Are you searching for stunning ocean-like views in the Midwest? Check out the Indiana Dunes! This area is home to both a national and a state park and offers many opportunities for adventure. The Indiana Dunes State Park encompasses over 2,000 acres. Features include approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and more than three miles of beautiful beach on Lake Michigan’s southern shore.

See the park website for a detailed map, current entrance fees and more:

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/indiana-dunes-state-park/

This state park is part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, which includes many sites for unique outdoor adventures. The area is loaded with beaches, nature preserves, and county parks. See the national park website here:

https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm

You will also find many dining and lodging choices to relax after a day of exploring. Visit the Indiana Dunes Tourism site for further planning:

https://www.indianadunes.com/

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

 Be sure to stop in at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, conveniently located on SR 49, just south of the park entrance. The staff are experts on the area and can answer questions on local attractions, planning your hiking itinerary, and more.

Here you will find: park and area maps, restrooms, a gift shop, and printed materials about the area. The lobby, open 24 hours a day, is stocked with informational brochures.

The parking area provides access to the Dunes Kankakee trail, which is an easy 1.8 mile accessible walk to the park entrance along a paved trail. You don’t need to walk this, the road continues to the park entrance and plenty of other parking options.

You can find more information here:

https://www.indianadunes.com/explore-the-dunes/plan-your-visit/visitor-center/

Safety

Lake Michigan can be deceiving and is like an ocean in terms of strength and unpredictability. Rip currents and high waves can create dangerous swimming conditions. Learn more at:

https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent

Always stay on marked trails.

Indiana Dunes Trails

Trail numbers 8,9, and 10 are my top Indiana Dune recommendations.  To access the park, follow the signs at the entrance to the nature center.  You can park there or go to the Wilson shelter on crowded days. Follow the signs; trails 8, 9, and 10 can all be accessed from these parking lots.

If you can, take your time to fully experience this fabulous slice of some of the best nature offers. Most of the park is far from traffic noise but has good cell service. It’s easy to get lost in the moment while wandering through a diverse range of beach, forest, and wetland habitats. 

Three Dune Challenge – Trail 8

This is not for the faint of heart. While it’s only 1.5 miles long, it’s easily the most rugged hike in the area, traversing three of the highest dunes. I had to scramble on my hands and knees in a few spots while other hikers passed me with worried looks and offers of help.

The views from the top are worth the huffing and puffing, along with the general feeling of imminent death. If I can do it, you probably can too, know your limits. If you’re into Instagram, this is the place. 

Mount Jackson / Mount Holden

First up is Mount Jackson at 176 feet. After climbing down the back of this dune, the trail immediately starts up Mount Holden (184 feet), so I strongly recommend taking your time to recover before continuing. At the top, veer left and avoid the unmarked trail to the lake.

Mount Tom

After scrambling down the back of Mt. Holden, cross the junction with Trail 7 to reach the base of the Mount Tom stairs. Climb the stairs to the boardwalk at the top. You will find yourself at the tallest dune in the park, standing at 192 feet. Take a moment to congratulate yourself while enjoying the astounding views.

For those with enough stamina, double back over all three dunes. For the regular crowd, combine Trails 4, 7, and 8 for an easier walk back to your vehicle.

Take lots of pictures. Stop at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for a free bumper sticker, and buy a T-shirt to celebrate your achievement.

Trail 9

Trail 9 offers stunning vistas of Lake Michigan as you hike along a sandy ridgeline. Although it is only 3.75 miles long, the distance from the parking lot to the trailhead and back is closer to five miles. This trail is one of the most scenic hikes in northwest Indiana.

The first half winds through a beautiful forest with some elevation gain as you approach the dune ridge, where breathtaking views await. If you’re short on time, take a left at the 0.7-mile mark to reach a moderate dune climb after a short tenth of a mile. Once at the top, the beach house “blow out” will be right before you. Turn around and retrace your steps to the parking lot, or continue on for more fabulous scenery.

The “Beach House Blowout,” is a large bowl of sand formed by years of wind erosion transporting sand inland.

If you are continuing on trail 9, you will see a dune ridge just to your right. Cross the ridgeline to keep on the trail.

Over 360 bird species have been recorded along the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana. Spring and fall migrations give viewing opportunities for both the novice and experienced birder. For more information see the following link:

https://indianadunesbirding.wordpress.com/about/

Camping

The park offers a campground with 140 well-maintained 50-amp electric sites, including picnic tables and fire pits, and spacious enough to accommodate a tent or RV. I prefer more rustic areas with greater privacy, but this campground is a nice family-oriented property.

Reservations can be made online through Reserve America at the following link: https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/

You will have to book several months in advance, especially on weekends during the warmer months. There are also other campgrounds in the area that fill up quickly.

Accessibility

There are no paved trails in the park. The main beach parking lot allows drive-up access close enough to enjoy a good view of the beach, but you must arrive early, particularly on weekends and warmer days. The Dunes Kankakee is a paved trail that leads 1.1 miles from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center on State Road 49 to the park. There are accessible campsites available.

Surrounding Area

Chesterton, Porter, Beverly Shores, and other small towns offer shopping, dining, antiquing, and more. Be sure to watch for my upcoming post about this unique area.

That’s it for now, until next time be sure to get some dirt under your boots!

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