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.
Three more reasons to get outside. 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…
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.
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…
Unplug from everyday stress and connect to nature with over 70 miles of hike-able trails, 15 miles of swim-able coastline, and over 350 species of migratory birds.
Be the change by getting more involved with the Indiana Dunes! There are many no-hassle, volunteer drop-in opportunities available for everyone. Just show up, and the organization provides the…
Indiana Dunes Events
View All Events"Against the Grain" at the PoCo Muse
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Against the Grain elevates objects in the collection made from wood and places them alongside the fine art of local…
Brighthold, an Americana Duo based in Nashville
Two alums will be featured this evening. Brendan Scannell, comedian, returns after selling out CST in August, to…
Butterflies & Beyond Exhibition @ The Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
This invitational exhibition features 16 regional artists who make art about the diverse pollinator species and…
Cobalt Joy @ Leroy's Hot Stuff
Expert musicians, fantastic vocals, great mix of music. Expect the unexpected. This event is for 21+—time: 8:00 pm…
Connections: Take a Closer Look - Permanent Exhibit
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising ways. The objects may…
Corn Maze @ County Line Orchard
- County Line Orchard
- Recurring daily
I'm all ears! Explorer Pass $9 or All Access Pass $14 Get lost in our HUGE corn maze! Our themes vary every year…
Craft Brewing with Greg Winget and Bill and Johanna Welter @ Journeyman Distillery - Valpo
Join us at The American Factory in Valparaiso, IN for our Meet the Makers Series. Discover the art and history…
Duneland Fall Festival
- Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
- Recurring daily
Visit the heart of the National Park for a weekend of fall fun. There will be musical groups, live entertainment…
Fall Fun at County Line Orchard
- County Line Orchard
- Recurring daily
Family Fun at its Finest! Gather your family and come spend a day at County Line Orchard. Features U-Pick pumpkins…
Family Activity Sundays @ PoCo Muse
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Family Activity Sundays. New Activities Each Week! Sundays from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Feeding at the Farm
- Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
- Recurring weekly on Sunday
Join a volunteer or ranger and help feed the cows and chickens at the historic Chellberg Farm. This event is held…
Four Corners Winery Annual Food Truck Festival
Join us for our fun family-friendly Fourth Annual Food Truck Festival from 11-5 p.m. Food by: Albanos Pasta Shop…
Gabis Arboretum Railway Garden Train
- Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Featuring dwarf plants and model steam engine trains, the exhibit showcases the impact steam engine trains had on…
Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Recurring daily
Celebrate the outdoors at the Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival. The festival runs for TEN DAYS with more…
Live Music @ Anderson's Winery
- Anderson's Winery and Vineyard
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
Come out for live music by Frank Ruvoli. No better way to spend the day than with some great wine and music!
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesExperience the Best of Fall at the Duneland Fall Festival
- 2 minute read
Autumn is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by heading to the Duneland Fall Festival at the historic Chellberg Farm at Indiana Dunes National Park. This…
Training Future Conservationists at Kankakee Sands
- 3 minute read
It’s September, and it’s back-to-school time for many students and families. My own kids are headed back to school, and as a mentor for our Student Conservation Internship team…
Visiting the Indiana Dunes National Park With Kids
- 3 minute read
Recommended as a “Best For Families” park by National Geographic, Indiana Dunes National Park is an ideal destination for family adventures. Located just a few hours from major…
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…
Volunteer
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…