Indiana Dunes National Park
Time Needed: full-day, half-day
Experience Type: national park, outdoor adventure
Indiana Dunes National Park boasts towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan’s southern shore, blending beach, forest, and prairie landscapes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, birdwatching, and exploring diverse ecosystems, including oak forests and wetlands.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Go beach-hopping – Swim, sunbathe, or picnic along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Top spots include West Beach, Porter Beach, and Central Beach.
- Hike the Dune Succession Trail – At West Beach, explore the Dune Succession Trail and boardwalk to learn about shifting dunes and native plants.
- See historic homes – Motor along Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores to view five “Century of Progress” homes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.
- Become a Trash Trekker – Join the drop-in litter clean-up program, collect trash along trails or beaches, and receive a free reusable water bottle as a thank you.
- Take the 3 Dune Challenge – Climb Mt. Tom, Mt. Jackson, and Mt. Holden at the adjacent Indiana Dunes State Park, enjoying stunning Lake Michigan views.
Cool Find: Spark your junior ranger’s curiosity with A Guide to Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park. Designed for kids ages 7–12, it’s packed with mazes, word games, and puzzles that teach them about the park’s plants and animals.
Photo Credit: Pixabay