Indiana Dunes National Park

BGGWKA INDIANA - Sand along the shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
BGGWKA INDIANA - Sand along the shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Indiana’s first national park!
Soooooo many steps!!
Lake Michigan. Path off Trail 9 at one place leads right to the lake. Peaceful to just stand and watch and listen to the waves as they crash to the shore. Trail 9 is the trail to hike if one wants to see the most in the shortest time. Great views throughout the trail. The trail is over 3 miles long and is considered a moderate trail. But certainly worth it. One gets to hike through forest, dunes, and other natural environments and see such a variety of sights. #hiking

Plan a trip to see Indiana Dunes National Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
Downtown Chicago
Price was ￥324,320, price is now ￥250,668 per person
￥250,668
per person
Apr 8 - Apr 13
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Chicago (ORD)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,790 reviews)
This Hotel is the re-l deal! Right by Michigan avenue within close distance to magnificent mile and multiple attractions. Breakfast was great and accomodations were great. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
Downtown Chicago
Price was ￥338,156, price is now ￥270,605 per person
￥270,605
per person
Apr 8 - Apr 13
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Chicago (ORD)
9/10 Wonderful! (380 reviews)
Had a great stay!! Kelly at the front desk was so sweet

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago

5 out of 5
Downtown Chicago
Price was ￥482,068, price is now ￥393,922 per person
￥393,922
per person
Apr 8 - Apr 13
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Chicago (ORD)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
Room was amazing. Staff was fantastic. Best Hotel we have ever stayed at

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Reviews of Indiana Dunes National Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
158
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
75
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you drive past the Dunes into Beverly Shores you can find more quieter areas to the Lake front. There are some small parking lots in that area (free) but they fill up fast so you have to go early in the morning if it is the Summer time. In the Fall, it is easy to access.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great views just remember it's not dog friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Have a great time!

Popular places to visit

Indiana Dunes State Park which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a family

Indiana Dunes State Park

The southern shores of Lake Michigan consist of a stunning dune landscape, which is ideal for hiking, camping, bird-watching, picnicking and swimming.

Indiana Dunes State Park
Michigan lake was a favorite stop and very much like the beach

Waverly Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Waverly Beach during your trip to Chesterton? Stroll along the beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Waverly Beach
Indiana Dunes National Park Sign

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Porter. Wander the beaches and forest in this family-friendly area.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Sunrise at Lake View beach. Instagram: @lawrencetellez

Lake View Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Lake View Beach during your trip to Beverly Shores? Wander the lakeside or discover the area's sunrises.

Lake View Beach
Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy sign in Chesterton, Indiana USA

Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy Preserve, a lovely green space in Chesterton. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its charming coffeehouses.

Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy Preserve

East Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Dune Acres? Wander the beaches and lakeside while you're in the area.

East Beach

Best Lodging Options Near Indiana Dunes National Park

Cabin 53 steps from Porter Beach on Lake Michigan: Family & Pet-Friendly

Cabin 53 steps from Porter Beach on Lake Michigan: Family & Pet-Friendly

Porter IN
Cabin 53 steps from Porter Beach on Lake Michigan: Family & Pet-Friendly
Spring House Inn

Spring House Inn

2.5 out of 5
303 N Mineral Springs Rd Chesterton IN
Spring House Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites Porter near Indiana Dunes

Comfort Inn & Suites Porter near Indiana Dunes

2.5 out of 5
1800 West US Highway 20 Chesterton IN
Comfort Inn & Suites Porter near Indiana Dunes
"The Nook"- ROOMY Home 2mi- Dunes & Chesterton, Yard, Fire Pit, Grill, Game Room

"The Nook"- ROOMY Home 2mi- Dunes & Chesterton, Yard, Fire Pit, Grill, Game Room

Porter IN
"The Nook"- ROOMY Home 2mi- Dunes & Chesterton, Yard, Fire Pit, Grill, Game Room
Waterbird Lakeside Inn

Waterbird Lakeside Inn

2 out of 5
556 Indian Boundary Road Chesterton IN
Waterbird Lakeside Inn
Best Western Indian Oak

Best Western Indian Oak

2.5 out of 5
558 Indian Boundary Road Chesterton IN
Best Western Indian Oak
Blue Birdhouse - No Cleaning Fee - Pet Friendly - Dunes National Park

Blue Birdhouse - No Cleaning Fee - Pet Friendly - Dunes National Park

Chesterton IN
Blue Birdhouse - No Cleaning Fee - Pet Friendly - Dunes National Park
The "Pool Barn Camper" w/Hot Tub near Indiana Dunes

The "Pool Barn Camper" w/Hot Tub near Indiana Dunes

Porter IN
The "Pool Barn Camper" w/Hot Tub near Indiana Dunes
Quality Inn Chesterton near Indiana Dunes National Park I-94

Quality Inn Chesterton near Indiana Dunes National Park I-94

2.5 out of 5
418 Council Road Chesterton IN
Quality Inn Chesterton near Indiana Dunes National Park I-94
See all 1,517 properties in Indiana Dunes National Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Indiana Dunes National Park

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Indiana Dunes National Park, visit Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets and Dunes Plaza, both 14.5km away, offering a mix of family and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Garwood Orchards, located 20.9km away for unique local gifts.

Recreation

Relax at Marquette Park, where you can enjoy serene landscapes and leisurely strolls. Experience the vibrant atmosphere at the Guy Foreman Bicentennial Amphitheater, perfect for family entertainment. For some outdoor fun, try the Disc Golf Course, offering a spirited way to stay active amidst nature.

Adventure

Hike the scenic Cowles Bog Trailhead, a mile from the park, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. For water fun, splash around at Deep River Water Park, 24.1km away. Enjoy family-friendly thrills at Team Combat LIVE, located 25.7km from the park, offering exciting arcade adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Indiana Dunes National Park offers a charming atmosphere at Round Barn Union Pier Tasting Room, just 38.6km away. Enjoy a romantic setting with craft beverages, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the park's natural beauty.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Indiana Dunes National Park

Discover the beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can enjoy stunning beaches, impressive sand dunes, and great parks perfect for family adventures. Explore the nearby Indiana Dunes and experience outdoor activities that cater to all ages. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting family outing, the park offers a variety of attractions that highlight the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

  • Indiana Dunes State Park: Experience the breathtaking scenery of Indiana Dunes State Park, which boasts towering sand dunes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. With numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities, it's perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
  • Lake View Beach: Relax at Lake View Beach, a pristine spot with soft sands and stunning views of Lake Michigan. It's an ideal location for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a beach day with friends and family, all while soaking in the refreshing lake vibes.
  • Indiana Dunes Visitor Center: Begin your adventure at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, where you can gather maps, learn about local wildlife, and join family-friendly programs. This center offers educational exhibits that enhance your outdoor experience in the park.

Best time to go to Indiana Dunes National Park

None

Tips to save on your trip to Indiana Dunes National Park

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Indiana Dunes National Park.
  • Consider traveling to Indiana Dunes National Park during the low season (January to February and November) for more affordable options.
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