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…
1966 Hiking Challenge: West Beach 3 - Loop Trail
Trails at Indiana Dunes' West Beach take visitors through a variety of scenes. Find yourself in the shade of an…
Adult Recess Day @ Four Corners Winery
Remember the joy of recess? It’s time to relive those moments- grown-up style! Join us for a day of play, laughter…
Annual Festival of Magic
- Running Vines Winery
- Recurring daily
Join us for this year's Festival of Magic, a whimsical celebration of all things wizarding and magical! The Festival…
Annual Mermaid Straw World Wide Cleanup
Each year we come together as a global Mermaid Straw community and kick off #PlasticFreeJuly right by hosting a…
Area Artists Association Exhibition "Knee High by the Fourth of July" at the Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
“Knee High By The Fourth of July” is a common saying that is an embedded marker of our land, our country, and our…
Beneath the Surface: Jon Hook + Andrea Peterson Artists' @ Chesterton Art Center
- Chesterton Art Center
- Recurring daily
Beneath the Surface: Jon Hook + Andrea Peterson Artists' Reception for Third Friday. Chesterton Art Center is…
Bobby Wright Headlines @ Cheers in Chesterton
Come enjoy TWO of the best comedic juggernauts that Chicagoland has to offer and a surprise or two. Join Forgettable…
Bubble Grazing Workshop
Add color to one of our ready-made bisque wares by blowing underglaze bubbles to create a unique dish! Choose from a…
Chellberg Farm Open House
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on…
Chesterton's European Market
- Chesterton's European Market
- Recurring weekly on Saturday
An outdoor family/artisanal market is held in historic downtown Chesterton every Saturday from the beginning of May…
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…
Drama of the Dunes Art Exhibit
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse) currently has on display a collection of works produced by local artists who were…
Exhibit Opening: New Era Guitars: Making Music in the Dunes
- Westchester Township History Museum
- Recurring daily
Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Tony Klassen was a talented artist, furniture builder, and guitar maker. He…
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesBison Up Close: Guided Tours at Broken Wagon Bison
- 3 minute read
Have you “herd”?! You can see North America’s largest native land mammal grazing on fields in Northwest Indiana! Nestled in the Indiana Dunes region, and minutes from the…
Our Guide to the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
- 3 minute read
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is a serene escape for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. With its expansive trails, diverse gardens, abundant wildlife, and…
Top Things to Do in the Indiana Dunes Parks
- 4 minute read
Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes are a national treasure. The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park offer something for everyone—hiking scenic…
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…