Hiking In And Around The Dunes | Indiana Dunes

Lose yourself in the beauty of the Indiana Dunes. Of course, you won’t really be lost—we’ve got 70-miles of well-manicured trails perfect for all skill levels. Discover why we’re known as the birthplace of ecology as you meander through a violet sea of wild lupines and other native plants.

Travel from sand to oak forests in the same morning, or challenge your friends—and yourself—on either The 3 Dune Challenge or the Diana of the Dunes Dare. Between close-knit communities, state, and national parks, you’ll get the chance to get a whole new footing on adventure.

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The 3 Dune Challenge

Three more reasons to get outside. Grab your friends, family, your furry friend, and a fitness tracker and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure with a challenging walk or run up the park’s three tallest dunes.

Face the Challenge

Diana of the Dunes Dare

Don’t just read about history, experience it! In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also known as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in Alice’s footsteps and explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain.

Take the Dare

Backpacks for Naturalists

The Indiana Dunes is one of the most biodiverse parks in the U.S., and the Backpacks for Naturalists program offers free explorer backpacks for daily use. Each backpack contains binoculars, field guides, activity ideas, and other useful items for your adventure.

Get Your Backpack

Wilderness Wonderland

A weekend of adventure through the Indiana Dunes

By Quincy Koetz

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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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Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area

This 650-acre parcel conserves a mix of wetlands, black oak barrens, and sand prairie, offering wildlife viewing, hiking, and hunting. Aukiki is part…

State Rd. 49, Wheatfield

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Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

These two historic sites sit nearly side-by-side. Bailly Homestead is named for Joseph Bailly, the first known non-native region resident, who set up…

618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

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Beverly Shores Project Area

Park at Lake View Picnic Area to bird the open water and beach. Bike or bird from your vehicle along the west end of Beverly Drive. This area…

500 S. Broadway Ave., Beverly Shores

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Bluhm County Park

This 96-acre park features a 1.5-mile multiple-use trail, as well as six miles of challenging mountain biking trails. The park offers picnicking,…

3855 S. 1100 West, Westville

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Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

This beautiful 167-acre preserve is a relaxing place to walk or picnic with water features, a shelter, and a five-mile trail through restored…

2401 Village Point, Chesterton

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Countryside Park and Alton Goin Museum

This 33-acre park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing pond, playground, shelter, trails, and Portage’s largest winter sledding hill.…

5250 US Hwy. 6, Portage

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Cowles Bog Trail

This is where Henry Chandler Cowles conducted his landmark study of the dunes’ vegetation succession. Pass through wooded dunes and wetlands until…

1450 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Dune Acres

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Cressmoor Prairie Nature Preserve

See one of the rarest ecosystems in the state at the 41-acre Cressmoor Preserve. The black-soil prairie contains at least 10 plants and five insects…

483 N. Lake Park Ave., Hobart

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Deep River County Park

Deep River County Park offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and pure fun within its 1,200-acre site. In 1837-38, John Wood built a sawmill and…

9410 Old Lincoln Hwy, Hobart

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Pet Friendly Dunes

We believe lakeside fun shouldn’t just be reserved for the two-legged kind. Here, you and your furry friend will find plenty of sites, attractions, and accommodations.

Explore with Your Pets

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Beaches

With 15 miles of award-winning shoreline to explore, nine oh-so-swimmable beaches, and many towering dunes, you’ll be enchanted by the magic of the Indiana Dunes.

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Bicycling

Some things stick with us forever, just like riding a bike. Unforgettable vacation memories spent cruising miles of paved trail, off-road adventures, and rails to trails journeys are just to name a few.

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Birding

We’ve been described as “for the birds,” and no, that isn’t an insult. The Indiana Dunes is a birders paradise. After all, where else can you see more than 350 native and migratory bird species in one place?

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Fishing

Fishing season? Try fishing seasons. With this many inland lakes, creeks, miles of shoreline, and deep waters, we’re hooked on the sport all year round.

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Paddling

Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add water. Luckily, around here there’s no shortage of lakes, creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner aquaphile. Take it from us, it’s the best way to get to know the area.

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Wandering

Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Explore gardens, parks, and other natural areas with serene settings.

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Tales 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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Hiking

Diana of the Dunes Dare Field Trip

The epic dunes, gorgeous Lake Michigan sunsets and wooded trails offer unlimited opportunities to take photographs on the Diana of the Dunes Dare.

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.

Beaches

Accessible Adventures in the Indiana Dunes

Whether you’re looking to hike, bird, paddle, or just wander and take in the scenery, the Indiana Dunes area has many accessible adventures to offer.

Share your adventures with us by tagging #beachesandbeyond

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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.

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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.

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