Ready for a workout with bragging rights? Tackle the 3 Dune Challenge, a steep 1.5-mile hike up the three tallest dunes in Indiana Dunes State Park with 552 feet of elevation gain.
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.
State Park Views
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?
Campground Rove @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Be on the lookout for a park naturalist in the campground. They may bring something interesting with them. Be sure…
NW Indiana Storytelling Festival
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring daily
Friday, October 16, 7:00-8:00 pm: “Campfire Stories & Sweet Treats” Northwest Indiana Storytellers celebrate…
Campfire Stories and S'mores! @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Northwest Indiana Storytellers presents its 36 the annual event! Come and join us for fun stories at the campground…
Saw-Whet & S'Mores @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Recurring daily
Meet migrating Northern Saw-whet Owls up close during a cozy evening of owl banding, conservation, and s’mores at…
Ghost Stories! @ Indiana Dunes State Park
A night of fright awaits you at the Nature Center’s Outdoor Program Area! Bring a blanket and a friend to hold on…
Stories For Children @ Indiana Dunes State Park
At the Nature Center fire ring, stories for all ages will come to life with the help of a variety of props…
Stories From Around the World & An Open Mic @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Join us at the Nature Center’s Fire Ring, where stories will be shared from around the world. Then the floor will be…
Storyteller's Favorites @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Storytellers have favorite stories, too! At the Nature Center, hear the stories that each storyteller loves to tell…
Fall Color Walk @ Indiana Dunes State Park
The trees and plants are showing off their spectacular colors! Join a naturalist at the Nature Center for a hike…
Amazing Reptiles of the Dunes @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Monday
Crawl or slither over to the Nature Center to see some of our resident reptiles up close. Learn about their…
Spine-Chilling Spider Hunt Night Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
At the Nature Center, you will discover fascinating facts about our 8-legged friends. Then go on a hunt in the dark…
"Howl"ween in the Dunes!
Mark your calendar to get spooked and thrilled this Halloween at Indiana Dunes State Park. Join us for our…
Campsite Decorating Contest @ Indiana Dunes State Park
3:30 – 5:30 pm Campsite Decorating Contest Judges will determine the spookiest, most creative, and funniest…
Full Moon Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Enjoy the beautiful full moon and night sky on this special hike, departing from the Nature Center and returning to…
Hayrides @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Rides start at the campground gate and will go to the beach and back- fun for all ages! Tickets are available at the…
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.
4th Street Print Fest Brings Printmaking, Art and Hands-On Fun to Chesterton
- 2 minute read
Printmaking takes center stage in Chesterton this fall with the inaugural 4th Street Print Fest at Chesterton Art Center. The free community event takes place Saturday, October 3, from…
Fireflies Fun Zone: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun in Chesterton
- 2 minute read
This summer in the NWI, it seems that we're all on the search for that perfect nostalgic break. I keep hearing that inner voice calling louder and louder to return to the simple, to the…
A Fall Weekend Worth Writing Home About
- 4 minute read
Fall has a way of bringing out a different and unexpected side of the Indiana Dunes. The air turns crisp, autumn colors fill the forests, and miles of trail lead to sweeping views of Lake…
Dunes Deals Coupons
Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of your vacation. Discounts ranging from a free scoop…
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, Culture, & Entertainment
It’s not all sand-fringed lakes and epic sunsets. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene stoked by a…
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…