Wandering in the Indiana Dunes

Gentle Walks and Peaceful Places in the Indiana Dunes

Why hurry? In the Indiana Dunes, wandering is about slowing down, taking a gentle walk, or simply sitting still and letting nature come to you. Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Listen to the waves rolling in from Lake Michigan. Feel the gentle breeze on your cheeks. Breathe in the scent of wildflowers. Watch the sunlight dancing through the leaves in the forest. This is where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.

The Indiana Dunes area offers countless ways to wander, from accessible boardwalk trails and quiet gardens to wildflower meadows and peaceful picnic spots. These are the places for forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) or land snorkeling. The Indiana Dunes gives you the chance to immerse your senses in nature without rushing.

Find a Place to Wander

Brincka Cross Gardens

427 E. Furness Rd.
219-465-3586

Once a private residence, this architecturally unique home and garden includes a wide variety of trees and…

Coffee Creek Preserve

2401 Village Point
219-926-1842

This beautiful 157-acre preserve is a relaxing place to hike, wander, picnic, and cross-country ski. Five miles of…

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

450 W. 100 North
219-462-0025

Gabis is a popular location for birding enthusiasts and offers more than 300 acres of dog-friendly walking trails…

Ogden Botanical Garden

451 Harrison Blvd.
219-462-5144

This 4-acre community park showcases beautiful floral displays of annuals, perennials, a rose garden, and diverse…

Sunset Hill Farm County Park

775 Meridian Rd.
219-465-3586

This lovely 235-acre park was once a working dairy farm. There are several miles of trails through woodlands and…

Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area

State Rd. 49
219-285-2184

This 650-acre parcel conserves a mix of wetlands, black oak barrens, and sand prairie, offering wildlife viewing…

Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

618 N. Mineral Springs Rd.
219-395-1882

These two historic sites sit nearly side-by-side. Bailly Homestead is named for Joseph Bailly, the first known…

Best Of Lists 5 months ago

Three people sit at a picnic table. Plates of burgers, corn on the cob, and other food is on the table.

Best Picnic Spots in the Indiana Dunes

3 minute read

The Indiana Dunes is a place where a simple picnic can become the highlight of the day. Set up steps from the lake, or enjoy shade from the forest canopy near quiet trails. Here are a few of…

6 months ago

Aerial view of sandy dunes beside autumn bushes and a turquoise lake with gentle waves beneath a cloudy sky.

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…

Best Of Lists 2 years ago

A brunette woman using a wheelchair looks at the fall colors in the distance. A park ranger points to something out of the picture.

Top Places to Enjoy Fall Colors in the Indiana Dunes

4 minute read

Starting around mid-October, the trees in the Indiana Dunes area explode with vibrant autumn colors. Here are five places you can view the canopies of warm reds, oranges, and yellows that…

Use the filters below to choose the experience that speaks to you, whether it’s:

Accessible trails and boardwalks
Pet-friendly walks
Gardens and wildflower viewing
Playgrounds and picnic areas

Wherever you go, wandering the Indiana Dunes is about more than reaching a destination; it’s about enjoying the journey.

A woman wearing orange and green explores a boardwalk trail in her wheelchair.

Accessible Adventures in the Indiana Dunes

Many wandering spots are wheelchair-friendly, with paved trails, boardwalks, and even beach wheelchairs at select locations. See our accessible guide.