insects of the Indiana Dunes State Park

The wildflowers that proliferate in the state park in the spring make the Indiana Dunes a paradise for pollinators, including a number of species of bees and butterflies. Lake Michigan is a formidable natural obstacle on the annual migration of the monarch butterfly, so these majestic insects can often be found along the shoreline in the late summer months. The marshes and wetlands offer an inviting habitat for dragonflies and damselflies.

Rare and Protected

There is a hidden flower within the state park called the Fringed Polygala. This endangered plant only grows on the side of one specific dune, and its location is a well-guarded secret. Please do not go searching for it. It is far off the trail and nearly impossible to find. It’s important that it remains hidden to keep it protected.

Indiana Dunes State Park packs a lot of biodiversity into a small space. The mix of habitats such as dune, prairie, river, swamp, lake, forest, savanna, marsh, and dune and swale provide home or temporary shelter for an incredible array of flora, including Jack Pine and Bearberries normally found further north in Canada as well as prickly pear cactus that flourishes in desert-like conditions, such as those found on Trail 3.

Rare Habitat

One of those habitats is a rare black oak savanna. This unique mix of open prairie grassland dotted with distinctive oak trees is believed to have once covered approximately 50 million acres across the midwest United States. Today, only 30,000 acres remain. A beautiful example of the oak savanna can be found in the Indiana Dunes State Park, and rangers actively maintain this endangered habitat.

Oak savannas require periodic fires to clear out underbrush and limit the growth of trees. For centuries natural occurrences like lightning strikes and fires set by Native American tribes ensured the balance of plant growth. As development increased and policies of fire suppression became common, savannas became overgrown and gradually disappeared. Currently, active management of the savanna calls for periodic prescribed burns and clearings, allowing sunlight to reach the grasses and smaller plants that make the habitat so special. As you walk through the savanna, take a moment to appreciate the oak trees that withstand the occasional fire to provide shade over the waving grasses.

Nature Center

The Nature Center offers interpretive exhibits on the cultural history and the Natural History of the Indiana Dunes State Park, along with a bird feeding area where visitors can look out at one of the nearly 400 species that visit Indiana Dunes, especially as they migrate through here during the spring and fall seasons.

The Nature Center is also home base to programs held throughout the year, including ranger-led hikes.

Sponsored

Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 N. 25 East
219-926-1952

A state park surrounded by a national park, the Indiana Dunes State Park is 2,182 acres of dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood forests, and white pine groves with a lifeguarded beach (summer…

What to Expect

There are two main parking lots near the beach at the state park. Additional small parking lots can be found near the Nature Center and shelters. On summer weekends with nice weather, all of the lots can fill up. To avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday or in the spring, fall, and winter. Restrooms are available near the Pavilion and the Nature Center.

Be Ready

Poison ivy can grow alongside the trail, and portions can become wet and muddy. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Bring along a reusable water bottle and snacks.

A sign on a pole lists tips to prevent tick bites.

Be Safe

Mosquitoes and ticks can be a nuisance in the summer, so be sure to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Check yourself for ticks after your hike.

Be Responsible

Visitors must stay on designated trails at all times. We have created a video to help you learn about your role in enjoying the dunes area safely while minimizing your impact on the park.

How to Help

We are all responsible for protecting our parks for future generations. The Indiana Dunes, as a whole, is one of he most biodiverse areas in the United States. Here are some tips to help you limit your impact on the natural habitats in the dunes area.

Get Involved

Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes! There are many no-hassle, drop-in volunteer opportunities available for everyone. Just show up!

Love & Protect the Dunes

Each of us who visit the Indiana Dunes can also help protect natural heritage, biodiversity, and local culture by taking a few simple steps.

Discover Indiana Dunes State Park

Park within a Park

One State Park, Seven Amazing Trails

The Geological Story of Indiana Dunes State Park

Marvelous Plants of Indiana Dunes State Park

Blue Lobelia

Witch Hazel

Tall Coreopsis

Hairy Bush Clover

Poison Milkweed

Lion's Foot

Annual Saltmarsh Aster

Siberian Squill

Horsemint

Soapwort

Clover

Fern

Common Briar

Aster

Skunk Cabbage

Dame's Rocket (invasive)

Goldenrod