Great Marsh, Indiana Dunes National Park

National GeographicJul 21

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.

best for scenery and bird viewing

25 things in this story

Mount BaldySightsummit accessible only on ranger-led programs
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
West BeachSight
Dune Succession TrailTrail
Portage LakefrontSight
Dune Ridge TrailTrail
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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Everything you should know about Indiana Dunes National Park