What to do and see in Indiana Dunes, Indiana Dunes: The Best Things to do Good for Kids

October 3, 2021 Leida Jutras

Discover the best top things to do in Indiana Dunes, United States including Espionage Escape Rooms, Indiana Dunes State Park, Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, 49er Drive-In Theatre, Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, Ogden Dunes Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, Chesterton’s European Market.
Restaurants in Indiana Dunes

1. Espionage Escape Rooms

52 Marks Rd Suite 5, Valparaiso, IN 46383 +1 219-476-7699 [email protected] http://www.espionageescapevalpo.com/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 47 reviews

Espionage Escape Rooms

An interactive adventure game! Can your team complete the objective before times runs out? 60 minutes of dynamic game play and stunning set design! Perfect for all skill levels, families, friends, team buildings. At Espionage Escape Rooms, our ultimate goal is to stimulate social interaction in today’s world of technology, fostering creativity and human ingenuity in an entertaining format. Our games are fully immersive, with logical game flow and multi-layered puzzles...a true escape game experience! We are locally owned and operated, personally constructing the rooms and writing the games in-house to ensure a one of a kind game! You won't accidentally replay the same game elsewhere!

Reviewed By joannv264

We had a family birthday celebration. All six of us enjoyed the experience. We were impressed with the detail and imagination put into the theme. We will definitely be going back.

2. Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304-1142 +1 219-926-1952 [email protected] http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 837 reviews

Indiana Dunes State Park

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.

3. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

450 W 100 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385-9230 +1 219-462-0025 [email protected] http://www.pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum/
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

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

4. Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

Chesterton, IN 46304 +1 219-926-1842 [email protected] http://www.coffeecreekwc.org
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

The Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is a 157-acre complex of wetlands, woodlands, and prairie. More than 400 native plant species have been identified on the property. The magnificent display of wildflowers from spring through fall is one of The Preserve’s most notable features. Many common mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies make their homes here, and there is a diverse birdlife, including both nesting and migratory species. Coffee Creek is one of the healthiest streams in the southern Lake Michigan watershed. Salmon, trout, and many other fish swim in its waters. The Preserve is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. A system of trails, including a three-mile loop around the perimeter, is popular with hikers, joggers, dog walkers, birders, and other nature lovers. Photographers are attracted by the abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Anglers find fishing in the creek excellent. A variety of classes, workshops, and hikes are provided throughout the year.

Reviewed By 3johnb - Valparaiso, United States

We love it here...all seasons. The walk is beautiful...about 2 1/2 miles but you can do a lot less. Many times we see deer, makes the day. The bridges are great although we rarely see anything in the water. The area in the front with wood walkways is very well done...structures of stone are beautiful and there is a very peaceful feeling being there. Go, explore for yourself and pick the parts you like best. Pleasant people doing the same thing you are. Lots of dogs.

5. 49er Drive-In Theatre

675 N Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383-7902 +1 219-462-6122 [email protected] http://www.49erdrivein.com/
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

49er Drive-In Theatre

Reviewed By S796RIstephanies - Valparaiso, United States

The 49er is like a trip back in time. you sit in your car and watch the movie starting at dusk. There is an old fashioned concession stand. Get there early for a good spot! bring a blanket if it is chilly and bug spray if it is hot.

6. Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

Highway 20 & Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 +1 219-926-7561 http://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/bcvc.htm
Excellent
51%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

Reviewed By FrankD834 - South Bend, United States

I brought my teen daughter with me for a hike through the woods to see the fall colors. We started at the parking area and then went to the homestead. We checked out the river and then headed up to the Bailly Cemetery. We then doubled back and took the trail to the farm. I'll have to go back and do the rest of the trails since it was cooling off and my daughter had enough. The homestead looks great and the fall colors around it made for great photos. The cemetery is more elaborate than I was expecting. The farm has chickens and cows, which my daughter enjoyed interacting with. It was a really good afternoon. In all, we spent about 2 1/2 hours there. If we would have taken the loop trail, which I will get back and do, that would have added 1 1/2 miles.

7. Ogden Dunes Beach

Shore Drive, Portage, IN https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ogden-Dunes-Beach/210690318973708
Excellent
62%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Ogden Dunes Beach

Reviewed By hoosierref - Portage, United States

Parking area near the beach is residents only. All other streets near beach are not permitted, and you will get towed or ticketed. The best place for non-residents to park is at the corner of Diana and Sunset (you'll see the no beach parking beyond this point signs) and walk to the beach. It's a 6 minute walk (.3 mile) along the street, or you can walk thru the West Beach National Park area to the west and it's about 10 minutes (very pretty this way). You'll be rewarded with a quiet, no crowd beach and best part it's FREE! It's about a 15 minute walk on the beach if you want to go to the West Beach house for bathrooms or concessions.

8. Indiana Dunes National Park

1215 N State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304-1369 +1 219-395-1882 http://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 402 reviews

Indiana Dunes National Park

Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States

This national park along the Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Indiana is an awesome experience! I am more of a mountain and forest and river gal, but I am so glad that I took the time to explore the dunes and shore lines. I found walking in lots of sand to be quite strenuous. Sand got in my tennis shoes causing blisters. Going barefoot caused blisters. Wearing crocs caused blisters. Still it was all worth it! Parking is limited in the national park. So, be prepared for alternatives. West Beach has more parking than their other beaches. I describe each of the following places on their own page on Trip Advisor. But here was my itinerary in this order for my 3 day vacation. Friday late afternoon: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, (get brochures and hiking book), West Beach: Dune Succession Trail and Long Lake overlook. Saturday: Heron Rookery Trail, Great Marsh Trail, Mount Baldy Beach, Scenic Drive along Eastern Beaches (Lake View, Dunbar, Kemil), Miller Woods aka Douglas Environmental Center, Rest back at hotel (Country Inn), Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. Sunday morning: Indiana Dunes State Park - beach, Coffee Creek Wetlands Preserve West Beach fee is $6 per car. State Park fee is $12 per car. Other destinations were free. Enjoy!

9. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

Riverwalk Dr, Portage, IN 46368 +1 219-762-1675 http://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/portage-lakefront-and-riverwalk.htm
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

Reviewed By sonicbopper

Love our lakefront. It has a nice walking path through the valley up to the beach. There is also the river walk path that goes along Burns ditch that leads out into the lake.

10. Chesterton’s European Market

220 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304-2422 +1 219-926-5513 http://www.chestertonseuropeanmarket.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Chesterton’s European Market

Reviewed By carlyh04 - Cincinnati, United States

Quaint market located in an adorable town! Beautiful artisan jewelry and tasty local food! Glad we made the stop!

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