National GeographicJul 21, 2026
Everything you should know about Indiana Dunes National Park
Discover one of America’s most biodiverse landscapes, where towering dunes, rare orchids, sandy beaches, and more than 60 miles of trails create an unexpectedly rich escape along Lake Michigan.
25 things in this story
- Mount BaldySightsummit accessible only on ranger-led programs
- West BeachSightOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
- Dune Succession TrailTrailOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
- Portage LakefrontSightOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
- Dune Ridge TrailTrailOfficial websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
- Miller WoodsNeighborhoodone of the park’s most biodiverse areas
- Paul H. Douglas TrailTrailwinds through oak savanna, wetlands, and dunes
- Diana Dunes DareTrailoffers sweeping lake views and landscape evolution
- Cowles Bog TrailTrailwinds through marshes, swamps, and black oak savanna
- Heron Rookery TrailTrailpopular in spring for wildflowers and bird sightings
- Indiana Dunes Birding FestivalFestivalmigratory bird count peaks in May
- Great MarshSightbest for scenery and bird viewing
- Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental EducationMuseumgreat place for families and first-time visitors
- Pinhook Bog hikeTrailtakes visitors through the bog to see ferns and orchids
- Chellberg FarmSightbuilt in 1860s, families can volunteer
- 49er Drive-In Movie TheaterSightfamily-friendly way to wind down
- Dunewood CampgroundPlace66 primitive sites, including four wheelchair-accessible
- Central Avenue walk-in campsitesPlaceprimitive tent-only sites near Lake Michigan shoreline
- Dunbar Group CampsitePlaceaccommodates groups of up to 30 people
- Kemil BeachSight
- Dunbar BeachSight
- Lake View BeachSight
- Elsewhere
- Three Dunes ChallengeTrailIndiana Dunes State Park, United Statesclimbs three of the tallest dunes, 1.5 miles
- Century of Progress homesSightBeverly Shores, United Statesfuturistic houses from 1933 World's Fair
- Indiana Dunes State Park campgroundPlaceIndiana Dunes State Park, United States147 sites, bulk offer electric service
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