You'll love the sights and sounds of the three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. The sand dunes will astound you, as will the vast variety of desert plants, giant wood ferns and white pines. And it's only an hours drive from Chicago, and accessible via Metra's South Shore/South Bend train.

The park includes seven hiking trails, as well as access to the 9 mile Calumet Trail, camping (must 21 years of age), cross-country skiing trails (no rental on site), smelt fishing, picnicking, swimming (in season), and more!

A beautiful nature center offers details of the history of the dunes area and a variety of special programming year-round.

On a clear day or night, hike up trail #4 to the top of Mt. Toms, the largest dune in the park. Atop Mt. Toms you'll have a great view of the Chicago skyline, and at night, a beautiful view of the stars. Trail #2 includes a boardwalk that stretches over some wetland, and is one of the best trails for viewing spring wildflowers. Trail #10 is the longest trail in the park at 5.5 miles, and will take you along most of the park's Lake Michigan shoreline.

The campground has around 300 campsites, as well as a camp store, toilets, and hot showers. Shelters and a picnic area are available for those just staying for the day.

If you're not interested in picnicking, you can find a restaurant in the town that is the home of the Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton. Chesterton hosts many restaurants and plenty of shopping. A trip into town may be a great compliment to your visit to the park.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, authorized by Congress in 1966, is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois in the counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte in Northwest Indiana. The national lakeshore runs for nearly 25 miles along southern Lake Michigan, bordered by Michigan City, Indiana on the east, and Gary on the west. The park contains approximately 15,000 acres, 2,182 of which are located in Indiana Dunes State Park and managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Directions

Visitors can access the national lakeshore via Interstate Highway I-94, the Indiana Toll Road, I-80/90 U.S. 20, or Indiana State Hwy 12 and various state roads.

We suggest taking the I-90 east into Indiana, and exit to I-94 east. After about 10 miles, exit to IN-49 North, exit number 26B. IN-49 will

Transit Directions

Metra's South Shore and South Bend Railroad stops at several stations throughout the park. The "Dune Park" exit is probably the best bet, it's right near the middle of the park.

Indiana Dunes State Park
1600 North 25 E.
Chesterton, IN
219-926-1952