Title: Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Indiana Dunes State Park Tours and Activities

![Indiana Dunes State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6162867/8e516814-0d8a-4c1c-bd54-098810d910c5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Beachfront along Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6162867/cb0405b1-d7c0-4e89-9296-a84e71ceac89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Pond leading into Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6162867/497d31aa-f3d3-4b2d-873d-1f0a24f64f69.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Indiana Dunes State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6091455/5f526733-494c-418d-86d3-4aea9128dd64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Indiana Dunes State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6091455/f04faab2-a934-45ed-9b7a-0d0d071b9147.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Indiana Dunes State Park

Activities

[Chesterton travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Chesterton.dx7214)

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#### The southern shores of Lake Michigan consist of a stunning dune landscape, which is ideal for hiking, camping, bird-watching, picnicking and swimming.

Explore the ancient landscapes of Indiana Dunes State Park, bound on the northwest by pristine Lake Michigan. Formed after the lake’s water levels dropped at the end of the Ice Age, the region’s dunes have slowly shifted and grown over with lush vegetation. The nature reserve consists of 2,182 acres (883 hectares) of extraordinary sand dunes and unique geology, making it an unrivaled destination for recreation and nature experiences in the state.

A great way to start your exploration of Indiana Dunes State Park is with a visit to the reserve’s Nature Center. Look through the center’s wildlife observation windows and learn about the region’s vegetation with the help of interpretive displays. The dunes’ intriguing formation over thousands of years has meant that ancient vegetation is sometimes revealed when the dunes shift.

Check out the Beach House Blowout, the Furnessville Blowout or the Big Blowout, which shows the old tree stumps of primeval forests. Learn about the Potawatomi and Miami Native American people who traveled over the dunes as part of their traditional trade routes.

Birdwatchers will delight in the park’s observation towers. Spot wetland species from an observation tower overlooking marshland or climb the platform near the summit of Mount Tom. From here, you can see all the way to Chicago, as well as Gary, Indiana, on a clear day.

Explore 16 miles (26 kilometers) of hiking trails, which showcase the park’s different ecosystems and historic structures. Picnic shelters are available at several sites in the park.

If the weather is warm, enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Michigan. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, lifeguards patrol this beach on weekends. Stop at the beachside concession stand for last-minute snacks and supplies. Fish for smelt along the lakeshore.

Indiana Dunes State Park is located on the state’s northwestern border. It is about 160 miles (260 kilometers) from Indianapolis and 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Chicago, Illinois. The park is open daily and charges a fee for entry and campsite reservations.

## Plan a trip to see Indiana Dunes State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/58000000/57660000/57651200/57651125/6c1738b5_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Downtown Chicago

CA $1,132

per person

Jun 20 - Jun 23

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Montreal (YMQ) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,401 reviews)

Very quiet, really clean and staff was great

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2026

![Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102630000/102622800/102622712/3e21593f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Downtown Chicago

CA $1,269

per person

Jun 5 - Jun 8

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Montreal (YMQ) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,495 reviews)

I travelled for my birthday and I had an awesome time. The staff were very friendly and kind. All staff were extremely helpful and attentive. They remembered my birthday and each greeting felt special and personal. I looked forward to breakfast each morning to enjoy their tasty spread. My room was very comfortable and clean with amazing views . The hotel is located in a great area where you walk to great places with the bus stop around the corner. I was looking forward to the roof top restaurant however it was closed. That’s my only disappointment but I would definitely visit again God spare life

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2026

![Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection by Marriott](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/130000/125400/125334/117265ca_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection by Marriott

Downtown Chicago

CA $1,327

per person

May 5 - May 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)

Nice hotel with friendly staff! Housekeeping very helpful and kind. It does seem the front desk was understaffed for the size of hotel and how busy it was. Was hard to get call answered when phoned desk.

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Waverly Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6162867/220b87ac-caac-4a89-b3e7-1471ff042d48.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Waverly Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Waverly Beach during your trip to Chesterton? Stroll along the beaches or visit the shops in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Waverly-Beach-Indiana.d553248635983990314.Vacation-Attraction)

![Indiana Dunes National Park Sign](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635998150039/1179bf39-711c-4b74-aec4-01645a90932f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Explore the great outdoors at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, a lovely green space in Porter. Wander the beaches and forest in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Indiana-Dunes-Visitor-Center-Indiana.d553248635998150039.Vacation-Attraction)

![Lake View Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000435761/948ce74c-f8d7-45a0-9702-5dd466642129.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Lake View Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Lake View Beach during your trip to Beverly Shores? Wander the lakeside or discover the area's sunrises. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Lake-View-Beach-Michigan-City.d553248635983993933.Vacation-Attraction)

![Lake Michigan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635983994081/2ac52805-cacd-4feb-bbba-897fddec356f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Beverly Shores Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Beverly Shores Beach during your trip to Beverly Shores? Wander the lakeside and beaches while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Beverly-Shores-Beach-Indiana.d553248635983994081.Vacation-Attraction)

#### East Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Dune Acres? Wander the beaches and lakeside while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/East-Beach-Dune-Acres.d553248635983986750.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Ridge Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Ridge Beach during your trip to Dune Acres? Wander the beaches and lakeside while you're in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Ridge-Beach-Dune-Acres.d553248635983993367.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Indiana Dunes State Park

## Check availability on hotels close to Indiana Dunes State Park

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6162867&startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03)[Apr 2 - Apr 3](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6162867&startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03)

[Tomorrow night

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[This weekend

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[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6162867&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 10 - Apr 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6162867&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)

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### 

Cabin 53 steps from Porter Beach on Lake Michigan: Family & Pet-Friendly

 Porter IN

[](https://expedia.ca/Chesterton-Hotels-Cabin-53-Steps-From-Porter-Beach-On-Lake-Michigan-Family-Pet-Friendly.h96743172.Hotel-Information)

!["The Nook" - 1 mile to Indiana Dunes State Park, 1pm Check-in & out](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76790000/76789300/76789214/602d9f60_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

"The Nook" - 1 mile to Indiana Dunes State Park, 1pm Check-in & out

 Porter IN

[](https://expedia.ca/2-Miles-From-Lake-Michigan-Roomy-Family-Retreat-Fire-Pit-Country-Feel-The-Nook.h76789214.Hotel-Information)

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Best Western Indian Oak

558 Indian Boundary Road Chesterton IN

[](https://expedia.ca/Chesterton-Hotels-Best-Western-Indian-Oak.h49736.Hotel-Information)

![Indiana Dunes Getaway on 2 acres! Truly unique 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath home!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114970000/114967700/114967680/5e1ee21e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Indiana Dunes Getaway on 2 acres! Truly unique 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath home!

 Chesterton IN

[](https://expedia.ca/Chesterton-Hotels-Indiana-Dunes-Getaway-On-2-Acres-Truly-Unique-4-Bedroom.h114967680.Hotel-Information)

![After-Dune Delight! Large Home w/ Pool Open Mid-May 2026](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113300000/113290100/113290024/w1290h945x0y1-4bbb2925_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

After-Dune Delight! Large Home w/ Pool Open Mid-May 2026

 Porter IN

[](https://expedia.ca/Chesterton-Hotels-After-Dune-Delight-A-Perfect-Getaway.h113290024.Hotel-Information)

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Spring House Inn

303 N Mineral Springs Rd Chesterton IN

[](https://expedia.ca/Porter-Hotels-Spring-House-Inn.h808936.Hotel-Information)

![2 miles from Dunes National Park. A Unique Boutique Hotel. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101220000/101216500/101216471/29e63479_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

2 miles from Dunes National Park. A Unique Boutique Hotel. 

 Chesterton IN

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Furness Mansion

1491 N Furnleigh Ln Chesterton IN

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### 

Waterbird Lakeside Inn

556 Indian Boundary Road Chesterton IN

[](https://expedia.ca/Chesterton-Hotels-Waterbird-Lakeside-Inn.h2449990.Hotel-Information)

[See all 844 properties in Indiana Dunes State Park](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6162867)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.