When you think of national parks, what comes to mind? Glacier, Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, Yosemite? Consider adding Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to your late summer or early fall travel bucket list.

Not only is the view of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan on a clear day with the naked eye an impressive sight to see, but the fine and soft sand between your toes will make you forget you’re in Indiana.

In 2019 the Indiana Dunes became the 61st newest US National Park. 15 miles of beaches hug Lake Michigan’s southern tip.

Oh, and the beaches, sand dunes, beautiful wetlands, and marshes, are some additional reasons to visit the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Getting To Indiana Dunes National Park

It can be a little confusing getting to Indiana Dunes National Park as there is also Indiana Dunes State Park.

The good news is if you live in the Midwest, you are less than 12 hours away from experiencing the amazing landscapes of the Hoosier state.

I recommend stopping at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to obtain a map from a ranger and getting some recommendations of points of interest.

Things To Do

Bird Watching

If you’re a bird watcher, you won’t have to go far to spot various species of birds during spring and fall migrations like winter finches, sparrows, warblers, loon, and gulls hanging out in the black oak forests, button-bush marshes, flying over Lake Michigan scooping up the catch of the day.

Hiking

50 miles of hiking trails whether its snowshoeing, running, walking, or biking, the various habitats of Indiana Dunes National Park keep you visually engaged with your eyes on the lookout for wildlife.

Just make sure to have a camera ready. You never know what you will see hanging out on the tree branches or coming out of the woods.

West Beach

Large-scaled dunes greet you at the park’s West Beach. Give your legs a work out by hiking to the top of the Dune Succession Trail stairs.

With a combination of hiking trails and long stretches of beach along Lake Michigan, climbing 250 steps up the Dune Succession Trail stairs is worth the burn for breathtaking views like this.

Beach erosion is a problem. High waves and pounding waves are eating away at the shoreline washing away the dunes that the national park is named after. Be sure to stay on the trails.

Tree Graveyards

As you explore the 50 hiking trails and walk on the beach, you will notice fallen trees. Wind erosion re-exposes trees buried by the sand where forests have been.

Three Dune Challenge

Challenge yourself by climbing three of the highest sand dunes in Indiana. Mount Holden, Mount Tom, and Mount Jackson each have an elevation of fewer than 200 feet.

Athletes, groups o friends, and family test their fitness levels by attempting to hike up these three dunes with the reward of breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline in the distance, and bragging rights they conquered the three highest sand dunes in Indiana.

200 feet might sound like nothing, but we are talking taking on vertical sandy climbs with a 40-degree slope.

The Three Dune Challenge starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park at the Nature Center. Are you up for the fitness challenge?

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