Nestled along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and ecological diversity. Of the 63 national parks, the dunes were the 61st park, making them one of the most recent additions to the illustrious US national park ranks. This Midwest treasure boasts about 15,000 acres of landscapes that range from towering sand dunes to tranquil wetlands, and all the lush forests in between. The park is a testament to the power of nature’s adaptability, showcasing habitats that support over 1,100 plant species and a variety of wildlife. Only an hour southeast of Chicago, a one day adventure in Indiana Dunes is a tranquil escape from the bustling windy city.
There’s immense diversity between the breadth of parks within the national park system. While some areas feature more dramatic topography, much of the Indiana Dunes region is more subtle in its enriching, natural beauty. If you are on a road trip, a half day is sufficient to marinade in the ambiance of the park. For those interested in some shoreside relaxation, a full day is perfect to enjoy some morning activity before a restful afternoon of relaxation. Either way, we have an idyllic itinerary in store for this great lakes gem. Get ready, because a visit to the Indiana Dunes means connecting to nature, with beautiful Lake Michigan as a backdrop!
Fast Facts About Indiana Dunes National Park
Size: ~15,000 acres
Visitors: 2,765,892 visitors annually (data from 2023)
Highest elevation: ~140 feet above the surface of the Lake Michigan — on Mount Baldy (the dune is dynamic so this can change from year to year)
Distance from Chicago Airport (ORD): 55 miles — 1 hour drive
National Park Initiation: on February 15th, 2019 Indiana Dunes was upgraded from National Lakeshore to National Park by an
National park or state park?
Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park lands are rather interspersed throughout the region, creating a patchwork of protected areas that blend seamlessly together. While the state park is managed separately, it has its own hiking trails and activity opportunities. The state park actually has the largest beach area and facilities, along this stretch of Lake Michigan. You will almost assuredly find yourself moving between national and state park areas without even realizing it.
We enjoyed the cohesive, intertwined nature of the park system here. Perhaps this is a hot take, but from the feats-of-nature perspective, Indiana Dunes generally feels like a state park. It’s not like the ‘national park’ parts are significantly different than the ‘state park’ areas. That being said, the national protections, championed by conservationists, have been huge to protect against ‘big steel’. Part of the beauty of the national parks system is the diversity between all the states and regions protected. Plus, it’s still a wayyyy more immersive outdoor-nature experience than visiting the Gateway Arch National Park.
Accommodation Station
Depending on how long you plan to stay in the park, accommodations might not be necessary. However, if you’re looking to spend the night, you have a couple options. There’s no lodge in the park but there is a log cabin! The Cypress Log Cabin is a cozy, rustic abode, able to sleep up to 12 visitors. This is a beautiful, historic house with modern amenities and an amazing view of Lake Michigan.
For any campers, the Dunewood Campground offers spacious sites nestled among the trees, complete with restrooms and showers. The Central Avenue Walk-In Sites cater to those looking for a more secluded experience, as they require a short hike to reach the campsites. This also lends itself to a bit more solitude! Meanwhile, the Dunbar Group Site is ideal for larger groups and gatherings (up to 30 people allowed). Whether you prefer the comforts of a cabin or the simplicity of a campsite, the park’s accommodations ensure a memorable stay surrounded by nature.
ONE DAY
The park’s compact size and well-maintained trails make it easy to explore several distinct ecosystems within a few hours. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, taking a leisurely stroll through a wooded trail, or marveling at the sweeping views from a dune summit, you can savor the park’s beauty and still have time to relax. A half-day itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy nature while leaving room for other regional activities or a peaceful evening to unwind. A full day in the park will leave you time to sink your toes in the sandy beach!
Visitor Center
The visitor center is the logical first stop as you enter the park. Not only is it conveniently located, but you’ll also find all the helpful park resources, detailed maps, interactive exhibits, and (most importantly) expert guidance from rangers. It’s always helpful to know if there’s any closures or areas to be mindful of, when out exploring. For any parks passport enthusiasts, don’t forget your stamp!
Cowles Bog Trail
The Cowles Bog Trail is arguably the best trail in the park, as it explores a variety of ecosystems. This not-quite-4.5-mile trail weaves through wetlands, forests, prairies, and sand dunes, showcasing the park’s remarkable ecological diversity in a surprisingly short round trip distance. As you saunter along the trail, you’ll encounter picturesque views, vibrant plant life, and the chance to spot unique wildlife. And on a clear day, the Chicago skyline, as the trail culminates at a serene beach along Lake Michigan, making it a rewarding adventure for nature lovers.
A word to the wise, hiking back up from the beach is loose, dune sand is humbling— even for more experienced hikers, so be ready for a little challenge. Regardless, the Cowles Bog Trail provides a rich and immersive way to experience the heart of the park.
West Beach
If you’re looking for some afternoon relaxation, West Beach is an easy, 20-minute drive from the Cowles Bog trailhead. With its expansive shoreline, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and post-hike picnicking. It’s also one of the bigger beach areas, which means you won’t have to fret about mid-day parking– there’s over 650 parking spots! It means there’s bathrooms and showers as well, which is always refreshing at the end of a long, warm day.
For any beach-bound families, lifeguards are out during the day, in the summer months. You’ll also find food trucks setting up shop in the West Beach parking lot during the busier months. They vary from day to day but you can get your sugar fix with some kettle corn, cotton candy, and ice cream… or perhaps if you forgot to pack luck, the tacos, hot dogs, or sandwiches will tickle your fancy.
To get from the parking lot down to the beach, there’s an easy paved path— wheelchair accessible!! For anyone looking to take the scenic route, the Dune Succession Trail, winds through the dunes, woodlands, and wetlands behind the beachfront. Truly, West Beach encapsulates a little bit of all the best aspects of the park… stunning views of natural beauty paired with accessibility and fun.
Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Beach
The Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Beach is a close second when considering beach options. The parking lot is considerably smaller (still over 100 spots available), making this a less hectic spot, while still having a cafe and bathrooms nearby. The riverwalk stretches out into Lake Michigan, making this a favorite sunset spot. Its peaceful ambiance makes this a relaxing spot to end the day.
Not a very action-packed itinerary? We felt you really can capture the essence of this park with a half-to-full day experience. The Cowles Bog trail does take you down to the beach, so it’s a pretty rewarding one-stop-shop, if you only make one stop in the park. Overall, we felt, when compared to other national parks, Indiana Dunes National isn’t exactly going to blow you away with its topographical magnitude, but there is a peaceful atmosphere of feeling grounded in nature. We hope you enjoy your visit— happy travels!
written by Hannah
Hannah traded the warm beaches of southwest FL for the outdoor adventure locale that is Bend, OR. Despite the distance, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves making time to explore newfound hikes. These days she has some extra pack weight; however, Xavier is notorious for being unimpressed by sweeping vistas.
