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Indiana State Parks

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Indiana Dunes State Park
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Indiana Dunes State Park Chicago © Michael E. Ruby
Chicago in the distance
Indiana Dunes State Park Waves © Michael E. Ruby
The sun lights the waves coming to the shore
Indiana Dunes State Park The Beach 2 © Jim Snyder
Also near the beach house.
Indiana Dunes State Park The Stream © Jim Snyder
A stream feeding into Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes State Park A foggy morning. © Jim Snyder
Some of the distant fog remains.
Indiana Dunes State Park White Caps © Jim Snyder
Waves coming in on a windy morning.
Indiana Dunes State Park Sea Gull © Jim Snyder
Sea gull looking for hand outs.
Indiana Dunes State Park The Beach © Jim Snyder
This is next to beach house where they have restrooms and a food vendor during the summer.
Indiana Dunes State Park A Moment of Solitude © Jim Snyder
Enjoying the view.
Indiana Dunes State Park Gull © Michael E. Ruby
Sea gull on the beach
Indiana Dunes State Park Ship © Michael E. Ruby
A ship on Lake Michigan
Indiana Dunes State Park Shore © Michael E. Ruby
Shore line at Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes State Park © Paul Wonning
Trail 9 is a wonderful hike amongst the dunes through forested slopes.
Indiana Dunes State Park © Jacek Fortuna
Indiana Dunes State Park © Jacek Fortuna
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes State Park © Paul Wonning
Wonderful vistas sneak up on the hiker all along Trail 9s length
Indiana Dunes State Park Looking SW at the beach © MM Photography
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes State Park © Paul Wonning
Fabulous veiws of Lake Michigan can be found along Trail 9. The skyscrapers of Chicago can be seen along the horizon.
Indiana Dunes State Park Lifes a Beach © MM Photography
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes State Park © Paul Wonning
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes State Park © Paul Wonning
Stunning panoramas of Lake Michigan stun the hiker with their beauty.
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes State Park © Paul Wonning
Chicago visible along the horizon from this immense blowout.
Indiana Dunes State Park From the Dunes © MM Photography
Indiana Dunes State Park Beach Looking East © MM Photography
Indiana Dunes State Park Sand Carving © Jim Snyder
Sand carving made by the waves.
Indiana Dunes State Park Lake Michigan © Kevin Leonard
Southern tip of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Indiana Dunes State Park Autumn Colors © Jim Snyder
Autumn colors are starting to show.
Indiana Dunes State Park Waves © Jim Snyder
Waves coming ashore.
Indiana Dunes State Park A Stream © Jim Snyder
Another view of the stream feeding into Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes State Park Indiana Dunes shore © Michael E. Ruby
Waves coming into shore
Indiana Dunes State Park © Jacek Fortuna
Indiana Dunes State Park © Jacek Fortuna
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INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
1600 N 25 E
Chesterton, Indiana   46304
(lat:41.6593 lon:-87.063) map location

Phone: (219) 926-1952
Toll Free: 800-457-8283
Reservations: 866-622-6746
Let's head for the beach! You'll love the sights and sounds of the three miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan. A beautiful nature center offers details of the history of the dunes area and a variety of special programming year-round. The sand dunes will astound you, as will the vast variety of desert plants, giant wood ferns and white pines.
Passes
State park permits can be purchased at any of the state park property locations across Indiana. State park permits can also be ordered online by visiting the INDINIA ENTRANCE FEE web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Sheltersyes
 Swimming Beach, feetGreat Lake
 Bike Trailsyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sites, #286
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Youth Group Campyes
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Activitiesyes
Camping
We are now taking reservations for the 140 campsites (all with 50 amp electrical service) in its completely reconstructed campground. Two new modern restroom/showerhouses are heated to lengthen the comfortable camping season. A new shelter for programs has been added to the area.

* Electric - 140 (all 50 amp service) * Youth Tent Area
Swimming
1. Indiana Dunes State Park offers a 3-mile beach along Lake Michigan for swimming.
2. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months at the designated swim area.
3. Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset, but not permitted beyond buoyed areas due to strong currents and drop-offs.
4. The park also features a bathhouse with restrooms and showers near the beach for swimmers' convenience.
5. Beach wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge, making it accessible for all visitors who wish to swim or sunbathe.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Lake Michigan's southern shore is accessible from the beach area, allowing for motorized and non-motorized watercraft use. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities on the lake as well. However, there aren't any boat rental services within the park itself; guests must bring their own equipment or rent it from nearby providers outside of the park boundaries.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing at this natural oasis, with options for both lake and river angling. Species include trout, salmon, bass and perch. The park's 3-mile coastline offers ample opportunities for surf casting or fly-fishing in Lake Michigan. Inland waters are home to catfish and bluegill as well as largemouth bass.

Remember that a valid Indiana Fishing License is required before you cast your line!


Location
Indiana Dunes State Park is located near Chesterton, Gary and Hobart

Picnicking
Indiana Dunes State Park offers picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Some sites offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Bicycling
Biking is allowed on public roads and parking lots. Off-road biking isn't permitted due to potential environmental damage.

The Calumet Bike Trail offers a 9-mile route, but it's not paved so prepare for rough terrain.

Keep in mind that the trail can be challenging with sandy patches making cycling difficult at times.

Cyclists should always wear helmets and follow safety guidelines while exploring this beautiful natural area of Indiana.

Be aware that some areas may have heavy pedestrian traffic; exercise caution when sharing paths or trails.

Remember, respect wildlife by keeping your distance - don't disturb animals you encounter during your ride.
Birding
The park offers over 350 bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. It hosts annual Birding Festivals. The Wilson Shelter and the Beach Pavilion areas are popular spots for viewing migratory birds. Visitors can also explore three miles of trails to spot various woodland birds.
Area Attractions
* Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services (hours : 9:30am - 4:30pm local time) * Picnicking/Shelters (Shelter Reservations) * Access to Calumet Trail (9 miles of hiking) * Cross-country Skiing (trails available, no ski rental) * Fishing (Smelt Only) * Hiking Trails * Swimming / Beach (Policy)

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 18 by daisy3501
park review stars; one to five A beautiful state park with beautiful wide hiking trails and of course the awesome never ending white sand beach and breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes. Birding there is spectacular. Warblers, the tiniest and among the most colorful of migrating birds rest at this park during migration. This park is our national heritage and it saddens me that it is not in better repair. Took a hike out to the bird observation deck on trail 10 last year and it was a pile of rubble. What an eyesore! This needs to be a non negotiable rebuild. Organize an event and donate the proceeds. Ask for donations from the public, whatever it takes. The boardwalk on trail 2 is not totally accessible either as part of it is underwater. This needs to be rebuilt as well. You get halfway across and need to wade through a swamp or turn around and go back. The disrepair of these two trails is a huge disappointment as they are recommended to be the best trails for birding which is why I selected them prior to starting my hike. There is no reason why the boardwalk could not be wheelchair accessible. Having great trails for birding diversifies the demographics of people attracted to this park. Other states have wheelchair accessible boardwalks for birding. I so hope we can measure up or raise the bar as this is our national landmark not just for the beaches, but for the sand dunes, the wildlife and the beautiful topography as well.
September 28 beach fun by bear
park review stars; one to five awsome park
October 22 Great trails and beach by KLeonard
park review stars; one to five Large beach with large, brick, public bathhouse that includes consessions in the summer season. The trails behind the sand dunes (150 feet elevation) are spectacular. Lots of wildlife and a huge assortment of plants and trees. The trails are mainly hard packed sand for easy hiking, but watch out for the tree roots.
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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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