Indiana Dunes State Park
Sand, shore, and the space to breathe—over 2,000 acres of it! This isn’t your run of the mill state park, it’s a place shaped by thousands of years of shifting landscapes and Hoosier history. Since 1925, Indiana Dunes State Park has been wowing visitors with its natural terrain, three-miles of dune-lined shores, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Splash around in Lake Michigan, bound up towering sand dunes, or explore beautiful trails on foot or on your bike. Escape the mundane on these storied shores.
Three more reasons to get outside. Put on your fitness tracker and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure. Grab your friends, family members, or pets, and take on this challenging hike up the…
Named one of the best places to hike in Indiana by USA Today, Trail 9 at the Indiana Dunes State Park offers incredible vistas and towering sand dunes that make you feel a thousand miles away.
Join Ranger Matt in our Dunes 101 Series to explore everything you need to know about the Indiana Dunes, including how to make the most out of your beach experience, where to camp, and the…
Unplug from everyday stress and connect to nature with over 70 miles of hike-able trails, 15 miles of swim-able coastline, and over 350 species of migratory birds.
Be the change by getting more involved with the Indiana Dunes! There are many no-hassle, volunteer drop-in opportunities available for everyone. Just show up, and the organization provides the…
Indiana Dunes Events
View All EventsAnnual Juried Art Exhibition at the Art Barn School of Art
- Art Barn School of Art. Inc.
- Recurring daily
The Art Barn School of Art is delighted to announce its Annual Juried Art Exhibition. We are proud to continue the…
Brauer Museum of Art - Permanent Collection
- Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art
- Recurring daily
The Brauer Museum boasts a collection of more than 5,000 works of art from the mid-19th century to the present. Also…
Coffee Creek Farmers Market
- Recurring weekly on Wednesday
The Coffee Creek Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from May through November from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. They pride…
Connections: New Objects on Display
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Take a closer look. Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising…
Connections: Take a Closer Look - Permanent Exhibit
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising ways. The objects may…
Entertainment Trivia @ 219 Taproom
- (219) Taproom
- Recurring weekly on Wednesday
Entertainment Trivia every Wednesday starting at 6:00 p.m. Taproom is a Chesterton fine establishment for…
Exhibit Opening: New Era Guitars: Making Music in the Dunes
- Westchester Township History Museum
- Recurring daily
Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Tony Klassen was a talented artist, furniture builder, and guitar maker. He…
Let's Grow Wild
- Recurring monthly on the 1st
A monthly toddler class for young learners ages 2-5, parents, and guardians to explore the animals and world around…
Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
In November 1943, members of the Charles Pratt Post #94 of the American Legion had an idea to erect a memorial on…
Native Plant Sale @ Gabis Arboretum
- Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
- Recurring daily
Our staff carefully selected favorite native plants that we also have growing at Gabis. Beyond beautifying your…
Open Art Studio with Marsha at Sunset Hill Farm County Park
Create various works of art in the studio environment. Your choice of 2-D medium and subject matter will enhance…
Storytime in the Park
- Woodland Park
- Recurring monthly on the 1st
Join the Portage Department of Parks and Recreation and the Porter County Public Library for a fun-filled Storytime…
The Path That Ventures Within: Inspirations Found Along Indiana Dunes Trails
- Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
- Recurring daily
Taken along the crisscrossing trails of the Indiana Dunes, the color photographs of Herb Barghusen (1933-2015)…
Westchester Township History Museum - Permanent Exhibit
- Westchester Township History Museum
- Recurring daily
The permanent exhibit highlights local history from prehistoric times to today. Temporary exhibits celebrate…
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
- Memorial Opera House
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Don’t miss your chance to thrill to the inspiring true story of one woman’s remarkable journey from teenage…
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesTop Festivals in the Indiana Dunes
- 2 minute read
Discover the vibrant scenery of the Indiana Dunes Region through our diverse festivals! Experience maple sugar activities, bird watching, celebratory fireworks, music, food, and more! Maple…
Why We Should Try to Appreciate Spiders
- 5 minute read
Did you know that the first week of April is National Be Kind to Spiders Week? To be kind to spiders (that is, to resist all instincts to squish them), one must first appreciate spiders, which…
Trash Trekkers Drop-In Volunteering
- 3 minute read
You’re invited to help be a part of preserving and protecting the Indiana Dunes by volunteering during your visit. And the best part is, there are no applications to fill out and you…
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…