Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore consists of 15,000 acres along Lake Michigan and is now the 61st National Park managed by the National Park Service. On May 29, 2019, the ribbon cutting ceremony took place at Miller Woods to celebrate the event. As is the case with many of the national parks, each season offers a different experience. We encourage you to make plans to enjoy all the recreational activities that Indiana Dunes National Park has to offer. Over the next few months visitors will be swimming, kayaking, and fishing in Lake Michigan. Later, the fall is a great time to explore the hiking trails and see how many birds and other animals you see along the path. This is a four-season park, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
Visitor & Education Centers
Start your visit at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. The ranger staff is extremely knowledgeable and will be able to answer even the most challenging questions. Ask about the day’s activities, ranger programs, guided tours, and popular attractions available to you during your visit. We always like to watch the short introductory film before exploring on our own.
The Paul H. Douglas Center is ideal to visit with the kids. The goal of the facility is to provide interactive programs and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. The center is open year-round, and its trail system closes 30 minutes before sunset. The highlight for younger children will be the center’s outdoor Nature Play Zone area.
Things to Do
Beach Activities/Swimming
One of the main attractions of Indiana Dunes National Park is the 15 miles of beaches along the southern tip of Lake Michigan. There are eight beaches at the park, so choose your beach based on the amenities. The only beach with lifeguards is West Beach. Most have free parking and the lots are close to the beach.
Hiking
There are 14 trails of varying lengths and difficulty totaling more than 50 miles. You can find the perfect one to hike, jog, bike, bird watch, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or ride your own horse.
Two of our favorite trails are:
Great Marsh Trail System – Easy 1.7 miles in length. Great for bird watching.
Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods)- Moderate 3.4 miles in length. This trail provides what you would expect from a state park along Lake Michigan— dunes and wetlands.
Biking
The Biking Trail System consists of six trails ranging in length from 1.8 to 9.5 miles. Most of the trails are open all year and the experience will change with each season. Calumet and Porter Brickyard Bike Trails are especially pretty in the late summer and early fall as the leaves change.
Portage Riverwalk
The Portage Riverwalk area includes paved trails and a fishing pier. There are also visitor services, including restrooms, a seasonal snack bar, and an educational classroom.
Historic Houses
Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm are both within the park and highlight Duneland history The Bailly Homestead is a log and brick structure owned by a fur trader named Joseph Bailly. Chellberg Farm was owned by three generations of Swedish immigrants.
Kayak/Canoe
Paddle along the Lake Michigan Water Trail, including the Little Calumet River and Burns Waterway. There are no restrictions on entering the water with hand-carried and non-motorized boats from any Indiana Dunes National Park beaches.
Park Transportation
The park features two free shuttle bus routes inside the park. A map of the routes is available at the visitors center. The shuttles run Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, from the Friday of Memorial Day through the Monday of Labor Day.
Getting There
Indiana Dunes National Park is in Porter, Indiana, about 50 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois. The best way to get the park is to drive. Note that parking will fill up early on weekends during the summer months.
Stay
The Dunewood Campground is open from April 1 through October 31. There are 66 campsites without hookups to electric or water. Reservations can be made through www.recreation.gov. We have stayed in South Bend, IN, which is about 50 miles east of Porter. The Morris Inn on the Notre Dame campus is a great hotel to consider as part of your trip to Indiana.
Indiana Dunes National Park
1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
