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Close
Search
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore The Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkTwo people kayakingIndiana Dunes State ParkOur CommunitiesVisitor Center
Things to DoThings to Do
Things to Do Arts & EntertainmentAttractions & RecreationDrop-In VolunteeringFamily Funtwo bikers on a roadOutdoor AdventuresPet FriendlyShopping
Eat & DrinkEventsPlaces to Stay
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Indiana DunesExplore The DunesIndiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Walk on glacial sands, pushed and pulled by time into dunes nearly 250 feet high. Paddle across a 300-mile-long lake with waves and scenery that rival the Atlantic. A place unlike anywhere else on Earth? We’re not just putting wind in your sails. It’s a haven for hikers. A beacon for birders. A tenement for tenters. With an unparalleled position along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 50 miles of rugged trails, and a diverse ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, prairies, and old-growth forest, Indiana Dunes National Park is a destination for outdoor adventurers of all kinds.

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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 experience.

Drop-In Volunteering

We offer no-hassle volunteering through our drop-in program. Just show up — we provide the gear and training. Opportunities are available every day, so come lend a hand in preserving this beautiful place!

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National Park Listings

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Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

These two historic sites sit nearly side-by-side. Bailly Homestead is named for Joseph Bailly, the first known non-native region resident, who set up…

618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

Central Avenue Beach

This beach is surrounded by a buried forest created when wind-blown sands inundated the trees. It is also a great place to hike flower-filled fields,…

151 Central Ave., Michigan City

Cowles Bog Trail

This is where Henry Chandler Cowles conducted his landmark study of the dunes’ vegetation succession. Pass through wooded dunes and wetlands until…

1450 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Dune Acres

Dunbar Beach

Parking is limited at this prime spot near the Lake View Picnic Area and the historic Century of Progress homes. Enjoy this beautiful beach in a…

300 W. Lake Front Dr., Beverly Shores

Dune Succession Trail

The Dunes Succession Trail links with two others in the national park system, covering a total of 3.6 miles. As the name suggests, this trail is a…

376 N. County Line Rd., Gary

Dunes Learning Center

The Dunes Learning Center gives kids a chance to learn about the Indiana Dunes by being out in nature with the experts. Visit indianadunes.com/events…

700 Howe Rd. (N. 150 W.), Chesterton

Glenwood Dunes Trail

Cross over two ancient dune ridges created as Lake Michigan receded 11,000 years ago. This trail is used for hiking, horseback riding…

1475 N. Brummitt Rd., Chesterton

Great Marsh Trail

Just a short stroll to an accessible observation platform provides a great view of this recently restored wetland. Wading birds like herons and…

500 S. Broadway Ave., Beverly Shores

Heron Rookery East

Fishing access at GPS Coordinates: 41.6697402, -86.9515129

1336 N. 600 East, Michigan City

Heron Rookery East

The Heron Rookery Trail was a Great Blue Heron nesting ground for 60 years. The Great Blue Herons have moved on, but the 3.3-mile trail is a great…

1336 N. 600 East, Michigan City

Showing Results 1-10 of 28

Showing 28 results

Indiana Dunes National Park Events

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Environment / Nature

Big and Little Art

November 26 - December 10, 2020

DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION WITH THE COVID-19 VIRUS, SOME EVENTS MAY BE CANCELLED OR POSTPONING. CHECK…

Community

Wintering with Wildlife

December 28 - December 31, 2020

Strap on your snowshoes, we are off to the woods! Join the staff of HIW to learn about our wintering wildlife. Whether species migrate out of our…

Do More in the Dunes

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Top 10 Lists

Discover the Top 15 Indiana Dunes Hiking Trails

Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll through the woods or a calorie-burning hike up steep dunes, the Indiana Dunes has the perfect trail for…

Things to Do

Five Things to Do This November in the Indiana Dunes

November is a wonderful time to visit the Indiana Dunes. The temperatures are mild, the leaves are starting to fall, and the holiday season is just…

Wildlife

Long-legged Leapers of the Kankakee Sands Prairie

Northern leopard frogs are the long-legged leapers of our Kankakee Sands prairie, and catching one is not only thrilling but hard to do!

Events

Welcome Indiana Elite FC Families!

We’re proud to welcome you to the home of the Indiana Dunes. We hope you enjoy your stay and good luck in the competition!