Indiana Dunes State Park sits along three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in Chesterton, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Midwest. Towering sand dunes — some rising nearly 200 feet — meet dense oak forests, wetlands, and one of the most biodiverse stretches of land in the Great Lakes region. Established in 1925, this 2,182-acre park draws visitors year-round with its striking contrast of beach, dune, and woodland ecosystems.

The hiking here is the main draw. Trail 2 climbs the park’s three tallest dunes, rewarding you with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline across the water. Trail 9 loops through shaded forests and boggy lowlands where over 1,400 plant species thrive — a concentration that rivals the Great Smoky Mountains. In summer, the sandy beach fills with swimmers and sunbathers, while winter transforms the dunes into a quiet, snow-dusted landscape perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Birders flock here during spring and fall migration, when warblers, hawks, and shorebirds pass through in impressive numbers. Fishing, kayaking, and picnicking round out the warm-weather options.

The park’s campground offers wooded sites within walking distance of the beach — worth booking early, as summer weekends fill fast.

Visit late May through September for beach weather, or come in October when fall color lights up the hardwood forests. With a 4.7-star rating across nearly 7,700 reviews, Indiana Dunes consistently ranks among Indiana’s most beloved outdoor destinations.