Indiana Dunes State Park
Sand, shore, and the space to breathe—over 2,000 acres of it! This isn’t your run of the mill state park, it’s a place shaped by thousands of years of shifting landscapes and Hoosier history. Since 1925, Indiana Dunes State Park has been wowing visitors with its natural terrain, three-miles of dune-lined shores, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Splash around in Lake Michigan, bound up towering sand dunes, or explore beautiful trails on foot or on your bike. Escape the mundane on these storied shores.
Put on your fitness tracker and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure. Grab your friends, family members, or pets, and take on this challenging hike up the park’s three tallest dunes.
Named one of the best places to hike in Indiana by USA Today, Trail 9 at the Indiana Dunes State Park offers incredible vistas and towering sand dunes that make you feel a thousand miles away.
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.
We love our outdoor spaces and many are fragile habitats that need to be protected! Learn how to visit the Indiana Dunes sustainably with these eco-friendly travel tips.
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?
Indiana Dunes State Park Events
View All EventsNature Center's Snowshoe Rentals
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Recurring daily
Thanks to the Friends of the Indiana Dunes, the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center offers snowshoe rental for…
Dunes 5K Road Run, Indiana Dunes State Park
Get ready to kick up some sand at the exhilarating Dunes 5k Road Run! Picture this: your feet pounding the pavement…
Feed the Birds B-I-N-G-O @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Fly to the Nature Center Bird Feeding Room for this fun game where you ID your way to a B-I-N-G-O. Prizes awarded!…
Turtle Time @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Come out of your shell and turtle trot on over to the Nature Center Auditorium to learn what our resident turtles…
Holiday Craft Creation Extravaganza @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Stop in the Nature Center auditorium, any time during these hours. We will have a variety of crafts to make to add…
Happy Owl-idays, Indiana Dunes State Park
Join us at the Nature Center’s Auditorium for some OWL-iday cheer with Humane Indiana Wildlife’s live owl…
Beach Glass Wire-Wrapping Workshops
Learn the beginning skills of wire-wrapping beach glass to make your jewelry during this 1.5-hour session. This is a…
Dune Creek History Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Start at the Nature Center for this easy and accessible hike to the beach. You will learn the story of our Dunes…
Winter SSSSSnakes @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Slither over to the Nature Center to see some of our snakes up-close and learn more about these often-misunderstood…
Holiday Cookie Decorating & Hot Chocolate @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Kick off the holiday season at the Nature Center by crafting a delicious treat. Savor your masterpiece alongside a…
Species Spotlight @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Recurring daily
Join us at the Nature Center as the Naturalist will introduce you to a different live animal of the Indiana Dunes…
High Dunes Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park
Strap on your hiking shoes and join a Naturalist to not only see beautiful views but also learn more about the…
Beach Mysteries Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
This is a fun moderate 2-mile trek along Trail 7 to the beach and back. Along the way, you will discover what makes…
Annual First Day Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park
As part of a 50-state initiative, America's State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an…
Winter Scavenger Hunt @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Recurring daily
Visit the Nature Center to grab a wintery scavenger hunt. Enjoy a hike as you work on your hunt, and once you’ve…
Travel Deeply & Experience More
More than just a hiking trail, this interactive experience will weave the culture of the Miami and Potawatomi Indigenous Peoples with the natural ecology of the Indiana Dunes.
You’re invited to help be a part of preserving and protecting the Indiana Dunes by volunteering during your visit. All you have to do is show up! How’s that for easy?!
Learn about a few ways you can explore the outdoors responsibly while ensuring that its beauty and resources are maintained for future generations.
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesOur Guide to Christmas and Holiday Activities in the Indiana Dunes
- 3 minute read
Twinkling lights, falling snow, the warmth of friends and family — there are so many beautiful things to enjoy about the holidays. If you're in the Indiana Dunes this holiday…
Zao Island: Valparaiso’s Ultimate Spot for Family Fun
- 3 minute read
The Indiana Dunes region is known for its beautiful, sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan… but did you know they have an island, too? Zao Island, in Valparaiso, is an…
Become a Volunteer Indiana Dunes Ambassador!
- 1 minute read
Step into the role of a welcoming champion for the Indiana Dunes area, connecting visitors with the heart and soul of our vibrant communities. As an Ambassador, you’ll serve as the…
More Things to See & Do
Outdoor Adventures
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from…
Dunes Deals
Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of…
Indiana Dunes Shop
Don’t just experience the Indiana Dunes; take it home with you. Find your new favorite T-shirt, hoodie, or…
Pet Friendly
There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana…
Arts & Entertainment
It’s not all sand-fringed lakes and epic sunsets. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene stoked by a…
Drop-in Volunteering
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!
Book a Place to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…
Hotels & Inns
A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…