Scenic Driving Tours in the Indiana Dunes Area

See the Indiana Dunes from a whole new perspective—behind the wheel. Our scenic driving tours make it easy to explore lakeshore views, rolling dunes, charming downtowns, and quiet country roads, all at your own pace. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend getaway, these routes will take you beyond the beach and into the heart of Northwest Indiana.

The Dunes & Lake Driving Tour

Drive tree-lined roadways that open up to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. Along the way, you’ll pass historic homes, colorful marshlands, and trailheads perfect for a scenic hike. This route highlights the landscapes that make the Indiana Dunes so unique—where shoreline, history, and nature all meet.

Beverly Shores

Know Before You Go

Distance & Time: ~15 miles, about 1 hour with scenic stops
Best Season: Summer for lake views, fall for colorful trees
Highlights: Lake Michigan shoreline, historic homes, marshes, trailheads for hikes
Good For: First-time visitors, photographers, and anyone wanting a classic Dunes drive

Turn-by-turn directions

Start at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN
Turn left onto State Road 49 South (1.2 mi)
Turn right onto Indian Boundary Road (.4 mi)
Turn left on Calumet Road (stop at Thomas Centennial Park and the historic downtown at Calumet and Broadway for shopping and dining or continue to the next turn) (.7 mi)
Turn right on Porter Ave, on which you will see the historic Brown Mansion/Westchester Township History Museum (.7 mi)
Turn left on 11th Street/Meridian Road/ Campbell Street. You'll pass Sunset Hill Farm County Park, Rogers Lakewood Park and Ogden Gardens, all of which are great places for a fall walk (9.5 mi)
Turn left on Lincolnway and enjoy downtown Valparaiso, with the Orville Redenbacher statue in Central Park, shopping, and dining. Continue straight at the roundabout to take LaPorte Ave./ State Road 2 east out of the city (4.6 mi)
Turn left on 400 East (2.3 mi)
Turn left on 600 North (1.0 mi)
Turn right on 300 East/Old Suman/350 East (note that halfway along this winding road, you come to U.S. Highway 6 and can turn right and travel for .8 mile on U.S. Highway 6 to visit Anderson's Vineyard & Winery and then backtrack, or you can continue straight on the county road) (4.8 mi)
Turn left on 1050 North. Follow the sign to State Road 49 South to visit Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve or turn right onto State Road 49 North to return to the Visitor Center (3.4 mi)

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Downtowns & Country Roads Driving Tour

This route takes you through the charming downtowns of Chesterton and Valparaiso, where locally owned restaurants, cafés, and shops line the streets. You’ll also pass inviting parks that are especially beautiful for a fall stroll. The drive winds back on scenic country roads, giving you a taste of Northwest Indiana’s small-town charm and open landscapes.

A bicycle is in the back of a pickup truck. The truck sits on a tree-lined road. The trees' leaves are various fall colors.

Know Before You Go

Distance & Time: ~30 miles, about 2 hours with downtown stops
Best Season: Fall for foliage, year-round for dining and shopping
Highlights: Downtown Chesterton and Valparaiso, local restaurants, parks, winding backroads
Good For: Families, foodies, and travelers who want to pair park time with community exploring

Turn-by-turn directions

Start at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN
Turn right onto State Road 49 North (.8 mi)
Turn left to take the U.S. 12 exit, then bear right and take eastbound US 12 (3.2 mi)
Turn left onto East State Park Road/300 East (1.2 mi)
Turn right on Lakefront Drive (parking available on East State Park Road and Lakefront Drive if you want to stop for a walk on the beach, a picnic at Lake View Picnic Area & Beach Access, or walk past the Century of Progress Homes) (.8 mi)
Turn right on Broadway (.5 mi)
Turn left on Beverly Drive (1.2 mi)
Turn right on Lake Shore County Road (Merrivale) (.7 mi)
Turn right on U.S. 12 West. You'll pass The Goblin Duneside Bar & Eatery (great food and drinks) and Camp Stop General Store & Beach Shop (5.4 mi)
Turn left and get onto the ramp to State Road 49. Turn left onto State Road 49 North to go to Indiana Dunes State Park for a fall hike or drive the scenic road from the entrance to Wilson Shelter (.7 mi)
Or turn right on State Road 49 South and return to the Visitor Center or continue on State Road 49 South and enjoy a walk at Coffee Creek Preserve or see its beauty from your car (4.7 mi)

Extend Your Adventure

A scenic drive is just the beginning. Along these routes, you’ll find welcoming downtowns, local dining spots, craft breweries, and unique attractions that make the Indiana Dunes area unforgettable. Pair your tour with a stop at a café, museum, or shop, and experience the communities that bring Northwest Indiana to life.