Overview
Indiana Dunes isn’t just a lakeshore getaway ... it’s where the Midwest pulls a fast one on you. You roll in expecting endless cornfields and flat farmland, and suddenly you’re staring at rolling sand dunes, shimmering beaches, and waves on Lake Michigan that could pass for the ocean if you squint hard enough. It’s 15,000 acres of surprise and grit, proof that the Hoosiers have been keeping a little paradise under wraps. What makes it so wild is the mash-up of landscapes: beaches that feel Florida-worthy, forests that whisper like Colorado trails, and wetlands teeming with wildlife you’d expect in some distant jungle. Toss in migrating birds, rare plants, and dunes that actually move like they’ve got unfinished business, and you’ve got yourself an offbeat natural playground. Around here, you don’t just dip your toes in the sand ... you leave with mud on your boots, salt in your hair (yep, fresh water can fool you), and probably a craving for local pierogis. That’s the Dane way to do the Dunes.
Top Attractions (Beaches, Bogs & Baldy)
West Beach
Perfect for sandcastle architects and sunset chasers on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Mount Baldy
A 126-foot wandering dune that creeps inland like it has unfinished business.
Dune Ridge Trail
Offers sweeping views that make you forget you’re in Indiana.
Cowles Bog
A National Natural Landmark with rare wetlands and more birds than a Hitchcock film.
Birdwatching
More than 350 species of birds migrate through, turning the place into an avian airport hub.
Hiking
Pretend you’re a desert explorer scaling a dune without the camel, or enjoy a walk through the forest.
Unique Stories & Facts (Moving Dunes & Ghostly Bootleggers)
- An Underdog Win: The dunes were almost bulldozed for steel mills before activists fought to save them.
- Slow-Motion Chaos: Mount Baldy is actually moving about four feet a year.
- Dune Music: Locals swear that some of the dunes hum in the wind.
- Spirited Sands: Legend has it the dunes have their own resident spirits, including fishermen lost on the lake and bootleggers who vanished in the sand.
- Nearby Bison: Not far from the park, you can visit the Broken Wagon Bison Farm... because who doesn’t want to meet a bison in Indiana?
Best Travel Seasons
Summer brings the beach vibes, but spring and fall are where the park really shines with wildflowers, crisp air, and fewer crowds. Winter is for the diehards, when frozen dunes and ice shelves on Lake Michigan look otherworldly.
Lodging Options (Train Depots & Mansions)
Unique: Riley’s Railhouse
A historic train depot turned into a charming bed-and-breakfast.
Boutique: DunesWalk Inn
Enjoy a boutique stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion.
Rustic: Spring House Inn
Offers rustic charm nestled in the woods near the park.
Camping: Dunewood Campground
For those who think air conditioning is overrated and prefer a night under the stars.
Dining (Burgers, Pizza & Pierogis)
Octave Grill
Serving up burgers that might just ruin you for all other burgers.
Bartlett’s Fish Camp
Local seafood served with a classic Midwestern twist.
Flamingo Pizza of Miller
A funky, beachy pizza joint located conveniently near the dunes.
Lucrezia Café
Serving delicious Italian comfort food with a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Become a Pathfinder
See something we missed? Spot a detail that doesn’t add up? That’s where you come in. Pathfinders don’t just read the journey ... they help write it. Correct the facts, fill in the gaps, and blaze new trails for fellow travelers.
Does it cost anything? Ha! Nope. In fact, we pay you. Even better, you can write off your travel on your taxes (check your local laws). We’ll even help you fill out the forms.
Talk about a no-brainer. You’re a money-making, tax-break-taking, pathfinding machine.
Travel Tips
- Pack Layers: The lakeshore weather can swing from a sauna to sweater weather in a matter of hours.
- Bring Bug Spray: This is a must unless you enjoy being mosquito tapas.
- Respect the Dunes: Don’t climb on restricted dunes. You don't want to tangle with a park ranger who’s faster than they look.
Destination Joke
Because it didn’t want to be called a bagel!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
“Dunes, Diners & Dane: An Indiana Surprise.”
Your Indiana Dunes Offbeat Guide!
Ready for a Midwestern surprise? This guide is your ticket to Indiana's best beaches, moving dunes, and a reminder that adventure is sometimes just a short drive away.
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your Indiana Dunes Vibe?
Answer to find your perfect offbeat adventure!
It moves! The dune creeps inland about four feet each year.
Soak up the sun at West Beach, or head to Cowles Bog to spot some of the 350+ bird species that migrate through the park.
Check out the glorious Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, or enjoy a plate of pierogis like you're in Poland after a day at the dunes.