Discovery Trail

Nestled in Northwest Indiana, on the shores of the massive freshwater sea of Lake Michigan, is a remarkable place, a unique landscape carved by immense glaciers during the last ice age. As these frozen giants slowly receded, they left behind a cornucopia of natural wonders, from sandy beaches and majestic dunes to sprawling wetlands and lush forests.

The Indiana Dunes is one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States, and we’ve made this self-guided tour so you can easily create your own outdoor itinerary. The best part? If you use the free Discovery Trail mobile pass, you might win an Indiana Dunes getaway!

The Discovery Trail pass is free, but entrance fees apply where applicable.

Family at West Beach

Our Favorite Reasons to Explore the Discovery Trail

Here are FIVE reasons why the Indiana Dunes Discovery Trail is a must-have tool when visiting the Indiana Dunes area.

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Birding

Few places in the Midwest rival the Indiana Dunes area for birding. More than 350 species live or migrate through here, drawn by the open waters of Lake Michigan into the landscapes of…

Hiking

Hiking

Lose yourself in the beauty of the Indiana Dunes. Of course, you won’t really be lost—we’ve got 70-miles of well-manicured trails perfect for all skill levels...

A man smiles as he sits in an orange kayak, paddling on the water. The sky is partly cloudy in the background.

Paddling

Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add coastlines, dunes, trails, and plenty of water. Luckily, there’s no shortage of lakes, creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner aquaphile...

Discovery Trail a month ago

Family at West Beach

Our Favorite Reasons to Explore the Discovery Trail

2 minute read

Less than an hour from Chicago, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, is an…

Discovery Trail 4 months ago

A pair of blue snowshoes sits against a wooden fence in the snow.

Discovering Snowshoeing in the Indiana Dunes National Park

3 minute read

Once the Indiana Dunes area is blanketed in a few inches of snow, you'll start to see people…

Discovery Trail 5 months ago

Three people in fall jackets pose next to a sign with trees in the background

Discovering Beauty on the 3 Dune Challenge

3 minute read

Take your leaf peeping to a whole new level with the 3 Dune Challenge (Trail 8) at the Indiana Dunes…

Discovery Trail a year ago

Trail 2/10 Discovery Trail Charlene Lynn

Discovering Trails 2 and 10 at Indiana Dunes State Park

3 minute read

One of the things my family loves most about the Indiana Dunes State Park is, of course, Lake…

Discovery Trail a year ago

State Park Entrance in Fall

Discover Trail 7 at Indiana Dunes State Park: A Scenic Hike Through Fall Foliage and Stunning Views

3 minute read

Autumn is one of my favorite times to visit the Indiana Dunes. The summer crowds are thinning, local…

Discovery Trail 2 years ago

An aerial view of Cowles Bog

Waking at Cowles Bog

3 minute read

Waking up at dawn to run a trail probably appeals to few people. That’s OK. I’m not…

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