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Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN

Photo: Lori McCallister, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

Indiana Dunes State Park

A Lake Michigan state park in Porter County with tall sand dunes, beach frontage, and many hiking trails.

1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN 46304 · Chesterton, IN

About Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park covers about 2,182 acres at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County. Its shoreline includes more than three miles of beach on Lake Michigan's southern edge. Dunes rise close to 200 feet above the lake, and the park holds a range of habitats with varied plants and animals. Visitors can hike several trails, use the Calumet Trail, swim at the beach, go birding, fish for smelt, cross-country ski in winter, and camp. The restored Dunes Pavilion offers event space, food, and beach supplies. The park was founded in 1925 after local advocates pushed to protect the area.

  • #dunes
  • #Lake Michigan
  • #beach
  • #hiking
  • #birding

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Indiana Dunes State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Indiana Dunes National Park

    $25–$50

    Swim, hike and climb sand dunes along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, with trails through forest and wetland.

    2.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions

    Washington Park Zoo

    Under $25

    A small zoo on Lake Michigan's southern shore that also shelters rescued exotic animals.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    8.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sports & Outdoors

    Marquette Park

    Check prices

    A 241-acre historic lakefront park in Gary's Miller Beach area, bordered by Indiana Dunes National Park.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums

    Brauer Museum of Art

    Check prices

    University art museum in Valparaiso, Indiana, known for American art and religious art.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    14 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Stay
    Iconic

    Four Winds New Buffalo

    No admission fee

    Full-scale casino resort on Lake Michigan in New Buffalo, Michigan, with a hotel, dining, and an event center.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Warren Woods State Park

    Under $25

    Walk a quiet riverside trail under some of Michigan's last old-growth beech and maple trees, crossing the Galien River on a footbridge.

    24 mi awayMore like this

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