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?
Battle of the Dunes History Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Nature Center to begin an easy 1.5-mile history walk all about the Revolutionary War battle at the Dunes.—time…
Dunes Lion Safari @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Join a naturalist at the Nature Center to set off on a Lion Safari. Ant Lions, that is! We will search the dunes for…
Frog or Toad? @ Indiana Dunes State Park
This will be a RIBBITing program that you will never forget! Hop on over to the Nature Center to learn the…
Indiana Dunes Day @ Indiana Dunes State Park
We’re heading to Indiana Dunes State Park for a full summer day of adventure and chill vibes. Expect a perfect mix…
Spiders are Stupendous! @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Learn a new SPIN on some of our Indiana Dunes 8-legged wonders of nature. You will see some of these fascinating…
Breakfast with an Ambassador @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Monday
A variety of animals reside at the Nature Center. These creatures serve as educational ambassadors, helping to…
High Dunes Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday
Strap on your hiking shoes and join a Naturalist to not only see beautiful views, but to learn more about both the…
Feed the Birds B-I-N-G-O @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Wednesday
Fly to the Naturalist at the Nature Center’s Bird Window to help fill the feeders and play this fun game where you…
Turtle Time @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Thursday
Turtles have so many adaptations for surviving in their habitats. Come to the Nature Center's auditorium to meet our…
Campground Rove: Weekday Program on Fridays Only
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Be on the lookout in the campground for a Park Naturalist. They may have something fun with them, and be sure to ask…
Naturalist Table at the Nature Center @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Be on the lookout at the Nature Center for a naturalist with some fun items to learn about! They may have a fun game…
Salamander Gander @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Come see our short-legged, long-tailed amphibian friends at the Nature Center. Then we will head out for a short…
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Watch the sand come alive at this year’s 29th annual event! This year’s theme is “Nature Superheroes!” Registration…
Nature Scavenger Hunt @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Stop by the Nature Center’s front desk and pick up directions for this fun game for all ages. Complete the hunt for…
Breakfast with the Birds @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Start your morning off with a breakfast snack while watching the birds eat their breakfast, too! The naturalist will…
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.
Share Your Love of the Indiana Dunes: Volunteer at the Visitor Center
- 3 minute read
Are you the person friends and family call when they need recommendations for the Indiana Dunes or Porter County? If you love sharing local knowledge, meeting people from around the world, and…
Sip & Savor the Indiana Dunes Coffee & Sweets Trail
- 2 minute read
If you’re one of those people who just can’t get your day started without your morning cup of coffee…or if you love to spend your mid-day sipping in the corner of a quiet…
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Indiana Dunes Area
- 2 minute read
Welcome to the Indiana Dunes, where the Fourth of July is celebrated second to none! Join us for our region’s patriotic celebrations while enjoying the beauty of Lake Michigan during…
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…