Visitor Centers
Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)A great place to find all of your visiting needs. Talk to a ranger and learn about the park's locations, activities, programs, and nearby attractions. View two short films about the park and the region. Spend some time in the activity room. 
Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental EducationEducational programs and activities can be found here. The Paul H. Douglas Trail through the spectacular Miller Woods allows hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Children can also explore the center's outdoor Nature Play Zone area. Scenery
15 Miles of BeachesThe main attraction of Indiana Dunes National Park is the 15 miles of beaches along the southern tip of Lake Michigan. There are many different parking lots and each beach has its own look and feel. 
50 Miles of TrailsDiverse trails extend throughout the Indiana Dunes National Park. Visitors can find a location to hike, jog, bike, bird watch, cross-country ski, snowshoe or ride their own horse. 
West BeachThe clear and open vista of West Beach showcases some of the park's large scaled dunes. Hike the Succession trail to the top of a dune and overlook the land and Lake Michigan to see the Chicago skyline. 
Miller WoodsA lavish display of wild flowers surrounds the Paul H. Douglas Trail in Miller Woods. This oak savanna trail crosses sweeping wetlands and gentle beach ridges on its way to Lake Michigan. 
Great MarshBring your binoculars and follow the Great Marsh trail. This location is a popular feeding and resting area for migrating wetland birds. It also features a wheelchair-accessible trail leading to an overlook of the marsh. 
Glenwood DunesThe roughly 13,000 year old Glenwood Shoreline represents a time when Lake Michigan's beach was further south. The Glenwood Dunes Trail brings visitors through ancient, forested dune ecosystems rich with invertebrates, fungus, and plant life. Historical Buildings
Bailly HomesteadExplore the Homestead of the independent fur-trader Joseph Bailly. View an unusual combination of vernacular architecture, late 19th century detail, rustic log and brick structures, and the unusual family cemetery. 
Chellberg FarmDuring the early 20th century, a hardworking Swedish immigrant family, lived and worked here for three generations. The Chellberg's gave other immigrants a place to stay and helped them find work. 
Century of Progress HomesThese houses were built for the 1933 Chicago World's Fair to demonstrate modern architectural design, experimental materials, and new technologies. 
Portage Lakefront and RiverwalkThis 3,500 square foot public pavilion includes restrooms, a seasonal snack bar, and a glass walled classroom/meeting space. Enjoy the paved trails and fishing pier. ❤ Support your park.Donate to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Donations will be used to fund maintenance projects and enhance activities at the park. |
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Last updated: January 16, 2025