Outdoor Adventures & Beaches

Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from nine Lake Michigan beaches. It’s 15 beautiful miles of award-winning shoreline on top of a biodiverse collection of woodland wilderness, county, state, and national parks, bike trails, and three of the world’s biggest sand dunes. So get out there and get to know outdoor adventure the Indiana Dunes way: by foot, paddle, and pedal.

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Beaches

With 15 miles of award-winning shoreline to explore, nine oh-so-swimmable beaches, and many towering dunes, you’ll be enchanted by the magic of the Indiana Dunes.

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Bicycling

Some things stick with us forever, just like riding a bike. Unforgettable vacation memories spent cruising miles of paved trail, off-road adventures, and rails to trails journeys are just to name a few.

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Birding

We’ve been described as “for the birds,” and no, that isn’t an insult. The Indiana Dunes is a birders paradise. After all, where else can you see more than 350 native and migratory bird species in one place?

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Fishing

Fishing season? Try fishing seasons. With this many inland lakes, creeks, miles of shoreline, and deep waters, we’re hooked on the sport all year round.

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Hiking

Need a reason to get outside? We’ve got 15,000 of ‘em. That’s 15,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to walk, climb, and hike through along old-growth forest floors, centuries-old paths, and starkly beautiful wetlands.

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Paddling

Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add water. Luckily, around here there’s no shortage of lakes, creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner aquaphile. Take it from us, it’s the best way to get to know the area.

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Wandering

Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Explore gardens, parks, and other natural areas with serene settings.

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The 3 Dune Challenge

Challenge friends, family, and yourself to an epic climb up the three tallest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s 1.5 miles of tough trail with 552 vertical feet that’s 100 percent brag-worthy.

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Central Avenue Beach

This beach is surrounded by a buried forest created when wind-blown sands inundated the trees. It is also a great place to hike flower-filled fields,…

151 Central Ave., Michigan City

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Dunbar Beach

Parking is limited at this prime spot near the Lake View Picnic Area and the historic Century of Progress homes. Enjoy this beautiful beach in a…

300 W. Lake Front Dr., Michigan City

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Indiana Dunes National Park

On February 15, 2019, Indiana was given its first national park! After 53 years as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the area was renamed the…

1100 N. Mineral Springs Rd. (N. 100 W.), Porter

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Indiana Dunes State Park

A state park surrounded by a national park, the Indiana Dunes State Park is 2,182 acres of dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood forests, and white pine…

1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton

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Kemil Beach

Enjoy one of the most scenic drives in Porter County on your way to the Kemil Beach parking lots. Then you can enjoy a nice stretch of beach or…

27 N. East State Park Rd. (State Park Rd. and Lake Front Dr., Chesterton

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Lake View Beach & Picnic Area

With easy access from your car to a sitting area with a stunning view, Lake View is also a popular spot for enjoying the beach, and it is the only…

50 W. Lake Front Dr., Beverly Shores

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Marquette Park

This 241-acre park offers 1.4 miles of Lake Michigan beaches, inland ponds, tall dunes, and wetlands as well as a lagoon, indigenous oak savanna, and…

1 N. Grand Blvd., Gary