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Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore the Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes State ParkOutdoor Adventures 9Outdoor AdventuresVisitor Center
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Close
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Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore the Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes State ParkOutdoor Adventures 9Outdoor AdventuresVisitor Center
Things to DoThings to Do
Things to Do Must See & DoArts & EntertainmentAttractions & RecreationOur CommunitiesPet FriendlyPet FriendlyShoppingVolunteerWinter Activities
Eat & DrinkEvents
Places to StayPlaces to Stay
Places to Stay Bed & BreakfastsHotels & InnsRVs & CampgroundsVacation HomesVacation Homes
Indiana Dunes State Park 6 Header Item 1
Indiana DunesExplore the DunesIndiana Dunes State Park

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.

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3 Dune Challenge

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 park’s three tallest dunes.

Hike Trail 9

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.

Dunes 101

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 perfect hiking trail for your skill level.

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State Park Listings

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Blue Point Oysters & Sushi Bar

Blue Point Oysters and Sushi Bar restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Valparaiso. Enjoy a fine-dining seafood experience or a…

13 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso

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Chesterton Brewery

A veteran-owned brewery giving back to veterans and local heroes with every pour of custom-crafted microbrews. A place where you can feel comfortable…

1050 Broadway, Ste. 36, Chesterton

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Chesterton Toys

This shop is a wonderland of classic and wooden toys, as well as unique, modern playthings, all with a strong focus on “kid-powered”…

201 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton

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Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Portage

Enjoy the comforts of home at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, located just 10 minutes from the Indiana Dunes. This charming hotel has plenty of…

1630 Olmstead Dr., Portage

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Evexia Salt Cave

Evexia Salt Cave will take you back to the year 1839 when the first salt mine health resort was opened in Poland. We have created a simulated…

1583 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton

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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Want to create a personalized tour of the Indiana Dunes area? Stop by the Visitor Center where our front desk destination concierges will help you…

1215 N. State Road 49, Porter

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Lifestyles

You’ll feel like Alice in Wonderland in this eclectic, edgy store. Every inch of its 10,000 square feet is filled with one-of-a-kind gifts from…

122 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso

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Speakeasy at the Spa

Witness the historic rebirth of the 1920’s speakeasy. The Speakeasy at the Spa compliments their Spa Special Events Center located on the same…

333 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

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Spring House Inn

It’s one part hotel, one part country retreat, and all parts comfort. With more than 50 rooms perfect for business travelers, families, and anyone…

303 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

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The Flour Shoppe Bakery

Locally owned and operated gluten-free bakery. They offer sweet and savory options, bubble tea, and gourmet coffee.

540 Indian Boundary Rd., Chesterton

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Tale from the Dunes

The Indiana Dunes Blog

Did you know the Indiana Dunes has a 15-mile coastline with sandy beaches, more than 70 miles of hiking trails and more than 350 species of birds? Explore the latest and greatest tales from the dunes.

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Communities

Main Streets TV visits the Indiana Dunes

John McGivern's Main Streets visited the Indiana Dunes to film an episode of their travel show about the main streets of Midwestern communities.…

Indiana Dunes National Park

The Indiana Dunes National Park Fees Explained

Wondering which pass you should buy to visit the Indiana Dunes National Park? Here are some scenarios that may help you decide which option is best…

Discovery Trail

Snowshoeing in the Indiana Dunes National Park

Once the Indiana Dunes area is blanketed in a few inches of snow, you’ll start to see people traversing the parks’ trails on snowshoes.

Indiana Dunes Events

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Community

Popcorn Panic

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Looking for a return to racing? Join the annual running of the Popcorn Panic. A community tradition for over four decades, this event has over…

Food / Beverage

Fall Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 15, 2022

The Valparaiso Fall Harvest Festival is a celebration that will take place at Central Park Plaza in conjunction with the end of the Valparaiso…

Educational

Summer Concert Series – “Visions of Santana”

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Join us on Thursday nights at Northwest Health Amphitheater in Central Park Plaza for the Summer Concert Series. This series features a different…

Holiday

Downtown Valparaiso Trick-or-Treat

Friday, October 14, 2022

Join other little ghosts and goblins for FREE tricks and treats in downtown Valpo!…

Environment / Nature

Annual NWI Storytelling Festival and Ghost Stories

October 14 - October 15, 2022

The Northwest Indiana Storytelling Guild will join the park staff again this fall for an annual favorite!  Revel in stories for young and…

Art Exhibits

The Bizarre Bazaar

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Come one, come all to the Bizarre Bazaar! From taxidermy and specimens to vintage oddities, horror collectibles, and nerdy home decor; the Bizarre…

Indiana Dunes Activities

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.

Volunteer in the Dunes

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 gear and training.

More Things to See & Do

Beaches

Online Gift Shop
Pet Friendly 4

Pet Friendly
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment
Volunteer Drop-In Program 6

Volunteer Drop-In
Outdoor Adventures 3

Outdoor Adventures
A woman shopping at an outdoor festival

Dunes Deals

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Book a Place to Stay

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Bed & Breakfasts

Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods to award-winning romantic getaways surrounded by gardens.

Hotels & Inns

A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or a place you can bring your four-legged friend? Your unique getaway deserves a distinct accommodation.