Things To Do

Enjoy the outdoors year-round at Indiana Dunes National Park. From swimming and sunbathing in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, each season offers visitors the chance to experience this unique park.

Hiking is rewarding in every season. Spring wildflowers are abundant along the Little Calumet River in April and May. Summer is an ideal time to build sand castles on the 15 miles of beaches and admire Lake Michigan sunsets. The Calumet and Porter Brickyard Bike Trails are especially pretty in the late summer and early fall. The colors of fall can be enjoyed from late September through October, with the peak color occurring around mid-October. Bird watching is especially interesting during spring and fall migrations. Animal tracks are often visible after a recent snowfall.

Camping and fishing are popular ways to relax at the dunes. Overnight camping is available from April 1 through October 31 at the Dunewood Campground. Fishing the Little Calumet River during the summer steelhead run is a worthy challenge and the Portage Lakefront fishing pier offers lakeside fishing.

Discover all that the Indiana Dunes National Park has to offer. Use these pages to choose your activities and plan your visit. Be sure to stop by our Visitor Center. Enjoy the nearly 500 guided tours and activities that are offered each year.

• Beach-going & Swimming
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Camping
• Fishing & Boating
• Hiking
• Geocaching
• Historical Sites
• Horseback Riding
• Interpretive Programs (Calendar of Events)
• Picnic
• Stargazing
• Winter Activities
• Guided Tours

 

❤ Support your park.

Donate to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Donations will be used to fund maintenance projects and enhance activities at the park.

 

Here's a list of things to do with more information and locations.