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?
Salamander Gander @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Come and learn all about these amazing creatures at the Nature Center! We'll discuss their lifecycle, feeding…
Centennial Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
In honor of our 100th birthday, we are offering a hisotry hike challenge. You can earn a sticker for taking a photo…
Snakes are Great! @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Slither over to the Nature Center to see our ambassador snakes up close and learn about other Indiana Dunes native…
Indiana Dunes Beach Clean Up
We are back for beach clean-ups in 2024 partnering with the Friends of the Indiana Dunes. We will meet at the…
Wild Edibles Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Awaken your tastebuds and join the naturalist for an easy 1 hour walk exploring delicious dune delicacies of the…
Feed the Birds Bingo @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Fly to the Naturalist at the Nature Center's bird window to help fill the feeders and play this fun game where you…
High Dunes Hike @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Strap on your hiking shoes and join a Naturalist, to not only see beautiful views but to learn more about both the…
Fabulous Frogs @ Indiana Dunes State Park
There are several species of frogs that call the dunes home. Hop on over to the Nature Center to learn all about…
Turtle Time @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Turtles have so many adaptations for surviving in their habitats. Come to the Nature Center's auditorium to meet our…
S'mores Day Fun! @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Celebrate National S’mores Day AND Smokey Bear’s Birthday with the Indiana Dunes State Park! There will be a whole…
Annual Perseid Meteor Shower & Stargaze @ Indiana Dunes State Park
This is an annual shooting star event that marks the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Telescopes for deep sky…
Hummingbird Presentation and Banding Demonstration @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Come experience these small flying jewels up-close with expert Allen Chartier. He will be catching, banding, and…
Beach Clean Up - Indiana Dunes State Park
Warm summer days full of beach activity are just around the corner. Along with the fun times, will come the need to…
History Comes Alive Weekend @ Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring daily
On the east side of the beach, be sure to visit the Ouiatenon Brigade. This amazing group re-enacts the fur-trading…
Singing Sands Star Gaze @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Bring a blanket and join us at the West Lot parking lot and beach for an annual event with local astronomers from…
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.
Top Scenic Overlooks in the Indiana Dunes
- 2 minute read
At Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park, you can experience breathtaking sunsets and bird’s-eye perspectives on the unique and ancient landscapes that comprise the…
Top Things to Do This Summer in the Indiana Dunes
- 3 minute read
Summer in the Indiana Dunes is wide open! For some, that means stretching out on the beach. For others, it’s the draw of a local festival or a slow walk through the woods. However you…
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…
Outdoor Adventures
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from…
Dunes Deals Coupon Pass
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 Adventures
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…
Drop-in Volunteering
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!
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…