The Best Hikes in Indiana Dunes (National Park + State Park)

Did you know you could find white sand beaches in the midwest? The Indiana Dunes National and State Parks make a super unique and outdoorsy trip. While most visitors go to chill on the beach, the hiking trails really offer a beautiful mix of sceneries, from wetlands to forests to marshes.

If you’re not a huge beach person (like me), the best thing to do in Indiana Dunes National Park is hiking. There are some great trails in both the national park and the state park, and I’ll provide details on several of them below.

These parks are perfect for a weekend getaway, or they make a fantastic day trip from Chicago! Whether you are making a quick stop or planning to do several hikes, this midwest national park is worthy of a visit.

This is based on my experience visiting Indiana Dunes in the spring of 2023.

Indiana Dunes National Park vs State Park

The difference between Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park is a bit confusing. Essentially, Indiana Dunes State Park is inside of the national park. However, they have separate fees.

The national park costs $25 per vehicle (or it’s free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass). The state park costs $12 for out-of-state license plates or $7 if you have an Indiana license plate.

It’s a bit annoying to pay both entrance fees, but I think it’s worth visiting both (my favorite hike was inside the state park).

When to Visit Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes can be enjoyed year round, but spring and fall tend to be the best times to visit to avoid crowds, but still have nice weather. The summer tends to be crowded, but is a good time to swim. Spring brings colorful flowers, fall offers colorful foliage and the winter may bring snow (and activities such as cross-country skiing). I visited in early April, and the temperatures were great for hiking. However, it was a bit too early to enjoy greenery and wildflowers.

The Best Hikes in Indiana Dunes

The 3 Dune Challenge (Trail 8 and 4 Loop)

• 1.8 miles
• 318 feet of elevation gain
• Rated moderate
• Located in Indiana Dunes State Park

The 3 Dunes Challenge ended up being my favorite trail in Indiana Dunes! On this loop, you get to climb to the peak of the 3 tallest dunes in the park: Mount Tom, Mount Holden and Mount Jackson. Plus, as a bit of extra motivation, you can pick up a sticker for completing it!

Tip: Pick up your sticker at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

The trail has a mix of steps and a bit of climbing up and down steep sand dunes. However, the steep areas are quick, so I think it’s doable for most.

As you summit the 3 peaks, you’ll get some views of Lake Michigan, plus the surrounding hills. The trail also has some forested sections, so it’s a nice variety.

Dune Succession Trail

• 1 mile
• 75 feet of elevation gain
• Rated moderate
• Located in Indiana Dunes National Park

The Dune Succession Trail is a great, quick hike that has a mix of steps and walking on the beach. It offers some beautiful views!

A cool part about this trail is that there is signage about Diana of the Dunes. This was the nickname given to Alice Mabel Gray, who was influential in encouraging the protection of this area.

This area also has some nice variety, with jack pine trees and great birding opportunities at Long Lake. Plus, you can take a dip in Lake Michigan after climbing up and down the stairs.

Mount Baldy Beach Trail

• 0.9 miles
• 88 feet of elevation gain
• Rated easy
• Located in Indiana Dunes National Park

Mount Baldy is a dune on the move! This 120-foot tall dune first formed 4,000 years ago, but has been moving at an alarming pace in the last 100 or so years. From 1938 to 2008, it moved at average of 6.23 feet per year.

You can see that the dune has covered trees and is getting very close to the parking lot. The park service is hard at work in restoring the dune and slowing it’s movement through efforts such as re-vegetation and installing wind breaks.

You can only hike to the summit on a ranger-led tour, as it is quite dangerous to go on your own. Typically, tours are offered once a week during the summer months. Check the national park calendar for details.

However, you can hike around the dune and reach the beach. It’s a short trail and offers great views of Lake Michigan. However, keep in mind that you’ll also be next to a coal factory that is set to be decommissioned by 2028. It takes a little away from the view, but it’s still a nice area.

Cowles Bog

• 4.3 miles
• 216 feet of elevation gain
• Rated moderate
• Located in Indiana Dunes National Park

The Cowles Bog Trail is a longer hike that offers a great amount of biodiversity. You’ll get to experience marshes, ponds, swamps, forests and sand dunes next to Lake Michigan during this loop trail.

It’s also a great trail to enjoy wildlife and birding. I saw and heard many birds and frogs! The trail has hills and offers the perfect amount of challenge.

Things To Do in Indiana Dunes Besides Hiking

Visit the Bailly Homestead

The Bailly Homestead is a historic home within Indiana Dunes National Park. This National Historic Landmark was a notable stopping point on the stagecoach route between Detroit and present-day Chicago. It’s a rare surviving example of an early trading post and pioneer homestead.

There are informational signs to read when you visit. The home is also next to a canoe launch if you’re interested in doing some paddling during your trip!

Visit the 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress Homes

You can admire 5 homes that were in the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair at Indiana Dunes National Park! They were each quite modern for their time. One is bright pink, one has an airplane hangar and each one showcases a different material. The homes are leased to the Indiana Landmarks, which is working on their ongoing restoration.

If you’d like to see inside, there is typically one tour a year offered at the end of September. Tickets typically go on sale in early August and sell out quickly.

Visit the Beach

Relaxing on the beach and swimming is another one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National and state parks, especially during the summer months.

One of the best beach areas is Porter Beach within the state park. There is a creek that flows out to the lake here, and you’ll be next to amenities such as showers and a restaurant.

There are also pristine beaches inside the national park. I recommend West Beach, which is a part of the Dune Succession Trail. This area also has bathhouses where you can change and shower. This beach also offers a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline in the distance across the water.

These are a couple of the best beaches, but there are several more beach areas throughout Indiana Dunes.

Stop by the Visitor Center

The Indiana Dunes National and State Park have a combined visitor center. Here, you can learn about the ecosystems around the park, watch a film about the park, buy a souvenir and more. This is also where you’ll pick up your sticker for completing the 3 Dunes Challenge! Plus, I was impressed by the amount of artwork displayed inside and outside the building.

Where to Stay When Visiting Indiana Dunes

There are many places to stay near Indiana Dunes, including hotels, campgrounds and more. Personally, I stayed at the campground inside of Indiana Dunes State Park. The campground was a bit crowded, but it was well-maintained and in a great location. We could walk right from the campground to the 3 Dunes Challenge hike.

The national park also has a campground. The Dunewood Campground is smaller and a bit less centrally located than the state park.

When it comes to hotels, there are a few that are super close to the visitor center and trails, such as Best Western Indian Oak and WaterBird Lakeside Inn. For a more unique and special stay, check out At Home In The Woods Bed and Breakfast, located about 20 minutes outside the park. Or for a peaceful and cozy stay near the park, check out Spring House Inn.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you plan a fun getaway to Indiana Dunes. This unique midwest national park is fun for hanging out on the beach and for a hiking trip. It’s only an hour from Chicago, but feels worlds away.

For More Midwest Travel Guides, check out these blogs:

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Thanks for Reading!