Fall in the Indiana Dunes

Fall in the Indiana Dunes brings crisp air, colorful trails, cozy local restaurants, and plenty of reasons to stay awhile. Hikes up the dunes and along the beach get breezier. Seasonal flavors make their way onto local menus. Fall festivals pop up around town. And cooler days leave plenty of room for wandering.

Historic log cabin at the Bailly Homestead in Indiana Dunes National Park surrounded by vibrant fall foliage in shades of yellow and orange

Become Inspired

Become inspired by the gorgeous autumn landscapes of the Indiana Dunes and then visit our local art museums and galleries to see how local artists view the Dunes.

Try Epic Fall Hikes

Group of people standing in the snow

3 Dune Challenge

Three more reasons to get outside. Grab your friends, family, or your furry friend and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure with a challenging walk or run up the park’s three tallest dunes.

A woman wearing a pink shirt and black vest hikes up a steep dune in the woods.

Trail 7 in the State Park

If you’re looking for a great combination of towering, vibrant autumn trees and the unforgettable view of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, be sure to check out Trail 7 at the Indiana Dunes State…

Take the Scenic Route Through Your Weekend

Come for the fall colors. Leave time for everything else you'll discover along the way. 

 

Saturday: Woodland Trails & Local Finds

Morning: Start with a little local knowledge.
Make the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center your first stop. Pick up a park pass and talk with the destination concierges about hikes, restaurants, and stops that fit your interests. Explore the grounds and the Indigenous Cultural Trail before you head out. 

A dune-shaped sign says "Indiana Dunes Visitor Center" and has imagery of a sandhill crane and marram grass.

Then follow the colors to the parks. Start with a walk beneath the autumn canopy or climb to reach gorgeous Lake Michigan views. Choose from our favorite places to see fall colors to find your first adventure. 

A large tree with brilliant orange and red fall foliage arching over a winding path at Cowles Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park.

Afternoon: Wander into Chesterton.
Refuel over lunch, browse downtown shops, and make time for the Chesterton Art Center. Follow your curiosity along the Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail to discover more creative stops.

Evening: Stay for one more story.
Head to Valparaiso for dinner and, when schedules align, a performance at Memorial Opera House or Chicago Street Theatre. Check the events calendar before your trip to see what’s happening.

Actors performing a dramatic scene on stage at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana, wearing period costumes against an ornate Victorian set.

 

Sunday: A Slow Start and Another Adventure

Morning: Coffee first. Plans second.
Ease into the day with breakfast and a warm drink. Then explore downtown Valparaiso’s shops or spend time with local history at the Porter County Museum.

A young woman and man talk to each other in front of a glass museum display

Afternoon: Find your way back to the lake.
Leave time for a final beach walk, another trail, or that stop your destination concierge suggested yesterday. There’s still a little weekend left to explore.

Aerial view of woods next to Lake Michigan.

Make room for the whole weekend.
Find a place to stay and give yourself another day to explore.

Check attraction hours and performance schedules when planning your weekend.

Make a Weekend of It

Why squeeze it all into one day? Follow the fall colors in the Dunes to unexpected stops, local flavors, and places that make you want to linger.  Request our visitor guide to see what else you might discover along the way.

A man wearing a blue polo shows a brochure to a girl in a green shirt. They are standing next to a sign that says, "Welcome to the Indiana Dunes"

Request a Guide By Mail
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Find a Cozy Place to Stay for the Weekend

Baymont Inn by Wyndham

Baymont Inn by Wyndham

  • 2323 Willowcreek Rd.
  • 219-706-3058

Enjoy a good night's sleep in their clean, modern rooms and luxury mattresses. Wake up every morning to a delicious…

Dunes Getaways

Dunes Getaways

  • Beachwalk Ln.
  • 773-704-8557

Dunes Getaways offers a collection of vacation homes near Lake Michigan, each with thoughtful design and amenities…

Spring House Inn

Spring House Inn

  • 303 N. Mineral Springs Rd.
  • 219-929-4600

It’s one part hotel, one part country retreat, and all parts comfort. With more than 50 rooms perfect for business…

Al & Sally's Motel

Al & Sally's Motel

  • 3221 W. Dunes Hwy.
  • 219-872-9131

A vintage 50's roadside motel nestled in the Indiana Dunes. Spacious rooms, minutes from beaches, hiking, dunes…

Best Western Indian Oak

Best Western Indian Oak

  • 558 Indian Boundary Rd.
  • 219-926-2200

Best Western Indian Oak has a picturesque lobby and an extremely convenient location. Room amenities include 39" LED…

Dunes Vacation Rental

Dunes Vacation Rental

  • 4942 W. Dunes Hwy
  • 773-704-8557

Less than an hour to Notre Dame and less than a mile to the beach. What sets this apart from most homes in Beverly…

Dunewood Campground

Dunewood Campground

  • 1 Golf Wood Rd.
  • 219-395-1882

Just over a mile south of Lake Michigan, this campground has 67 reservable wooded sites near the South Shore Train’s…

Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge

  • 6101 Melton Rd. (U.S. 20)
  • 219-254-9003

This economy hotel features 140 standard rooms, each with a refrigerator, microwave, and cable TV. They serve…

Fairbridge Inn Express

Fairbridge Inn Express

  • 713 Plaza Dr.
  • 219-929-4416

Within 3 miles of the Chesterton Fairbridge Inn Express, you'll find Indiana Dunes National Park, Coffee Creek…

Grand Gardner Hotel

Grand Gardner Hotel

  • 354 Jefferson St.
  • 219-409-1899

Grand Gardner Hotel is a 58-room boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Valparaiso, combining distinctive design…

Hampton Inn Portage

Hampton Inn Portage

  • 6353 Melton Rd.
  • 219-764-1919

Enjoy the spacious rooms and scenic views at this friendly, accommodating hotel. As with all Hampton Inn hotels, the…

Lakeshore Camp Resort

Lakeshore Camp Resort

  • 5300 Old Porter Rd.
  • 219-762-7757

This 940-site membership park has 125 full hookup campsites and 12 cabins available for rent to the general public…

See What's Happening This Fall

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More Things to See & Do

Woman and her dog sitting on a log

Pet-Friendly

There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana…

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Indiana Dunes - Porter County CVB

Indiana Dunes Tourism

1215 N State Road 49, Porter, Indiana 46304

+1(219) 926-2255

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