Indiana Dunes National Park

Overall a good visit for a day trip. Small visitor center but ample parking. We've gone a few times just to enjoy a day at the lake. There are a few trails we hiked which we enjoyed. There is not much in regards to accommodations or amenities in the surrounding area so plan for a day trip and packing a lunch. The dunes themselves was great to see and a fun challenge for us to climb down to the beach.

This is a very nice national park. The sand dunes are amazing, and Lake Michigan is beautiful. There are plenty of short trails, and you are able to experience all the different types of landscapes. There are the beaches, or sand dunes, marsh areas, and a prairie trail. There are even cacti on one of the trails. Some of the slopes are steep. It was very beautiful and wasn't too busy at all. There is a $25 fee, and you can totally do the park in a day or two.

This is a hidden gem of a national park. It is a true treasure on Lake Michigan and a beauty that any nature enthusiast will have a hard time overlooking. It is very unique from both a scenery and geologic/formation/ecosystem standpoint, a quality that most national parks possess. It is this very quality - the diversity, uniqueness of each park, and the variation between parks - that catches my eye and makes each one so appealing. I loved my time here: picturesque, majestic, serene, peaceful, relaxing, golden prairie, rolling dunes, lakeshore pines, hardwood forests and bogs. What is not to like about this park? Bring some binoculars if you are interested in bird watching - in the winter after the leaves drop this is one heck of a place to see a plethora of different avian species.

Beautiful national park with access by train (albeit a 40 min walk to the park). Many trails and beaches to explore and plenty of wildlife. We had a lovely autumn walk along trail 9. Nature centre has lots of exhibits and guides on the nature that can be found along the trails. I recommend picking up a map at the park entrance.

This review covers a Summer visit as well as a Winter. We went on a holiday weekend about 10 am. Memorial day. This is the actual Holiday!!! Monday morning. The River walk. Trash cans heaping over filled everywhere. Not many people around at all because it is Monday morning. But this is where we've lived our entire lives. If your going to call it a National Park and try to encourage people to come... Take care of it accordingly! It's embarrassing. At least the people were trying to use the garbage cans. The walk at west beach is the crown jewel. It is nice but pretty much all of the National Parks my wife and I visit, have more to offer. We did enjoy a hike at Kemil beach last Saturday for the Winter Solstice. It was nice. And apparently has several trails were weren't aware of. We plan to explore this Spring / Summer. These trails are not easy to find on line. The trails were fairly well marked. Better than Capital reef in Utah where were in the desert 98° in October and mistakenly a little off course due to poor trail markings. Not cool in the desert ( pardon the pun) but my wife was becoming dehydrated hands tingling and seeing stars. It could have been bad. I'm only pointing this out as it's a little testimony to the trails being marked in a decent fashion here at Indiana Dunes. I don't seething as an issue in the Spring Summer and Fall but if you were lost here in the winter it could get ugly.

Indiana Dunes National Park is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. My recent visit, which started with camping at the park's well-maintained campground, was nothing short of delightful. The campground itself was great—clean, spacious, and equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Waking up surrounded by nature set the perfect tone for my day in the park. After a hearty breakfast, I headed to the visitor center, which is an excellent starting point. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, providing helpful information about the park's trails and points of interest. I embarked on a few of the recommended hikes, each offering its unique perspective of the park’s diverse landscapes. The trails wind through lush forests, scenic dunes, and alongside the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, showcasing the area’s natural beauty. The variety of ecosystems within the park is impressive, and I appreciated the chance to experience everything from wetlands to sandy beaches. While I had a full day to explore, I couldn’t help but think that spending three days would be ideal for those who want to take their time and fully immerse themselves in the park’s offerings. This would allow for leisurely hikes, time on the beach, and perhaps even some birdwatching or photography. Overall, Indiana Dunes National Park is a wonderful place to unwind and connect with nature. The combination of a great campground, informative visitor center, and diverse hiking opportunities makes it a must-visit destination. I left feeling rejuvenated and eager to return for a longer stay. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Indiana Dunes!

Great place for hiking, walking, running, dog walking, connecting with nature. Visited in January, and the lake was beautiful iceed up. You could easily see the outline of the Chicago skyline. I highly recommend taking a trip to see the Dunes

What could be said about the Indiana Dunes National Park that I’m sure hasn’t been said yet? At first glance you don’t think much of it from the car/RV, etc. But when you get out and explore the lush rolling landscape of dunes, sand and water the only word is WOW! There is SO much to see and do at this National Park. If you like doing the Junior Ranger program, they have it here. It’s not a walk in the park to accomplish. You’ve got some real tasks, and it’s all worth it. Our RV journey took us here for two days, of which we enjoy being out in nature, and sharing the great outdoors with our kiddos and dog. If you happen to be in the area, please check out the Indiana Dunes National Park, you will not regret it. Enjoy!