Full Day Expeditions (U.S. National Park Service)

Surfer rides the waves at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk at the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Ranger Recommendations

Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

Looking for a Challenging Hike? Check out the trails at Cowles Bog.
Want to explore a lesser-known gem? Check out the Upland Trail.
Need a place to stay overnight? Reserve your campsite at Dunewood Campground.
Have kids? Get them involved and Become a Jr. Ranger.

The following list showcases some other must-see destinations in the park. Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.

Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures. This list highlights some of the must-see sights in the park. This is perfect for people planning a full day of activities and possibly even an overnight.

For details about pets in the park, including our B.A.R.K. Ranger program, see our Pets Page.

7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle Pass - $20.00
Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)

7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass - $25.00
Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).

7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups) - $15.00
Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Commercial Tour Fee - Sedan (1-6 persons) - $25.00
Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate).

Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00
Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.

Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00
Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.

Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00
Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.

For the most current information on our fee program, see our Fees and Passes page.

For more information on these tours, or if you'd like a great place to start, try the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Some sites are not accessible. Please visit our Accessibility Page while planning your adventures.

Green grasses, trees, and flowers growing along the sandy Tolleston Dune Trail.
S. Rossi

Full Day Expeditions

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Indiana Dunes National Park
Swimming at Indiana Dunes West Beach
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Freshwater Swimming
- Duration: 1-3 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: West Beach at Indiana Dunes
- Season: Summer
- Time Of Day: Day
Fifteen miles of sandy beach along the southern shore of Lake Michigan offer a wide variety of recreational activities. Whether it's enjoying a summer sunset stroll or marveling at the arctic beauty of Lake Michigan's shelf ice, you can enjoy the beach in all seasons.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Explore Biological Diversity in the Park
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Become an Indiana Dunes Junior Ranger
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Duration: 30 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Indiana Dunes National Park has a lot to explore, both in the park and online. Check out this page for fun things to do to explore the park virtually. Become a Junior Ranger Today!
Indiana Dunes National Park
West Beach Trails
- Type: Place
West Beach offers a great combination of hiking and relaxing at the beach. The trails are varied and encompass many habitats. There are great views from the top of the Dune Succession Trail stairs, a beautiful pinery of jack pines, birding opportunities along Long Lake and secluded sections of forest. After hiking, relax and swim at the beach.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Glenwood Dunes Trail (Main)
- Type: Place
This extensive trail system features interconnected loops ranging from less than a mile to nearly 15 miles and is popular with hikers, runners, horseback riders and cross-country skiers.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Heron Rookery (East)
- Type: Place
The Heron Rookery Trail follows along a portion of the Little Calumet River that once featured over 100 Great Blue Heron nests. After 60 years of nesting here, the herons have moved on to new nesting grounds. These woods remain alive with dozens of birds including kingfishers, woodpeckers and a wide variety of migrating and nesting warblers.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Bailly Homestead, Chellberg Farm, Little Calumet River, Mnoké Prairie Trails
- Type: Place
The Little Calumet River, Mnoké Prairie, Bailly Homestead, Chellberg Farm and Bailly Cemetery trail system reveals the rich natural diversity that has drawn people to this area for over 10,000 years. Hike through a forest dominated by maple, beech, basswood and oak trees. Follow a stretch of the Little Calumet River, once a critical transportation route for early regional travelers and explore the recently restored Mnoké Prairie.