Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Sand dunes at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana (Craig Berg/courtesy, IndianaDunes.com)

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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Active and Adventure Travel Tips

By Brian Kevin

For a day hike showcasing the region's diversity, the three loops of the Cowles Bog trail offer up to five miles of trail through cedar stands, sand dunes, and wetlands.
Designated swimming areas make for a great place to cool off after a long day on the trail.
It's a short mile and a half trek across shifting sands to get up and down Mount Baldy. At 126 feet, it's the largest moving sand dune in the park. A nearby spur trail leads to the beach.
Horseback riding, camping, and fishing are also very popular at the lakeshore.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Overview

On Lake Michigan's southern shore, the Indiana Dunes rise as high as 180 feet above the water. The lakeshore encompasses a modest 15,000 acres, yet it is ranked seventh among national parks in native plant diversity. Visitors can explore white- and black-oak savannas, sedge meadows, tall grass prairies, swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens. And of course, let's not forget the 25 miles of white-sand beaches and wandering dunes such as Mount Baldy, where hang-glider pilots launch themselves toward the sun like modern-day Icaruses. Read More

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can i ge married on the beach
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Where can i rent a camper around the sand dune indiana i want to take my kids camping and where do i reserve a camp site at the dunes
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At indiana dunes national lakeshore are there alowed to be any dirty bikes & goalcarts?
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Hotels

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Springhouse Inn

303 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304 Map

Distance: 2.8 mi.
(from destination center)

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Hutchinson Mansion Inn

220 W. 10th St.
Michigan City, IN Map

Distance: 8.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated

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from: $109

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Hampton Inn Michigan City, Ind.

4128 S. Franklin St.
Michigan City, IN 46360 Map

Distance: 7.9 mi.
(from destination center)

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Attractions

Lubeznick Center for the Arts

101 W. 2nd St.
Michigan City, Indiana 46360

Distance: 9.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a newly renovated cultural venue, providing a variety of art... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended

Washington Park Zoo

115 Lakeshore Dr.
Michigan City, Indiana 46360

Distance: 9.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Washington Park Zoo covers 15 acres and exhibits more than 220 animal of 90 different species... Read More

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Hesston Steam Museum

I-94 to Exit 1, south to County Rd. 1000 North
1201 County Rd. 1000 N.
La Porte, Indiana 46350

Distance: 20.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Travel back in time at the Hesston Steam Museum, where bona fide steam trains chug along a... Read More

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Airports

Major Airports near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

	Distance (mi.)
Chicago Midway Airport	38.0 map
Chicago O'Hare International Airport	48.8 map
Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport	100.6 map

Other Smaller Airports near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

	Distance (mi.)
South Bend Regional Airport	37.7 map
Chicago Pal-Waukee Airport	55.0 map
Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport	87.5 map

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Feature Articles

GORP - Hiking - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
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GORP - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana
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