Top Things to do in Indiana Dunes
Top Hotels in Indiana Dunes
- 1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Valparaiso, IN
- 2. Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton
- 3. Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso
- 4. Best Western Indian Oak
- 5. Hampton Inn Portage
- 6. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portage, an IHG Hotel
- 7. Best Western University Inn At Valparaiso
- 8. Quality Inn Chesterton Near Indiana Dunes National Park I-94
- 9. Fairfield Inn & Suites Valparaiso
- 10. Best Western Plus Portage Hotel & Suites
6 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Indiana Dunes That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Indiana Dunes, United States including Indiana Dunes State Park, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, Memorial Opera House, North Shore Beach, Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Zao Island.
Restaurants in Indiana Dunes
1. Indiana Dunes State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 837 reviews
Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.Indiana Dunes State Park features a wide variety of habitats, including beach, sand dunes, black oak forest, wooded wetlands, and a button-bush marsh. Together, these areas contain some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Midwest. Botanists from across the country enjoy studying the unusual collection of plant life. Other interesting features include “tree graveyards” (places where forests have been buried by sand and then, more recently, re-exposed by wind erosion). “Tree graveyards” can be seen in Big Blowout, near Trail 10. The Indiana Dunes area also is renowned throughout the Midwest for its birding. Visit the Nature Center to ask about good birding locations.Indiana Dunes State Park is surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a federally administered park comprising approximately 15,000 acres.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
When I was younger, many years ago, my friends and I went to two beaches to cool off on a hot summer day. Either Rainbow beach on Chicago's south side or the Indiana Dunes. It was much easier to get to Rainbow beach. You needed a map or very good directions to find Indiana Dunes. But once you got there, it was worth the trip...sun, sand and cool, clear, fresh water. Indiana Dunes State Park is 47 miles east of Chicago. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974, it includes hiking trails and food trucks and Nature Centers, a beach house with concessions, an observation platform, a Visitors Center, camping facilities, picnic shelters and spectacular views. On a clear day, you can see Chicago's Skyline. The beaches were formed by winds coming off Lake Michigan. Historically, Native Americans used the area for years as trade routes.
2. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with the natural environment. Gabis Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events and classes for people of all ages and interests. With 300 acres of magnificent landscapes, education programs and community events the arboretum has something for any interest. Popular attractions include the Railway Garden, which tells the story of American railroads in the context of a large display garden. Miniature trains run through outdoor displays showcasing American history.
Reviewed By sney3625 - Valparaiso, United States
I went mainly to see the magnificent outdoor train set and it was awesome. The rest of the place is very nice very pretty and if you have younger children there is a farm area that they would enjoy. Actually my wife and I enjoyed it to we sat and had lunch at the picnic benches near the farm. The gardens are very nice no matter what the season. There is a nice walking trail through the fields. Now back to the trains one of the best train setups I’ve ever seen probably a city block and half long and 1/2 block wide. It takes you around the country and is set up beautifully many different areas are shown including Lincoln’s funeral train and the old west I loved and and will revisit this place often
3. Memorial Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By GrandTour27835196810 - Valparaiso, United States
We are season ticket holders because the plays always meet or exceed our expectations. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful.
4. North Shore Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By 3johnb - Valparaiso, United States
We enjoy the fact that there is a free public lot just above the beach. We don't go on weekends because it's impossible to park in here. People on the beach are always friendly. Nice beach to stroll on.
5. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The information desk, restrooms, and the national park gift shop are open. In addition to the gift shop, 3 Dune Challenge and Indiana Dunes apparel are available at the information desk. Doggie bandanas are also in stock! Masks are required to enter the building. Unless weather conditions prevent it, a National Park ranger tent will be available outside for those who prefer curbside service. Our exhibit room and theatre are closed until further notice.
Reviewed By GregM60154 - Westchester, United States
The Visitor Center houses both the National Park Service and the County Visitor Center. The people behind the County desk and the Park Rangers on the NPS side were both very helpful in handing out maps and making suggestions, showing where things were on the maps. The vestibule contained an overwhelming amount of brochures and pamphlets about the park and the surrounding area. There is a large room where small children can do a number of short activities. The bathrooms were large and very clean.
6. Zao Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By matildamay16 - Valparaiso, United States
We attended and volunteered for the LIVIN’ IT UP FEST yesterday for Porter Co. Special Olympics at ZAO ISLAND. This beautiful, clean, well-managed venue ALWAYS donates the use of their facility to this annual fundraiser. Besides this hugely attended day, ZAO accommodates families of all ages... go-carts, batting cages, mini-golf, games and THE BEST pizza in the area! GO!
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