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61 Things to Do at the Indiana Dunes

Please note: New National Park entrance fee began on March 31, 2022. Learn more here.

The Indiana Dunes, made up of the  Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park , is a popular destination for almost four million visitors each year. Starting in Gary, Indiana and stretching 25 miles east along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana Dunes provide an experience that's unique to Northwest Indiana. The 15,000 acres of land that make up the Indiana Dunes National Park are some of the most biologically diverse in the world!

In 2019, Indiana Dunes National Park (previously named Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore) became the nation’s 61st National Park! Celebrate this momentous occasion with one or all of these 61 activities at the Indiana Dunes:

• Explore the miles of walking paths and hiking trails .
• Grab your binoculars for rare and migrating bird sightings . 
• Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars.

• Make a splash in Lake Michigan. 
• Build sandcastles along 15 miles of shoreline. 

• Look for wildlife . 
• Try to spot more than 1,100 native flowering plants and ferns.
• Enjoy a shuttle tour of the park (seasonal). 
• Set out on a ranger-led sunset hike. 

Paul H. Douglas Center Indoor Activities

• Visit the Paul H. Douglas Center for activities and programs. 
• Gaze at the stars through telescopes (monthly programs). 

• Paddle on the Lake Michigan Water Trail. 
• Climb a sand dune .
• Discover some of the last surviving and highest quality oak savannas in the world.

• Peep the colorful leaves in the fall.
• Search for beach glass and shells.
• Fly a kite on a windy day.
• Immerse yourself in history at Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead .
• Surf the waves on Lake Michigan. 

• Fish for coho salmon, trout, perch, bass and more.
• Set sail or launch your boat at a designated boat launch.  
• Snowshoe along the trails in the winter. 
• Spot an abundance of wildflowers in the spring and summer.

Indiana Dunes Maple Sugar Time at Chellberg Farm

• Watch as rangers tap trees for maple syrup (spring). 
• Walk along Lake Front Drive to see the iconic Century of Progress Homes .
• Become a Junior Ranger. 

• Mark your calendar for Apple Festival this fall.
• Experience “floating mats” of moss at Pinhook Bog on a ranger-led hike. 
• Make crafts or build forts at the Playdate in the Nature Play Zone.
• Walk your furry friends along miles of trails .
• Watch the sunrise over Lake Michigan.

• Listen to the sounds of classical music during the Symphony concert.
• Give back and donate to the Dunes National Park Association .

• Spot insect-eating plants.   
• Canoe through streams and rivers.
• Cross-country ski along your favorite trails.

• Paint your favorite scenery.
• Ride the historic South Shore Line through the park.

• Feed farm animals at Chellberg Farm .
• Stroll through forests filled with maple, oak, beech, and black gum trees.

• Bundle up and view shelf ice from the shore.

• Walk the 900-foot breakwater at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk . 
• Shuffle your feet in the sand to hear it "sing."
• Visit the largest wetland complex in the Lake Michigan watershed.
• Paddle or fish along the Little Calumet River.

• Hike Mt. Baldy, the living dune, during a scheduled hike.
• Follow Indiana Dunes National Park on social media to enjoy the park anytime.
• Meet and talk with scientists during scheduled programming.
• Get your official National Park passport stamped!

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Find dozens of breweries, wineries & distilleries in Northwest Indiana.

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Uniquely South Shore

Pierogi fest, "a christmas story" comes home, fair oaks farms.

Indiana Dunes National Park

The Dunes, which became the USA's 61st national park in 2019, stretch along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Swimming is allowed anywhere along the shore. A short walk away from the beaches, several hiking paths crisscross the dunes and woodlands. The best are the Bailly-Chellberg Trail (2.5 miles) that winds by a still-operating 1870s farm, and the Heron Rookery Trail (2 miles), where blue herons flock (though there's no actual rookery) and native wildflowers bloom.

Oddly, all this natural bounty lies smack-dab next to smoke-belching factories, which you’ll also see at various vantage points, but it's not without its superlatives: it boasts 1100 native species of plants and dunes, formed after melted glaciers, which top out at 192ft. If you're wondering what to do in the Hoosier state, this is its most visited site, attracting some 3.5 million visitors per year.

1100 N Mineral Springs Rd. Porter

Get In Touch

219-926-7561

https://​www​.nps​.gov​/indu

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• State and National Parks

The Ultimate Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park

Sand dunes tower over sparkling Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park, a favorite among beachgoers. But rare ecosystems and fascinating history await visitors who look closely.

Robert Annis is an award-winning outdoor-travel journalist (and certified bear guide). His work has appeared in  National Geographic, Outside, Travel + Leisure, Midwest Living, Inside Hook, AARP, Sierra, Hemispheres, Lonely Planet, Afar, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Hidden Compass .

Plan Your Visit

What to see and do, great hikes, where to stay, where to eat, explore further, why i love this park.

So, how did tiny Indiana Dunes become a national park? It doesn't boast impressive rock towers like Yosemite or Zion. No sweeping vistas like Yellowstone or Glacier. As far as scenery goes, even its most ardent champions admit it can be a bit, well, plain.

But its charms are much more subtle. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes is the fourth-most biodiverse national park in the country, despite a relatively small footprint compared to others in the park system. Visitors come to admire wildflowers each May, but not many know the colorful spring blooms are just a few of the more than 1,100 different plant species found in the park's forests, bogs and beaches. A prickly pear cactus and a batch of ferns might live 6 feet apart, but they exist in two totally different biospheres—proof of the wonder found within the park's 15,000 acres.

There's plenty of fun for all interests, at both the national park and its neighboring state park of the same name. Scramble up a dune (where allowed), kick back on a beach or take a swim in Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes might be the Midwest's newest national park, but its allure is as ingrained as its sandy shores. Here's everything to know about planning a trip to Indiana Dunes National Park.

Getty Images

With the Windy City less than 50 miles from Indiana Dunes, summer is the busiest time in the park as hordes of Chicagoans flood the beaches. Most visitors stay parked on their towels though, so even when the park is at capacity, the hiking trails will rarely be crowded. Late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit if you're hoping for fewer people and still-great weather. Birders might want to hit the annual birding festival each May.

What to Pack

None of the trails require much more than a pair of sneakers or trail runners. The wind coming off Lake Michigan can make it seem 10 or 20 degrees colder, so bring additional layers, particularly in winter or early spring. Of course, swimsuits, sunscreen and some sort of shade are a must for the beach.

How to Get There

Most visitors fly into Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, a 90-or-so-minute drive from the park. South Bend International Airport in Indiana is the closest option at just under an hour drive, but offers fewer flight options.

Given the park's relatively urban nature, you don't need to worry about four-wheel drive. If you want to hit one of the beaches during peak season, make sure you go early; parking lots tend to fill quickly. If you don't feel like getting behind the wheel or dealing with parking, the South Shore Line —a train that runs between Chicago and South Bend, Indiana—has four stops throughout the park, with some trains allowing bicycles on board.

Kevin J. Miyazaki

Mount Baldy

Visitors can no longer climb Mount Baldy , the park's most famous dune, except on a ranger-led hike, but the 126-foot-tall sandy monolith is still worth admiring. (Note: Ranger-led hikes are held on summer weekends.) Fun fact: It moves up to 12 feet southeast every year.

Hit the Beaches

Between the national and state park, there are eight beaches along Lake Michigan's shore. Pick one and settle in for the day. All have restrooms (some seasonal) and West Beach, Lake View Beach and Mount Baldy Beach have picnic shelters.

Bailly Homestead

More than 60 historic structures are protected by the park, including the Bailly Homestead, a National Historic Landmark. The property was home to Honore Gratien Joseph Bailly de Messein, an independent fur trader who contributed to the development of Indiana's Calumet region. The imposing 19th-century home still stands, as well as rustic log structures and the family cemetery.

Look for Wildlife

If you're lucky, you may see a river otter; the species was reintroduced here fairly recently. And keep your eyes to the sky: Nearly 400 bird species pass through or live in the dunes year-round. Look for these animals (and more) on your visit.

With more than 60 miles of trails throughout the national park and neighboring state park, visitors to Indiana Dunes can find their personal path to health and tranquility. Most trails are exceptionally family-friendly and short enough that kids won't get bored.

Cowles Bog Trail

Designated a National Natural Landmark, this nearly 5-mile trail might best represent the park's different ecosystems, winding through marshes, swamps and black oak savanna. The trail hits its midpoint on the beach, where hikers are rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline rising above Lake Michigan.

Heron Rookery Trail

In late April or May, wildflowers like prairie trilliums and the lovely (but toxic) Dutchman's-breeches burst into color along this 3-mile trail. If you're lucky, you might also see the aptly named spring beauties; the individual flowers bloom for only three days. Hike in the morning to catch their petals unfurling when the sun's rays first hit. The Heron Rookery name is a bit of a misnomer—the huge population of great blue herons that once nested here has moved on in recent years. However, other birds still thrive here, including kingfishers, woodpeckers and warblers.

The 3 Dune Challenge

In the neighboring state park, the 1.5-mile 3 Dune Challenge encourages visitors to climb a trio of tall dunes—a combined 552 vertical feet. The route itself isn't the most scenic in the park, so head down one of the trail offshoots to take in the beach.

Accommodations at the Spring House Inn may be a touch dated, but few spots will put you closer to the action or provide such a calming environment to relax in afterward. Rooms are fairly large and reasonably priced. Or stay in a revamped vintage motel at Al & Sally's . Larger groups can rent the motel's Guest House , which sleeps eight and has a full kitchen.

Only about a mile from the beach, the prime location of Indiana Dunes State Park's campground means sites sell out fast for the summer. While the state park campground is open year-round, the national park's Dunewood Campground (no electric hookups) is open seasonally, from April to October. Not only are the restrooms impeccably clean, but they also have hot and cold running showers.

Fuel up in nearby Chesterton, where the options suit tastes ranging from paper napkins to white linens.

Chesterton Brewery

A veteran-owned brewery with more than 20 taps of self- or locally brewed beer, this is a favorite local haunt. The pub fare is predictable (think burgers and wings) but fresh and tasty.

Ivy's Bohemia House

You'll find Mediterranean, Eastern European and Cajun influences on the menu at this eclectic cafe (one of the area's best spots for vegan and gluten-free food). Each dish is cooked from scratch with local ingredients whenever possible—the Polish sausage comes from a family recipe that's been handed down for generations.

This Italian restaurant is named after that sleepy feeling you get after a big meal. Their lobster-stuffed shells are a huge favorite among regulars.

Luna Kitchen + Cocktails

Head to the rooftop bar above Abbiocco for innovative cocktails, craft beer and shareable plates.

You can't contain all the fun to just the national park. Here's more to do in the surrounding area.

Take a Home Tour

Several futuristic homes built for the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago were purchased and shipped to Beverly Shores, Indiana, where they remain today. Driving or biking through the so-called Century of Progress Historic District is a must-do for fans of modern architecture. An annual tour is typically held the last weekend in September.

49er Drive-In

The 49er Drive-In Movie Theatre in Valparaiso, Indiana, was named one of the nation's best. The box office opens an hour before dusk.

Nick Dombroski, park ranger, Indiana Dunes National Park

One of my favorite times to visit Indiana Dunes National Park is in winter. Long before I started working here, I came out one late December afternoon and hiked the Cowles Bog Trail. Even though the air was crisp, I looked around and there was still so much biodiversity. As I made my way down the trail and onto the beach, I came across shelf ice perched on the lake. This was my first time ever seeing shelf ice, so I was sure to not get too close and instead marveled from a distance. This one winter afternoon was enough to make me fall in love with this park. It's one of the reasons why I work here today.

Explore More Midwest National Parks

• The Ultimate Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks
• The Ultimate Guide to Isle Royale National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Voyageurs National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Gateway Arch National Park

Indiana Dunes Tourism

Government Tourist Attractions

• 1215 N. St. Rd. 49 Porter IN 46304
• (219) 926-2255
• (219) 929-5395
• Visit Website

Memorial Day to Labor Day: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Labor Day to Memorial Day: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 daily

Driving Directions:

Located just north of Interstate 80-94 and the Indiana Toll Road on State Road 49.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Indiana Dunes Tourism is your source for complete information about the Indiana Dunes, Lake Michigan, and all the fun things to do in each community in Porter County. Our website, guides and Visitor Center feature information about Indiana Dunes beaches and hiking trails, museums, theaters, and places for family fun like Broken Wagon Bison Farm and Zao Island Amusement Park. In addition, we have the latest information about dining, shopping and lodging. We also are your source for places to enjoy fishing, kayaking, birding, golfing, day spas, art galleries and antique shopping. We can also direct people to places for sporting fun like disc golf and indoor fun like bowling. We even have information about summer farmers markets, events and festivals, and fall and winter activities. From Chesterton, Portage and all the northern communities to Valparaiso and down to Hebron and Kouts, you will find valuable information from Indiana Dunes Tourism.

• The official tourism bureau of Porter County.
• Your information source for each community.
• All the latest dining and lodging listings.
• Find out about festivals and events.
• See pictures and videos.

Rep/Contact Info

Judy hutton, paula katsahnias, christine livingston, tell a friend, duneland today , village profile tm duneland map.

Community Guide

Community Video Tour

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Indiana

Written by Brad Lane Updated May 10, 2023

Author Brad Lane enjoyed traveling throughout Indiana while on assignment for PlanetWare.

Indiana is home to the Hoosiers and a history that runs deep. Entertainment and tourist attractions embed themselves across all corners of the state. From fun things to do in the state capital, Indianapolis, to family-friendly tourist attractions in Fort Wayne, Bloomington, and Lafayette, Indiana has no shortage of exciting places to visit.

Several museums across the state blend fun experiences with educational value. A few of these educational escapes dive into science, Studebakers, and fine art at places like the Snite Museum of Art on the Notre Dame campus. And while the world-famous Indianapolis 500 only takes place once a year in May, the on-site museum celebrates the track's history throughout the year.

And Indiana is big on getting outside. Areas like Prophetstown State Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, among many others, provide campsites, hiking trails, and stunning scenery for those adventurous explorers looking to get outdoors.

Plan your visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Indiana.

1. Spend the Day at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

2. kiss the bricks at the indianapolis motor speedway museum, 3. eiteljorg museum of american indian and western art, indianapolis, 4. holiday world & splashin' safari, 5. turkey run state park, 6. appreciate the art at snite museum of art, notre dame, 7. discover wildlife at the fort wayne children's zoo, fort wayne, 8. explore the campus of indiana university bloomington, 9. prophetstown state park, west lafayette, 10. experience american manufacturing at the studebaker national museum, south bend, 11. conduct a family-friendly experiment at wonderlab museum of science, bloomington, 12. take in the waves at indiana dunes national lakeshore, porter, 13. tour the lanier mansion state historic site, madison, 14. rv/mh hall of fame museum, 15. first christian church, map of tourist attractions & things to do in indiana.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a large and wondrous place the whole family can enjoy. It encompasses 29 acres in the United Northwest neighborhood of the city. And as the largest children's museum in the world, the many different exhibits and hands-on science displays span from the time of the dinosaurs to astronauts living aboard the International Space Station.

The museum is a sure-fire favorite for children of all ages and an incredible learning experience for adults as well. The collection includes thousands of artifacts, photo opportunities, and interactive experiences. A few exhibits at this world-renowned museum include a planetarium, children's theater, and numerous outdoor exhibits, including an eye-catching "Tree of Sports" playground.

Other areas of eye-catching interest include a 43-foot-tall Dale Chihuly glass sculpture; full-size dinosaur skeletons, including one of the world's few mummified dinosaurs; and an interactive playscape designed specifically for preschoolers.

Alongside several full-day family outings, the museum also provides daily events and programs. A sample of scheduled events includes costume-building workshops, a "Secrets of the Lab" series, and Astronaut Training aboard the International Space Station. For even more fun things to do, the children's museum also features a restored 1917 carousel on the fourth level of this nearly 475,000-square-foot facility.

Address: 3000 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum , or the Indy Racing Museum , is located within the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also known as "The Track." This world-renowned raceway is home to the Indianapolis 500-miler every May. And this year-round museum commemorates this fastest day in motorsports with a premier collection of automobiles and artifacts.

The museum is open every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its collection includes over 55,000 artifacts, including over 300 cars. And at least 25 past winners of the Indianapolis 500 are on permanent display. Other artifacts include racing memorabilia, photography, and archived video.

Several guided tours are also available through the museum. The two-hour golf cart tour is a popular outing, including an in-depth trip around the track. However, the most popular tour is the Kiss the Bricks Tour , which features a narrated bus ride and an opportunity to get personal with the famous racetrack.

Address: 4750 W 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art is situated at the White River State Park entrance in downtown Indiana. It holds a remarkable collection assembled by Indianapolis businessman Harrison Eiteljorg. On display are paintings and sculptures of the West, from the early 19th century onwards.

A few art pieces on display include works by the landscapists Albert Bierstadt and Georgia O'Keefe, and pictures and sculptures by the leading Western artists Frederick S. Remington and Charles M. Russell. The museum's most recent installation, Attitudes: The West in American Art , features a diverse collection of artists and cultures of the American West.

The encompassing White River State Park contains many other gems of the city . Adjacent to the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum features three floors relating stories of Indiana art, science, and culture through interactive exhibits.

Another great add-on experience to the Eiteljorg within White River State Park is the Indiana Zoo , across the banks of the White River. Resident animals include sea lions, cheetahs, and brown bears. White River State Park also features the NCAA Hall of Champions and Victory Field, home to the Indiana Indians minor league baseball team.

Address: 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is a premier amusement park located in Santa Claus, Indiana. This immersive theme park has a massive collection of rides and slides enticing all sorts of family vacations. It's recommended to spend at least two days exploring the different themed worlds of this Indiana amusement park, from vertigo-inducing roller coasters to kid-friendly attractions.

Holiday World is split between the Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving worlds, each offering unique details and rides. Splashin Safari encompasses its own massive section of the park, offering one of the largest water parks in the state .

Turkey Run is one of the most popular state parks in Indiana and is located just over an hour's drive west of Indianapolis. Several outdoor activities entice visitors to this natural space, including miles of hiking trails , a popular swimming pool, and other adventures like kayaking and fishing . Much of the landscape comprises woodlands and sandstone ravines along Sugar Creek.

Turkey Run is also a popular spot for overnight adventures. The state park has both indoor and outdoor places to stay, including lodge rooms and campsites. The 60-plus rooms at the Turkey Run Inn are available to book up to a year in advance, and many of the summer reservations go fast. Approximately 23 cabins are also available. Campsites are abundant, with more than 60 sites accommodating tent campers and RVs.

The Snite Museum of Art offers free admission and a dense collection of 19 th- and 20 th- century artworks on the University of Notre Dame campus . The collection spans different cultures and significant periods of world art history.

The galleries include European paintings and sculptures, Mesoamerican effigies, Native American ceramics, and contemporary works. The museum also hosts a constantly rotating selection of new exhibits, including thesis projects by current MFA students at the university.

The museum is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays, with more limited hours on Saturdays. The newly instated Charles B. Hayes Sculpture Garden is also operated by the museum a couple of blocks away, allowing visitors to enjoy aesthetic art and nature throughout the year.

The University of Notre Dame offers plenty more to explore for students and community members alike. It's not hard to find inspiration when stepping foot into the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on campus, as well as the adjacent Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes spiritual shrine.

The nearby Compton Family Ice Arena is a great place to catch a hockey game or get on the ice yourself. For many, attending Fighting Irish football games at Notre Dame Stadium is a way of life and much-anticipated activity every season.

Address: 100 Moose Krause Circle, Notre Dame

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in South Bend, Indiana

Celebrating over 50 years as one of the top attractions of Fort Wayne , the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo encourages tourists and residents to experience award-winning animal exhibits.

Spread throughout distinct ecosystems spanning the African Serengeti to an Indonesian rainforest, a few of the hundreds of animals at the zoo include Amur leopards, Tasmanian devils, red pandas, and Komodo dragons.

Other attractions at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo include family-friendly rides like the Endangered Species Carousel . The zoo also facilitates animal experiences that allow visitors to interact with giraffes, goats, and ponies. Recent large-scale renovations to the Children's Zoo have been extremely popular and have given it the national recognition it receives today.

Address: 3411 Sherman Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Home to the Hoosiers and nearly 200 years of education history, Bloomington hosts the flagship campus of Indiana University . An air of academia defines the historic lecture halls and pedestrian pathways found on campus, including the iconic Sample Gates , leading to other campus attractions like the Kirkwood Observatory .

Hoosier sports intertwine with the identity of the entire state, and both football at Memorial Stadium and basketball at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall provide true community gathering spots and reasons to cheer.

Cultural institutes like the Eskenazi Museum of Art and the IU Arboretum are popular for students and community members alike and help define the community. For dining and local shops near the university, the neighboring Kirkwood Avenue is a popular spot for afternoon storefront perusing and evening entertainment.

Address: 107 South Indiana Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Bloomington, Indiana

Steeped in natural and cultural history, Prophetstown is a new addition to the Indiana State Park system and features many ways to interact with the environment. Within the state park, the 125-acre Farm at Prophetstown embodies a 1920s motif, including hands-on experiences with homesteading, gardening, and livestock feeding.

The state park is at the confluence of the Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers and features a variety of hiking trails that cater to all abilities of hikers. An extensive Aquatic Center at the park also draws a lot of warm-weather attention with a zero-depth entry pool, lazy river, and 30-foot waterslide. Nearby, interested visitors can learn more about the area at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park.

Address: 5545 Swisher Road, West Lafayette, Indiana

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Lafayette, Indiana

The American car manufacturer Studebaker was a defining industry of South Bend and has long roots tied to the city. It once was the headquarters for manufacturing, and today, the Studebaker National Museum displays a wide range of these made-in-Indiana automobiles. Among their exhibits are classic models, military vehicles, and the largest collection of Presidential carriages found anywhere in the country.

The Super Service Center at the museum is an interactive area at the museum designed for children. It enables young visitors to step inside an auto shop to work on kid-size cars. The museum's collection also consists of numerous manufacturing drawings and history relating to the Studebaker Corporation.

Address: 201 Chapin Street, South Bend, Indiana

WonderLab is a children's fun center in Bloomington with a focus on science, health, and technology. It features hands-on and immersive learning experiences alongside popular permanent exhibits.

A few of the favorite exhibits include a Bubble-Airium; the Fitzgerald Hall of Natural Science; and an outdoor WonderGarden, which connects with the nearby pedestrian corridor, the B-Line Trail. Other areas of interest at the museum include a coral reef aquarium, a children's Discovery Garden, and facilities for birthday parties or events.

The museum also runs an active events calendar targeted at both adults and children, including science talks, STEM Sundays, and a "WonderLab After Dark" series.

Address: 308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan near the Illinois border, presenting a unique landscape found in no other place in the state. The lapping shores and lakeside landscape enable a wide variety of outdoor activities. The adjacent state park of the same name is one of the most popular spots for hiking, biking, and beach-going.

Fishing and boating are also available at the lakeshore, and camping at the seasonal Dunewood Campground is a great way to make a multi-day trip. During the winter, activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tend to reign supreme. Sunsets at Lake Michigan are a recommended experience for any visit, which often resonate with brightly changing colors and tones.

Address: 1215 IN-49, Porter, Indiana

The Lanier Mansion was built for James Franklin Doughty Lanier, a prominent businessman in the state of Indiana around the mid-1800s. The Greek Revival-style house was completed in 1844 and is one of the finest buildings in Madison's National Historic Landmark District.

The home was designed by architect Francis Costigan. Inside are some of the original furnishings and an impressive three-story spiral staircase. On the grounds are formal gardens showcasing plants and landscape styles of the late 19th century.

Visitors are welcome to tour the historic mansion during daily operating hours, Tuesday through Sunday. Guided tours begin at the top of every hour. The historic mansion is also home to several events and programs throughout the year, including holiday candlelight tours, early childhood programs, and adults-only 1940s Dance Hall celebrations.

Address: 601 W First Street, Madison, Indiana

The RV/MV Hall of Fame in Elkhart showcases all kinds of recreational vehicles in all shapes and sizes from various decades. It's a must-see for people interested in RVs or anyone who wants to see the classic vehicles that Americans have been driving along the roads and vacationing in for the past 90 years.

Popular vehicles and exhibits on display include Mae West's 1931 Chevrolet Housecar, a "Road Back in Time" walking tour, and a Tennessee Traveler Motorhome. Visitors can also see how the interiors and appliances of recreational vehicles have changed over the years. The museum displays trailers, motorhomes, photos, and memorabilia dating back to the 1920s, all within a huge showroom.

Address: 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, Indiana

The First Christian Church in Columbus was designed by Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1942. It has a non-traditional look, with rectangular shapes and a rectangular tower standing 160 feet high. It is noted to be one of the first churches in the United States built in such a contemporary style. The materials, exterior and interior, are mostly buff brick and limestone.

All members of the public are encouraged to check out the regular services hosted by the church. The Sanctuary can seat about 900 people. And this religious establishment provides numerous ways to connect with the surrounding community.

Address: 531 Fifth Street, Columbus, Indiana

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Last updated: March 6, 2019

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Contact info, mailing address:.

1100 North Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304

219 395-1882 Indiana Dunes Visitor Center phone number.

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Indiana Dunes Visitor Guides

A little planning can go a long way. That’s why we have a selection of free digital and printed guides to help you navigate your next Indiana Dunes getaway.

Digital Guides

Printed guides, tales from the dunes, top things to do in the indiana dunes parks.

• 4 minute read

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes are a national treasure. The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park offer something for everyone—hiking scenic…

Eco-Friendly Adventures: A Guide to Sustainable Travel at the Indiana Dunes

• 3 minute read

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan is an urban park with towering sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. It's the birthplace of plant ecology, with over one…

West Beach – Indiana Dunes

Located on the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan, West Beach is a popular and unique public beach with a collection of hiking trails. Part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, West Beach is a…

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Bed & breakfasts.

Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…

Hotels & Inns

A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…