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?
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Recurring on the 2nd Saturday of July
Watch the sand sculptures come alive at the Indiana Dunes State Park! Each July, sculpting groups compete by molding…
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…
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…
NW Indiana Storytelling Festival
- Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
- Recurring daily
Friday, October 17th 7:00pm-8:00pm: “Campfire Stories & Sweet Treats” Northwest Indiana Storytellers celebrate…
Holiday Craft Creation Extravaganza @ Indiana Dunes State Park
Stop in the Nature Center auditorium, any time during these hours. We will have a variety of crafts to make to add…
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.
Downtown Chesterton Comes Alive on Third Fridays with Art, Music & More
- 1 minute read
Looking for the perfect way to end the work week? Head to downtown Chesterton for Third Fridays, a monthly celebration of community, creativity, and local collaboration. From sidewalk sales…
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…
Where to See Lupines in the Indiana Dunes
- 3 minute read
Each spring, a sea of colorful wildflowers washes across the landscape of the Indiana Dunes. If you time your visit just right, you’ll be treated to one of the most beloved wildflower…
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…
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…