Why Indiana Dunes Is a Must-Do Late Summer Getaway
If you're itching for one last summer escape, a weekend at Indiana Dunes National Park checks all the boxes: sandy beaches, warm water, killer sunsets, and plenty of room to relax or explore. August is peak season for the Lake Michigan shoreline—the water’s at its warmest, and the dunes are glowing in that golden-hour light.
Less than an hour from Chicago, the Dunes offer a beachy retreat without leaving Indiana. Whether you’re into lounging, hiking, paddling, or sipping craft beer nearby, this northern Indiana gem delivers big time.
Best Beaches Along Lake Michigan’s Indiana Shore
Not all beaches at the Dunes are created equal—and that’s a good thing. Here’s a quick guide to the best sandy spots for your getaway:
West Beach: One of the most popular, with lifeguards, restrooms, and access to the Dune Succession Trail.
Porter Beach: A quieter vibe with a mix of locals and travelers. Bring your own shade—few amenities.
Mount Baldy Beach (National Park side): Near Michigan City, this towering dune is epic for views. The beach is open, but climbing the dune is restricted.
Central Avenue Beach: Great for photography and a peaceful sunset walk.
Lake View Beach: Perfect for families, especially if you want a lower-key day without big crowds.
Looking for more shoreline spots? Check out our full Lake Michigan Beaches Guide.
More Than Just the Beach – Dune Hikes & Nature Trails
The Dunes aren’t just for sunbathing. Strap on some trail shoes and explore these unique landscapes:
3 Dune Challenge: Tackle the three tallest dunes in one go—ideal for a quick but intense workout.
Dune Ridge Trail: A scenic loop with views of the wetlands, perfect for early mornings.
Tolleston Dunes Trail: Great for spotting wildflowers and migratory birds.
Paul H. Douglas Trail: Leads through a lush black oak savanna and ends at the beach.
Keep your eyes peeled for herons, monarch butterflies, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Local Eats & Brews Near the Dunes
Refuel after the beach at some local favorites just minutes from the park:
Burn 'Em Brewing (Michigan City): Creative beers and outdoor vibes.
Goblin & The Grocer (Beverly Shores): Lakeside café with elevated comfort food.
Octave Grill (Chesterton): Gourmet burgers and craft beer on tap.
Shoreline Brewery (Michigan City): Longtime local brewery with pub fare and seasonal brews.
Pro tip: Grab a growler or 4-pack to go and enjoy a sunset drink back at your campsite or rental.
Weekend Itinerary Tips for a Smooth Trip
Planning a weekend at the Dunes? Here’s how to do it right:
Where to Stay:
Camping: Try Dunewood Campground (National Park) or Indiana Dunes State Park’s campground.
Hotels: Check out boutique stays in Chesterton or Michigan City.
Cabins & Rentals: Book early—lakefront homes fill fast in August.
What to Pack:
Reef-safe sunscreen, beach umbrella, towels, hiking shoes, bug spray, and plenty of water.
Bonus: A cooler for picnic lunches and local beer hauls.
Know Before You Go:
Entry Fee: National Park requires a pass ($25/vehicle, good for 7 days).
Parking: Lots fill fast by late morning—arrive early or use the South Shore Line to avoid traffic.
Safety: Watch for rip currents, especially on windy days. Obey lifeguards and warning flags.
See You at the Shoreline 🏖️
Whether you're capping off summer with a beach bonfire, a morning hike through the dunes, or a brewery tour through Chesterton, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect sendoff to sunny season. It’s laid-back, stunning, and uniquely Hoosier.
☀️ Tag us in your Dunes photos @GetIndiana and show off your favorite Lake Michigan spots before fall rolls in.
Ready to dive into more lake life? Don’t miss our full Indiana Beach Guide for more shoreline adventures.
Why Indiana Dunes Is a Must-Do Late Summer Getaway
If you're itching for one last summer escape, a weekend at Indiana Dunes National Park checks all the boxes: sandy beaches, warm water, killer sunsets, and plenty of room to relax or explore. August is peak season for the Lake Michigan shoreline—the water’s at its warmest, and the dunes are glowing in that golden-hour light.
Less than an hour from Chicago, the Dunes offer a beachy retreat without leaving Indiana. Whether you’re into lounging, hiking, paddling, or sipping craft beer nearby, this northern Indiana gem delivers big time.
Best Beaches Along Lake Michigan’s Indiana Shore
Not all beaches at the Dunes are created equal—and that’s a good thing. Here’s a quick guide to the best sandy spots for your getaway:
West Beach: One of the most popular, with lifeguards, restrooms, and access to the Dune Succession Trail.
Porter Beach: A quieter vibe with a mix of locals and travelers. Bring your own shade—few amenities.
Mount Baldy Beach (National Park side): Near Michigan City, this towering dune is epic for views. The beach is open, but climbing the dune is restricted.
Central Avenue Beach: Great for photography and a peaceful sunset walk.
Lake View Beach: Perfect for families, especially if you want a lower-key day without big crowds.
Looking for more shoreline spots? Check out our full Lake Michigan Beaches Guide.
More Than Just the Beach – Dune Hikes & Nature Trails
The Dunes aren’t just for sunbathing. Strap on some trail shoes and explore these unique landscapes:
3 Dune Challenge: Tackle the three tallest dunes in one go—ideal for a quick but intense workout.
Dune Ridge Trail: A scenic loop with views of the wetlands, perfect for early mornings.
Tolleston Dunes Trail: Great for spotting wildflowers and migratory birds.
Paul H. Douglas Trail: Leads through a lush black oak savanna and ends at the beach.
Keep your eyes peeled for herons, monarch butterflies, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Local Eats & Brews Near the Dunes
Refuel after the beach at some local favorites just minutes from the park:
Burn 'Em Brewing (Michigan City): Creative beers and outdoor vibes.
Goblin & The Grocer (Beverly Shores): Lakeside café with elevated comfort food.
Octave Grill (Chesterton): Gourmet burgers and craft beer on tap.
Shoreline Brewery (Michigan City): Longtime local brewery with pub fare and seasonal brews.
Pro tip: Grab a growler or 4-pack to go and enjoy a sunset drink back at your campsite or rental.
Weekend Itinerary Tips for a Smooth Trip
Planning a weekend at the Dunes? Here’s how to do it right:
Where to Stay:
Camping: Try Dunewood Campground (National Park) or Indiana Dunes State Park’s campground.
Hotels: Check out boutique stays in Chesterton or Michigan City.
Cabins & Rentals: Book early—lakefront homes fill fast in August.
What to Pack:
Reef-safe sunscreen, beach umbrella, towels, hiking shoes, bug spray, and plenty of water.
Bonus: A cooler for picnic lunches and local beer hauls.
Know Before You Go:
Entry Fee: National Park requires a pass ($25/vehicle, good for 7 days).
Parking: Lots fill fast by late morning—arrive early or use the South Shore Line to avoid traffic.
Safety: Watch for rip currents, especially on windy days. Obey lifeguards and warning flags.
See You at the Shoreline 🏖️
Whether you're capping off summer with a beach bonfire, a morning hike through the dunes, or a brewery tour through Chesterton, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect sendoff to sunny season. It’s laid-back, stunning, and uniquely Hoosier.
☀️ Tag us in your Dunes photos @GetIndiana and show off your favorite Lake Michigan spots before fall rolls in.
Ready to dive into more lake life? Don’t miss our full Indiana Beach Guide for more shoreline adventures.
Why Indiana Dunes Is a Must-Do Late Summer Getaway
If you're itching for one last summer escape, a weekend at Indiana Dunes National Park checks all the boxes: sandy beaches, warm water, killer sunsets, and plenty of room to relax or explore. August is peak season for the Lake Michigan shoreline—the water’s at its warmest, and the dunes are glowing in that golden-hour light.
Less than an hour from Chicago, the Dunes offer a beachy retreat without leaving Indiana. Whether you’re into lounging, hiking, paddling, or sipping craft beer nearby, this northern Indiana gem delivers big time.
Best Beaches Along Lake Michigan’s Indiana Shore
Not all beaches at the Dunes are created equal—and that’s a good thing. Here’s a quick guide to the best sandy spots for your getaway:
West Beach: One of the most popular, with lifeguards, restrooms, and access to the Dune Succession Trail.
Porter Beach: A quieter vibe with a mix of locals and travelers. Bring your own shade—few amenities.
Mount Baldy Beach (National Park side): Near Michigan City, this towering dune is epic for views. The beach is open, but climbing the dune is restricted.
Central Avenue Beach: Great for photography and a peaceful sunset walk.
Lake View Beach: Perfect for families, especially if you want a lower-key day without big crowds.
Looking for more shoreline spots? Check out our full Lake Michigan Beaches Guide.
More Than Just the Beach – Dune Hikes & Nature Trails
The Dunes aren’t just for sunbathing. Strap on some trail shoes and explore these unique landscapes:
3 Dune Challenge: Tackle the three tallest dunes in one go—ideal for a quick but intense workout.
Dune Ridge Trail: A scenic loop with views of the wetlands, perfect for early mornings.
Tolleston Dunes Trail: Great for spotting wildflowers and migratory birds.
Paul H. Douglas Trail: Leads through a lush black oak savanna and ends at the beach.
Keep your eyes peeled for herons, monarch butterflies, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Local Eats & Brews Near the Dunes
Refuel after the beach at some local favorites just minutes from the park:
Burn 'Em Brewing (Michigan City): Creative beers and outdoor vibes.
Goblin & The Grocer (Beverly Shores): Lakeside café with elevated comfort food.
Octave Grill (Chesterton): Gourmet burgers and craft beer on tap.
Shoreline Brewery (Michigan City): Longtime local brewery with pub fare and seasonal brews.
Pro tip: Grab a growler or 4-pack to go and enjoy a sunset drink back at your campsite or rental.
Weekend Itinerary Tips for a Smooth Trip
Planning a weekend at the Dunes? Here’s how to do it right:
Where to Stay:
Camping: Try Dunewood Campground (National Park) or Indiana Dunes State Park’s campground.
Hotels: Check out boutique stays in Chesterton or Michigan City.
Cabins & Rentals: Book early—lakefront homes fill fast in August.
What to Pack:
Reef-safe sunscreen, beach umbrella, towels, hiking shoes, bug spray, and plenty of water.
Bonus: A cooler for picnic lunches and local beer hauls.
Know Before You Go:
Entry Fee: National Park requires a pass ($25/vehicle, good for 7 days).
Parking: Lots fill fast by late morning—arrive early or use the South Shore Line to avoid traffic.
Safety: Watch for rip currents, especially on windy days. Obey lifeguards and warning flags.
See You at the Shoreline 🏖️
Whether you're capping off summer with a beach bonfire, a morning hike through the dunes, or a brewery tour through Chesterton, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect sendoff to sunny season. It’s laid-back, stunning, and uniquely Hoosier.
☀️ Tag us in your Dunes photos @GetIndiana and show off your favorite Lake Michigan spots before fall rolls in.
Ready to dive into more lake life? Don’t miss our full Indiana Beach Guide for more shoreline adventures.
Written By:
Jarred Porter
Written By:
Jarred Porter
