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4.4
245 votes

Indiana Dunes National Park

1215 N State Rd 49, Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, Indiana 46304 USA

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Closed Now
Opens Fri 8a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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Natural Wonder

Our Take

The park is beautiful year-round, there’s lots of great hiking, and the dunes are humongous. If you ignore the reeds and face away from the ocean, you might think you’re in Morocco. Mt. Baldy is the highlight here… it’s basically a sand mountain, with half-buried trees sticking up from its slopes. Being able to see the Chicago skyline from the shores is also pretty memorable. Winter may be super cold, but the way the water freezes up on shore is amazingly beautiful and makes it worth it. Plus the plentiful parking in the offseason doesn’t hurt either.

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“Beaches and sand dunes”

Soak up the sun on the pristine beaches along the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, hike through towering sand dunes, and witness an incredible diversity of plants and animals in this unique national park. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and more!

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Reviews of Indiana Dunes National Park

22 people have reviewed this location

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Reviewed by
Dana Dotoli

  • 37 Reviews
  • 6 Helpful
July 09, 2020
Rated 4.0

This was a welcome break from all the traveling we did.

The water was beautifully cool and the sand felt wonderful between our toes.

I was truly surprised by the height of the dunes and the hike back up after enjoying the beach was a serious glute and calf workout!

The hike was very beautiful through the trees to the dunes from the parking area. There are several places to visit and several different things you may see depending on where you are.

It is confusing with the national park versus the state park within the national park. There is no fee for parking at some of the spots but parking areas are small. During Covid it was great because so few were out.

The state park charges a fee and they dont honor the annual pass and they are snotty about it as well.

Definitely should check it out!

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Kay-FT

  • 5 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
July 05, 2021
Rated 3.0

We stopped at the visitors center first, the paintings outside are beautiful. We asked a park ranger for ideas on what to see that was child friendly and possibly stroller accessible. He did not have any recommendations. He said the beach parking lots would be full and the best trail for kids is over a mile and grassy. We left with a map and his suggestions only to discover we couldn't find anything to see. After much MUCH driving and turning around at various spots (that had signs leading to apparently nowhere) we discovered the beach that was suggested was three miles outside the park, past the factories and trains, under the highway, etc. it felt NOTHING like a national park.

We did go to the homestead suggested, not sure what there was as there wasn't signs or staff to show where to go or what to see.

We went to a trail that was nice, lots of traffic and train noises heard.

The beach was pretty and they had a foot washing station when leaving the sand. I wouldn't feel safe after dark or when there aren't many people around as it's quite a distance from parking and there isn't good views of the path ahead/behind.
M

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
TA01

  • 3 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
July 29, 2021
Rated 4.0

Nice beach and relaxing. Great hiking and many trails.
State park vs National park is confusing. State charges for the beach. Found a free one on National park side by accident.
Also, visitor center has camping information and I found a campground at the last minute. Stayed at Michigan City Campground. Short distance away from dunes

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
destanyy77

  • 4 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
May 11, 2021
Rated

We loved Indiana Dunes National Park! There's a lot of places to pull off and take stunning scenic pictures. Mount Baldy is about 3 miles down the road and 100% worth the stop!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
sjc20077

  • Blogger
  • 115 Reviews
  • 36 Helpful
October 16, 2017
Rated 5.0

Love this place! We brought our 3 young children here and had a blast playing in the water of Lake Michigan and running through the sand of the dunes. So beautiful and relaxing. If you come into Indiana Dunes State Park area, you need to pay $6 as a Indiana resident per car or $12 for out of state resident. This area has a huge parking lot though that is super close to the water. Well worth the stop!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
ealonso0228

  • 11 Reviews
  • 9 Helpful
September 13, 2017
Rated 5.0

Talk about a hidden gem! We feel in love with Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. We live down south near the ocean and we actually felt like we were at the ocean! The sand is amazing! We did the 3 Dunes Challenge, which was a challenge, but totally worth the views. The beach is gorgeous. We went for an impromptu sunset over Lake Michigan. We parked at the Devils Slide parking lot and walked to the top of a dune to watch the sunset with Chicago in the distance. STUNNING! Will always return here when in the area and highly recommend staying at the Campground inside the park. We did visit in September after Labor Day, so I'm sure it was not busy compared to summer season.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
jitterbug19

  • 4 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
August 03, 2015
Rated 3.0

Nice place to stop for a relaxing walk along the beach. Bring towel or chair and a book. There was a volleyball net along beach. Families swimming along beach and picnicking. Glad we stopped.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
hdarrin

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
September 07, 2014
Rated 5.0

Despite all the sand, the trails are great for running. Try #10 for a good 10k or 6.3 ish mile trot. The main beach is a bit crowded, but head a bit to the north and east for more privacy in the tall grass.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
cezzanine

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
March 02, 2024
Rated 5.0

So pretty

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Reviewed by
DJI

  • 18 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
November 25, 2023
Rated 3.0

Basically, it’s a beach with a boardwalk trail with some dunes—nice, but not what you think of when you hear “National Park”

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Indiana Dunes National Park

1215 N State Rd 49
Indiana Dunes National Park
Porter, Indiana
46304 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Good for bird watching, boating, and 12 more activities.

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    Pets Allowed
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    Credit Cards Accepted
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