Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Indiana Dunes National Park is a small park that is perfect for exploring in one day. Right on the shores of Lake Michigan, you will find beaches, short hikes, historic sites, sand dunes and incredible biodiversity. Below you can find an itinerary for how to spend one day at Indiana Dunes National Park.
If you don’t have a full day, we also offer suggestions on how to make it a 1/2 day as well as general information to help you plan your trip. You can also see our Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park for more information.
Quick Look at the Highlights of One Day at Indiana Dunes National Park
There is plenty to see with one day at Indiana Dunes National Park. Below you can see the what to do at Indiana Dunes. You can also see some suggestions in the next section of how to put together some of these activities into a one day Indiana Dunes itinerary.
Since the national park and state park are in the same area, we’ve also included things to do at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Best Things to do at Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park
Go for a Hike: There are hiking trails throughout the National Park and State Park. Most trails are easy to moderate and relatively short, making it easy to link a few trails together. You should plan at least 1-2 hikes during your visit to Indiana Dunes. Below you can see some of the best options.
- West Beach and Dune Succession Trail: A popular hike offering stunning views of the dunes and Lake Michigan, starting at the West Beach parking lot.
- Paul H. Douglas Trail: A 3.6-mile loop trail showcasing diverse ecosystems, including dunes, wetlands, and forests.
- Cowles Bog Trail: This 4.7-mile hike takes you through wetlands and woodlands, with opportunities for birdwatching, and ends at the shores of Lake Michigan.
- Mount Baldy Trail: A short but rewarding 0.6-mile hike up one of the park’s tallest dunes, Mount Baldy, providing panoramic views of the dunes and the lake.
- Little Calumet River Trail: An easy 3.7-mile trail following the peaceful path of the Little Calumet River, perfect for observing wetland wildlife.
- Glenwood Dunes Trail: A 4.9-mile loop trail offering a mix of dunes, forests, and wetlands, providing a serene hiking experience.
- Tolleston Dunes Trail: This 4.6-mile trail leads you through a secluded section of the park, featuring diverse habitats and quieter surroundings.
- Heron Rookery Trail: A 3.3-mile trail that winds through wooded areas, leading to a rookery where you may spot nesting herons during the spring and summer months.
- Bailly-Chellberg Trail: A 2.3-mile loop trail featuring historical sites like the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, providing a blend of nature and cultural history.
- Pinhook Bog Trail: This 0.7-mile boardwalk loop takes you through a unique and rare bog habitat, offering a glimpse of fascinating plant life.
- 3 Dune Challenge: This unique hike takes you up the three tallest dunes in the park—Mount Tom, Mount Holden, and Mount Jackson. It’s a 1.5-mile loop that provides a fun and challenging experience with rewarding views from the top.
- Trail 2: This 4.6-mile loop trail showcases the park’s diverse ecosystems, including dunes, forests, and wetlands. It offers a mix of scenery and is one of the more extended and popular trails in the state park.
- Trail 4: A 1.6-mile loop trail that leads you through diverse habitats, including dunes, forests, and savannas. This trail is known for its wildflowers during the spring and early summer.
Visit the Beach: There are many beaches to visit in Indiana Dunes – some are very popular and can get crowded while others are more remote and quieter. Please use caution and be aware of rip tides and follow all signage when visiting the beach.
- West Beach: A popular beach with ample parking and amenities, including picnic areas and restrooms. The beach provides stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline on clear days.
- Dunbar Beach: This serene beach offers a quieter atmosphere compared to some of the more crowded beaches. It’s an excellent spot for beachcombing and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Central Avenue Beach: Located in the heart of the park, this beach offers easy access and is a great spot for families with children. It has a lifeguard on duty during peak seasons.
- Kemil Beach: Known for its tranquil ambiance and beautiful dunes, Kemil Beach is a peaceful spot for relaxation and enjoying Lake Michigan’s waters.
- Porter Beach: Situated near the park’s eastern boundary, Porter Beach is a less-crowded option for visitors seeking a more secluded beach experience.
- Lake View Beach: This beach is well-suited for birdwatching, with views of the lake and opportunities to spot various bird species.
- Mount Baldy Beach: Accessible from the Mount Baldy trail, this beach rewards hikers with a peaceful and picturesque lakeshore experience.
Stop at the Historic Sites: You can find several interesting historic sites in the state and national parks.
- Chellberg Farm (Indiana Dunes National Park): Step back in time and visit Chellberg Farm, a well-preserved homestead that showcases early 20th-century farm life. The historic buildings, including the farmhouse, barns, and outbuildings, offer a glimpse into the agricultural history of the region.
- Bailly Homestead (Indiana Dunes National Park): Explore the historic Bailly Homestead, which belonged to Joseph Bailly, one of the area’s first settlers. The site features the original homestead and trading post, giving visitors a sense of life during the early 19th century.
- Century of Progress Homes (Indiana Dunes National Park): These five unique homes were part of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and were later relocated to Indiana Dunes National Park. Each home represents different architectural styles of the time, providing a fascinating look at 20th-century design and innovation.
- Cowles Bog Archaeological District (Indiana Dunes National Park): This district contains prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, showcasing the long history of human presence in the area. It offers a chance to learn about the region’s Native American inhabitants and their cultural heritage.
- Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk (Indiana Dunes National Park): While this site is more modern, it still holds historical significance, as it was once an industrial area and shipping port. Now, it has been transformed into a recreational area with a beautiful beach and scenic views.
- Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes State Park): This visitor center provides information about the state park’s natural and cultural history. It’s named after Dorothy Buell, a conservationist who played a crucial role in preserving the Indiana Dunes.
- Fort Homan Military Reservation (Indiana Dunes State Park): This site was used as a military training facility during World War II. Although the structures are no longer standing, interpretive signs explain its historical significance.
Go Bird Watching and Enjoy the Biodiversity: Indiante Dunes is one of the most diverse National Parks in the United States. In just a short distance, the park includes multiple ecoystems. This makes it ideal for bird watching.
In the spring you will enjoy a huge number of lupines and other wildflowers on many of the hiking trails. Be on the lookout for poison ivy as this is everything throughout the parks.
Paddle Sports: Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the nearby waterways, such as the Little Calumet River or the backwaters of Lake Michigan.
Fishing: Cast a line and fish for various species in the park’s waters, such as Lake Michigan, inland lakes, or the Little Calumet River.
Camping: Stay overnight in one of the park’s campgrounds, like Dunewood Campground or Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, to immerse yourself in nature.
Attend Ranger-Led Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs and guided hikes to gain insights into the park’s ecology, history, and conservation efforts. If you are visiting with kids, check out the Junior Ranger Program.
Bike the Park: Indiana Dunes is a great park to bike. There are 75 miles of bike trails that run through the park making it an excellent and safe place to explore on two wheels.
Go Cross Country Skiing: If you are visiting in the winter, explore the park on cross country skis!
One Day at Indiana Dunes
In this section you can find suggestions on how to put together the best things to do in Indiana Dunes into an itinerary for one day at Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park.
Start your morning with a hike on the Paul H Douglas Trail.
This 3.4 mile hike passes through ponds, a savannah, sand dunes and finally ends at the beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. This is an easy to moderate hike that was our favorite trail in Indiana Dunes. Do the trail as an out and back.
Head to West Beach. One of the most popular parks in the beach, west beach is nestled among the sand dunes. There is a large parking lot and an easy walk from here to the beach. If you are visiting in the summer, enjoy the beach.
Walk the Dune Sucession Trail: The dune succession trail starts right at West beach and is a short trail up a series of steps and across boardwalks back to the parking lot. This is a fun and popular trail.
Explore the State Park: Do the 3 Dune Challenge and then stop for a visit at the State Park Beaches.
Finish your day with a stop at Chellberg Farm and Bailley Homestead: Finish up your one day at Indiana Dunes with a visit to one of both of the historic sites (you can also do this before visiting the State park).
Other Options: Based on your time and preferences, you can also explore other hiking trails. One option is to substitude the Cowles Bog Trail for the Paul H Douglas Trail for the longer hike of the day.
With a half day in Indiana Dunes, you will need to prioritize what you want to see. You will have time to explore one of the park’s hikes and visit one or two beaches.
Things to Know About Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes is one of the newest National Parks and is easy to visit from Chicago. You can use the information below to help you plan your visit to Indiana Dunes.
Top Tips for Visiting Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes is an easy National Park to visit. Below are some of the top tips to help make your trip smooth.
- There is a fee to visit Indiana Dunes. As of 2023, the fee was $25 for entry for 7 days. You can also use your America the Beautiful Park Pass. There is a separate fee to visit the State Park. The fee is different for in state and out of state plates and is good for a day.
- The easiest way to get to Indiana Dunes is to fly into Chicago or Midway Airports and drive to the park. From Chicago, the drive is about 1 hour.
- While there is pulbic transportation to get you near the airport, the best way to explore the park is by renting or driving your own car.
- Indiana Dunes experiences extreme weather – very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
- We have good cell service throughout the park.
- Safety: if you are hiking in the summer, note that the sand can become scalding hot. Wear shoes and be aware that hiking in sand is more challenging. Also be aware of poison ivy throughout the park. Some of the beaches also have rip tides, so follow all signs.
Best Time of Year to Visit Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes is a great place to visit all year long, however the best time is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom or the fall when the leaves change. Summers are hot and winters can be brutally cold.
How Long do you Need at Indiana Dunes
We felt that one day at Indiana Dunes was enough time to explore the park. If you are looking for more beach time, you can easily spend a few days visiting the different beaches. If you are short on time, it is still work visiting Indiana Dunes for just a few hours to do a hike and check out a beach or two.
How to Get to Indiana Dunes
The easiest way to get to Indiana Dunes is to drive your own car. If you are traveling from a distance. Fly into Chicago or Midway, rent a car and drive to the park (this is what we did on a layover in Chicago).
Common Questions about Visiting Indiana Dunes
Is Indiana Dunes National Park worth visiting?
Indiana Dunes offers a unique and diverse natural landscape, including sand dunes, beautiful beaches, and various ecosystems. It’s a fantastic destination for nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Lake Michigan. While we enjoyed our visit and recommend this park, it is not one of our top 10 National Parks to visit.
Can you swim in Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes?
Yes, swimming is allowed at the beaches along Lake Michigan within the park. Be sure to swim in designated areas and be mindful of water conditions and safety guidelines.
Are pets allowed in Indiana Dunes National Park?
Yes, pets are allowed in some areas of the park. They must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on the beaches. It’s important to check the park’s regulations regarding pets before your visit.
Can I camp at Indiana Dunes National Park?
While camping is not permitted within the national park boundaries, nearby Indiana Dunes State Park offers camping facilities. It’s a convenient option for visitors looking to stay close to the national park.
What wildlife can I expect to see at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Indiana Dunes is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, deer, foxes, turtles, and various small mammals. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, especially during migration seasons.
Are there visitor centers in the park?
Yes, Indiana Dunes National Park has visitor centers, including the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, where visitors can find information, maps, exhibits, and ranger-led programs.
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