Be sure to check out the Midwest Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park!
*Last updated March 16, 2024
Best Things to Do in Indiana Dunes National Park
Table of Contents
How Long to Stay at Indiana Dunes National Park
If you just want to check it off your National Park checklist, feel free just to stop at the visitor center and you can drive from one side to the other in a couple of hours with a stop for a hike or two. However, it is a nice area and certainly suitable for a long weekend retreat to spend time hiking the dunes and playing at the beach. Additionally, you can visit the nearby town of Michigan City, which is actually located in Indiana.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes is one of the newest national parks! We actually visited when it was Indiana Dunes State Park. However, I’m sure national park status has prompted increased visitation.
Also, the national park includes mostly lakeshore along the southern point of Lake Michigan.
The Dunes and Beaches
The kids had a lot of fun running up and down the dunes. Additionally, the dunes are constantly moving and changing directions due to the wind from the lake.
If you have been to Great Bear Sand Dunes in Michigan, you may be surprised that these dunes are not as big. However, they still offer their own beauty and were a pretty sight along the shore.
Lastly, some other options include spending some relaxing time by the beach. Also, you can drive up the lake and enjoying the lake views, as well as the sunrises and sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Hiking Trails
We visited Indiana Dunes with a large family. We had little kids and grandparents, so we didn’t do anything too strenuous. However, we did hike Calamet Dunes, Mount Baldy Beach Trail and went to Porter Beach/Devils Slide area and hiked around.
Also, check out the NPS Indiana Dunes hiking page for more available hikes.
The 1933 World’s Fair and Century of Progress
I didn’t get any pictures, but we also walked around the site of the 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. It was fun to see the five homes presented at the World’s Fair, where visitors would come over from Chicago.
Also Consider Nearby
Also, consider visiting nearby Chicago, head east to Michigan City (actually still in Indiana), go north for some beach time on the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes, or check out other sites in the Midwest region.