Indiana Dunes State Park

A beautiful hidden gem in Indiana. This was our first time here, and I'm glad we made the trip. Who knew you could drive 4 hours, and be at a beach in Indiana! The trails, and campground were very nice. The trails were great, and peaceful. I wish they were marked a little better. BE WARNED the mosquitoes here are crazy on the trails so come extra prepared for that! I had many bites especially on my feet. I will definitely come better prepared for next time. The trails were beautiful, and well maintained. The beach was beautiful, and clean. The bathrooms at the beach were very dirty is my only complaint. Great for some nighttime photography as well! Overall we can't wait to come back and visit!

August 2025: Awesome place to spend a day. Weather made it impossible to get in the water when we were there but the beach was beautiful. Good hiking trails and the 3 Dune Challenge is really fun! (Although I definitely don't recommend forgetting your shoes/boots like I did. Started out in flip flops, did most of it barefoot). Nature Center had some interesting things to look at and clean restrooms. Plenty of picnic tables. Depending on the day of your visit, be prepared to wait in line to drive into the park.

If you’re planning a trip to Indiana Dunes, don’t skip the area around the Pavilion—it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the park. The Pavilion itself is this beautifully restored historic building that sits right on the beach. It kind of gives off a nostalgic, almost vintage boardwalk vibe, but with updated features that make it perfect for a beach day break. You’ve got options—grab a bite to eat downstairs, cool off with some ice cream, or head up to the rooftop bar (my favorite part) and take in the views of Lake Michigan. If you catch it near sunset, it’s chef’s kiss. We ordered food from the café downstairs—think burgers, salads, simple grill stuff. I had the Italian beef and it was great and had plenty of meat. It’s not five-star dining or anything, but it hits the spot after hiking dunes or laying in the sun all day. I will say it was a little pricey for what it was, and service was a bit slow, but to be fair it was a packed weekend afternoon. The staff was doing their best, and everyone was friendly. The rooftop though? Worth it. Great breeze, amazing views, and it just feels relaxing up there. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a drink and lose track of time watching the waves. One thing to note: it does cost $12 if from out of state and $7 if you're from Indiana per vehicle to enter the State Park, which gets you access to the beach, trails, and of course the Pavilion area. Totally worth it in my opinion, especially if you make a full day of it. The beach right outside the Pavilion is wide and beautiful, with plenty of space (though it can get crowded in peak summer). It’s perfect for families, couples, or even a solo recharge day. And if you're up for a little adventure, the dune trails nearby are gorgeous and offer some killer views of the lake. My tips: – Try to go on a weekday if you can, it’s less crowded. – Bring sunscreen and flip flops – Definitely plan to catch the sunset. – And if you’re into photography, this place is a dream around golden hour. The Indiana Dunes Pavilion is one of those spots that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy where you are. It’s not perfect but it doesn’t need to be. The views, the breeze, the beach, it all adds up to a really special experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. And next time, I’m saving room for that ice cream.