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 EventsAnnual Juried Art Exhibition at the Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
The Art Barn School of Art is delighted to announce its Annual Juried Art Exhibition. We are proud to continue the…
Birds of the Hudson: Block Prints by Stephen Rengstorf @ Chesterton Art Center
- Chesterton Art Center
- Recurring daily
This exhibition organized by the Estate of Stephen Rengstorf features woodcut and linoleum block prints created by…
Brauer Museum of Art - Permanent Collection
- Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art
- Recurring daily
The Brauer Museum boasts a collection of more than 5,000 works of art from the mid-19th century to the present. Also…
Connections: New Objects on Display
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Take a closer look. Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising…
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…
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…
Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
In November 1943, members of the Charles Pratt Post #94 of the American Legion had an idea to erect a memorial on…
Prairies Big and Small: Photographs by Susan Kirt @ Chesterton Art Center
- Chesterton Art Center
- Recurring daily
Prairies Big and Small immerse the viewer in the rare and endangered Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem and the fragments…
Westchester Township History Museum - Permanent Exhibit
- Westchester Township History Museum
- Recurring daily
The permanent exhibit highlights local history from prehistoric times to today. Temporary exhibits celebrate…
Tringo @ Cheers in Chesterton
- Cheers in Chesterton
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday
Every Tuesday it's Tringo Night at Cheers in Chesterton!!! Join them for trivia, bingo, food, and drinks. Fun for…
All Inclusive Fishing
Anglers of all backgrounds and experience levels are invited for an evening of fishing and fun with Indiana Dunes…
Coffee Creek Farmers Market
- Recurring weekly on Wednesday
The Coffee Creek Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from May through November from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. They pride…
Entertainment Trivia @ 219 Taproom
- (219) Taproom
- Recurring weekly on Wednesday
Entertainment Trivia every Wednesday starting at 6:00 p.m. Taproom is a Chesterton fine establishment for…
Memorial Day "Salute the Recruits"
Annual "Salute the Recruits" Dinner hosted in partnership with the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club and Valparaiso…
Singo - Boy Bands Edition @ Aftermath Cidery & Winery
Join us for a fun night of Singo! What is Singo you ask, well it is BINGO but played to music. Bring your family…
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesSpotlight on Wetlands and the Virginia Rail
- 5 minute read
Spring has sprung and that means our Kankakee Sands wetlands are teeming with activity. The Kankakee Sands Bird Viewing Area on the west side of US 41 is a particular fan favorite right now…
Where to Eat Near the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
- 2 minute read
The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival happens each May when migrating birds converge near the southern coast of Lake Michigan. Birders from across the country (and world!) travel to the Indiana…
Top Festivals in the Indiana Dunes
- 2 minute read
Discover the vibrant scenery of the Indiana Dunes Region through our diverse festivals! Experience maple sugar activities, bird watching, celebratory fireworks, music, food, and more! Maple…
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…