Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes is a beautiful and fun place. There’s hiking and biking trails, and lots of the. (through the dunes, through forest, through marsh, and more). There’s beaches that are crowded and popular and beaches that are peaceful and secluded. There’s not a lot of food options, so a lot of folks I saw brought coolers for picnics. You can also head in the water to swim, you can bring a boat, or in the winter you can bring your skis. When I came here (July) there were quite a few bugs and mosquitos, so just beware and make sure you have lots of bug spray, or otherwise you can wave your arms around like a maniac during hikes, like me. :)
The Indiana Dunes itself is divided into the State Park and National Park. The areas are pretty clearly delineated on the maps they provide. The State Park is $ 12 per car to enter if you’re from out of state, and $ 7 if you’re from Indiana. If you’re looking to go to the beach, the one at the State Park is probably the most popular and has a shower and changing facility, with lifeguards. Try not to look to the East or West — there’s some pretty unsightly steel mills and power plants that can ruin the view. Some of the more secluded beaches are in the National Park, free to access, but without facilities. The water and sky are absolutely gorgeous — both a beautiful shade of blue on a nice day. When I was there, you could barely tell where the water met the sky, which was just amazing to look at. If you are looking for relaxation and peacefulness, you will find it here.
I opted not to do the 3 dunes challenge (1.5 miles across 3 Dunes) simply because it was so hot and muggy outside. But that’s on my list for next time! I feel like this place is a gem of the Midwest, worth a visit — perhaps a day trip (an hour drive) from Chicago.

A conversation with Elizabeth today in the visitor center completely MADE our road trip. She encouraged our attempt at the Thee Dune Challenge-​I don’t know what’s wrong with me but when someone says something is ‘challenging’ I think they’re referring to somebody else like… oh well they must mean it’s hard for certain people-​not me, of course. HA!
It WAS challenging but I learned a lot and we were so excited to return and score our stickers! The center is tidy and interesting, bathrooms are clean and neat. Win win win.
Thanks Elizabeth!

At the visitor center, the friendly staff was knowledgeable and very helpful to me. They also gave me wonderfully produced travel guides. I have lived in Valparaiso for my my entire life but never knew about certain things in the county. I am thrilled that the staff here recommend Taltree Arboretum and Gardens.

What’s not to love about the new tourism and visitor’s center at Indiana Dunes State Park? It offers useful tourism information in a clean relaxed environment, with helpful staff, and a focus on education for kids and adults.
Stopped here to get maps of Indiana Dunes State Park, and got a whole lot more, when we asked about the Heron Rookery. The Rookery has been abandoned by the Heron, for another spot– and the helpful staff went above and beyond letting us know how to get there, and where other «birder» attractions were.
Pamphlets and maps aplenty, here. Bathrooms are clean. And there’s a nice education center with a few activities for the kids. There are a few clean handicap-​accessible picnic tables outside, and I can’t see a Visitor Center getting any better than this.

Nice little place to get info on the Indiana Dunes. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean restroom facilities.