Winter Activities in the Indiana Dunes
When the cold winds blow and the snow starts to fall, a whole new world of adventure awaits you in the Indiana Dunes. With an expansive array of vistas and terrain, as well as cozy shops and lodgings, we’re the ideal location for cross country skiers and those looking for a weekend of winter comforts and excitement. Just be sure to bring your own skis (or snowshoes).
Hike, Ski, or Snowshoe
Whether you want an easy stroll with views of frozen Lake Michigan and snow-covered woods or a challenging climb on towering sand dunes, we’ve got the perfect winter hot spots for chilly days.
Skating and Sledding
Enjoy a number of exciting winter activities, everything from sledding and skating to shopping and celebrations. If you’re lucky, you may even catch Santa before the big day.
Shelf Ice - Beautiful & Dangerous
Come see a whole new Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes, when shelf ice transforms it into a winter wonderland. Just make sure to observe from a distance as shelf ice is extremely dangerous.
Two Must-See Winter Trails
Three more reasons to get outside. Grab your friends, family, your furry friend, and a fitness tracker and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure with a challenging walk or run up the park’s…
Don’t just read about history, experience it! In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also know as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike…
Check Out These Winter Highlights
Stay at Our Cozy Hotels & Accommodations
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Portage by Choice Hotels
- 1630 Olmstead Dr.
- 219-764-0022
Enjoy the comforts of home at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, located just 10 minutes from the Indiana Dunes…
Spring House Inn
- 303 N. Mineral Springs Rd.
- 219-929-4600
It’s one part hotel, one part country retreat, and all parts comfort. With more than 50 rooms perfect for business…
Affordable Suites of America Portage
- 1550 Olmstead Dr.
- 219-734-6111
This fully furnished all-suite hotel near the Indiana Dunes provides the comfort and convenience that long-term…
Al & Sally's Motel
- 3221 W. Dunes Hwy.
- 219-872-9131
A vintage 50's roadside motel nestled in the Indiana Dunes. Spacious rooms, minutes from beaches, hiking, dunes…
At Home in the Woods Bed and Breakfast
- 898 N. 350 East
- 219-728-1325
This National-Park-themed bed and breakfast combines the convenience of a hotel with the comfortable casualness of…
Baymont Inn by Wyndham
- 2323 Willowcreek Rd.
- 219-706-3058
Enjoy a good night's sleep in their clean, modern rooms and luxury mattresses. Wake up every morning to a delicious…
Best Western Indian Oak
- 558 Indian Boundary Rd.
- 219-926-2200
Best Western Indian Oak has a picturesque lobby and an extremely convenient location. Room amenities include 39" LED…
Best Western University Inn at Valparaiso
- 760 W. Morthland Dr.
- 219-850-1100
When you stay at Best Western University Inn, you'll be conveniently located near Valparaiso University and the…
Comfort Inn & Suites - Porter
- 1800 W. US Hwy 20
- 219-250-2181
Relax and unwind in the warm, welcoming aura of this Porter hotel. Located only a few miles from the Indiana Dunes…
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Valparaiso
- 2020 La Porte Ave.
- 219-476-0000
This hotel combines the convenience of a big chain hotel with the friendliness of a small-town motel. Come and enjoy…
Cypress Log Cabin by IN the Dunes
- W. Lakefront Dr.
- 219-221-6249
The Cypress Log Cabin Home is a piece of history nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the stunning…
Days Inn by Wyndham Portage
- 6161 Melton Rd.
- 219-762-2136
Indiana Dunes visitors will find all the amenities they need to enjoy the stones-throw-away sandy shores of the…
Dunes Vacation Rental
- 4942 W. Dunes Hwy
- 773-704-8557
Less than an hour to Notre Dame and less than a mile to the beach. What makes this different from most homes in…
Dunewood Campground
- 645 Broadway
- 219-395-1882
Just over a mile south of Lake Michigan, this campground has 67 reservable wooded sites near the South Shore Train’s…
Econo Lodge
- 6101 Melton Rd. (U.S. 20)
- 219-254-2934
This economy hotel accommodation features 140 standard rooms, all including a refrigerator, microwave, and cable TV…
Fairbridge Inn Express
- 713 Plaza Dr.
- 219-929-4416
Within 3 miles of the Chesterton Fairbridge Inn Express, you'll find Indiana Dunes National Park, Coffee Creek…
Fairfield by Marriott
- 2101 E. Morthland Dr.
- 219-465-6225
Welcome to the newly renovated Fairfield Inn and Suites, Valparaiso where they feature new guest rooms, lobby, and…
Furness Mansion at the Dunes - Boutique Hotel
- 1491 N. Furnleigh Lane
- 224-656-2450
Welcome to Furness Mansion, your home away from home. Our historic boutique hotel and vacation rental offers a…
Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso
- 1451 S. Silhavy Rd.
- 219-531-6424
At this Hampton Inn & Suites—the very first prototype ever built for Hilton Hotels—the staff and management are…
Hampton Inn Portage
- 6353 Melton Rd.
- 219-764-1919
Enjoy the spacious rooms and scenic views at this friendly, accommodating hotel. As with all Hampton Inn hotels, the…
Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton
- 501 Gateway Blvd., North
- 219-983-9500
The Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton offers a great location near Interstate 80-90, Interstate 94, and US HWY 49. Just…
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portage
- 6295 Melton Rd.
- 219-734-6000
Near the beautiful southern shores of Lake Michigan, this hotel is both a convenient workplace and a comfortable…
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Valparaiso
- 1251 Silhavy Rd. S.
- 219-464-9395
This all-non-smoking hotel offers modern luxury and spectacular customer service at a surprisingly affordable price…
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
- 1600 N. 25 East
- 219-926-1952
Located less than a mile from the beach and within walking distance of the South Shore Rail Station, this campground…
Lakeshore Camp Resort
- 5300 Old Porter Rd.
- 219-762-7757
This 940 site membership park has 125 full hookup campsites and 12 cabins available for rent to the general public…
Oyo Hotel Portage I-94
- 6118 Melton Rd.
- 219-762-8857
The OYO Hotel Portage I-94 is a budget hotel with standardized amenities at the best value. The establishment has a…
Pikk's Tavern & Inn
- 62 W. Lincolnway
- 219-476-7455
This one-of-a-kind restaurant and inn, built to resemble a 1940s Chicago-style steakhouse, blends old and new in an…
Portage Inn
- 6142 US 20
- 219-763-6601
Conveniently located off I-94, Portage Inn in Portage offers a solid deal on a simple stay complete with a Jacuzzi…
Portage Inn and Suites
- 6200 Melton Rd. (U.S. 20)
- 219-734-6727
Located near Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks, this accommodation offers a wonderful…
Quality Inn & Suites - Portage
- 2300 Willowcreek Rd.
- 219-763-7177
Be close to everything you want to see in the Indiana Dunes area. Located at the intersection of I-90 and I-94, this…
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…
Drop-in Volunteering
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!