Wandering
Why hurry? Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Listen to the waves on the shore. Feel the gentle breeze on your cheeks. Watch the sunlight dancing through the leaves in the forest. The Indiana Dunes area offers plenty of places where you can leisurely stroll, explore or simply sit and relax in nature.
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…
In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also know as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in Alice’s footsteps and explore the natural…
The Indiana Dunes is one of the most biodiverse parks in the U.S., and the Backpacks for Naturalists program offers free explorer backpacks for daily use. Each backpack contains binoculars…
View Wandering Spots
More Outdoor Adventures
Beaches
Life in the Indiana Dunes is like a day at the beach. That’s because we have 15 beautiful miles of…
Bicycling
Calling all leisure riders, mountain bikers, road warriors, and BMX enthusiasts. No matter your wheels, you’ll…
Birding
Few places in the Midwest rival the Indiana Dunes area for birding.
Fishing
Fishing season? Try seasons . With this many inland lakes, creeks, shorelines, and deep waters, we’re…
Hiking
Lose yourself in the beauty of the Indiana Dunes. Of course, you won’t really be lost—we’ve got…
Paddling
Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add coastlines, dunes, trails, and plenty of water. Luckily, there’s no…
Wandering
Why hurry? Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes.
Be the change by getting more involved with the Indiana Dunes! Try our no-hassle, volunteer drop-in opportunities available for everyone.
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesSavannas: Beauty in the Making
- 4 minute read
Savannas: Beauty in the Making By Alyssa Nyberg A hike through a savanna any time of the year will have its “oh-wow, I feel so happy moments”: in the spring, when wildflower…
Long-legged Leapers of the Kankakee Sands Prairie
- 4 minute read
Northern leopard frogs are fast, real fast! They aren’t called leopard frogs for nothin’. They are the long-legged leapers of our Kankakee Sands prairie, and catching one is not…
Top Ways to Go Beyond the Beach this Year
- 3 minute read
Have you set a New Year’s resolution to try something new this year? Or perhaps you’re reading this in June and laughing at the thought of keeping your resolutions but still…
More Things to See & Do
Outdoor Adventures
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from…
Dunes Deals
Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of…
Indiana Dunes Shop
Don’t just experience the Indiana Dunes; take it home with you. Find your new favorite T-shirt, hoodie, or…
Pet Friendly
There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana…
Arts & Entertainment
It’s not all sand-fringed lakes and epic sunsets. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene stoked by a…
Volunteer
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!
Book a Place to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…
Hotels & Inns
A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…