3-Day Indiana Dunes Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Your Guide to Art, Nature, Dining, and Relaxation

Visiting the Indiana Dunes for the very first time? Skip the stress of planning the perfect trip. Keep scrolling for the ideal itinerary for newcomers to the Indiana Dunes! 

Day 1: Experience Art, Culture, and Evening Entertainment

Around the Indiana Dunes, adventure with the most important meal of the day! Begin with a big breakfast from Cherries & Berries Pancake House, or opt for a quick cup of coffee at Dagger Mountain Roastery. 

As mid-morning unfolds, consider visiting a museum. The Porter County Museum, or PoCo Muse, is the oldest institution dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Porter County. Prior and current residents have donated thousands of photographs, paintings, and other artifacts over the last century! For the art admirers, the Brauer Museum of Art at Valparaiso University boasts a nationally recognized collection of American art from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

How does dinner and a show sound? In Valparaiso, indulge in lobster, lamb, or steak at Figs & Fables, then walk to the Memorial Opera House for a concert or the Chicago Street Theatre for a musical.

Wrap up the night with a couple of drinks on the rooftop at Stacks Bar and Grill, or go for a late-night snack at Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe. They’ve got over 60 flavors of homemade ice cream to choose from! Next stop: sweet dreams. 

Day 2: Explore the Indiana Dunes Natonal Park

Of course, a trip to the Indiana Dunes is incomplete without visiting Indiana Dunes National Park. Shaped by gale-force winds and crashing waves, the dunes offer a one-of-a-kind landscape. You’ll find shifting sands, quiet woodlands, lush wetlands, and open prairies, all in one place! 

For weekend excursions, the best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park is during the spring, fall, and winter seasons. For summer getaways, weekdays are your best bet. 

What is there to do in the Dunes? Well, start with a stop at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to grab a brochure, catch a quick flick about the park, and snag a souvenir. Then, head out and hit the trails! The historic Bailly Homestead and charming Chellberg Farm are must-see sites, surrounded by multiple loops of trails. 

Afterwards, meander through the Miller Woods featuring several scenic environments, colorful wildflowers, and beautiful birds. If you’re visiting in the summertime, try to catch the ranger-led portion of the Pinhook Bog Trail. 

End your evening with a walk to West Beach. If it’s warm enough, make a splash in Lake Michigan, and pack a picnic dinner to serve on the shore! 

Day 3: Shop, Sip, and Unwind

After an adventurous day in nature, it’s time to take it easy! Top off that tank of gas and start your morning with one of the many scenic drives around the Indiana Dunes.  

After you’ve had your fix of sights and sounds, head to Chesterton for some shopping. Into antiques? Dig for timeless treasures at Russ & Barb’s Antiques or Yesterday’s Treasures Antique Mall. During the summer or fall months, Chesterton’s European Market is open every Saturday. 

In Valparaiso, check out a range of home goods and curated items at Alley Kat’s Curiosity Shoppe. Then, pick up comic books and oddities at Galactic Greg’s, or stock up on locally-made soaps and self-care essentials at Bun’s Soapbox.

For lunch, spend the afternoon at Anderson’s Winery and Vineyard. Chow down on a charcuterie platter, then pair your plate with your pick of Indiana-made wines and unwind on their peaceful porch or garden.

Let that low-stress feeling last a little longer with a visit to a local spa. Loosen up with a deep-tissue or hot-stone massage at Serenity Salon & Spas, or go for a relaxing float at Float Sixty. 

Know Before You Go 

• Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park are separate parks. The national park is a bit larger and offers more hiking trails, but you won’t be disappointed by either one! 

• If you plan to swim in Lake Michigan, please note that lifeguard supervision is limited. Learn about rip currents and exercise caution while in the water! 

• Before your visit, take a look at our local event calendar. You might catch a concert, market, or seasonal celebration that adds something unexpected to your trip!