What to Do in the Indiana Dunes | Dunes 101: Things to Do

Get beyond the beach and discover everything the Indiana Dunes area has to offer. In this Dunes 101 video, you'll join our Destination Ambassadors for an excursion unlike any other. For more information, visit https://www.indianadunes.com/.

RANGER MATT
While the Dunes 101 Series follows "Ranger" Matt as he explores the Indiana Dunes area, we want to acknowledge that he is neither a National Park nor a State Park Ranger. Instead, think of him as a "Tourism" Ranger, helping visitors like you understand this amazing Midwest destination. So, join him as he explores not only the parks but also our local restaurants, attractions, and communities.

WHAT TO DO IN THE INDIANA DUNES | DUNES 101: THINGS TO DO
Eat. Play. Shop. Stay. The Indiana Dunes is more than sunny beaches. Here, you'll find world-class dining, comfortable accommodations with Midwest Charm, and exciting attractions and activities. From buffalo farms to drive-in movie theaters, the Indiana Dunes area is your gateway to adventure.

Find even more things to do online at https://www.indianadunes.com/things-t...

INDIANA DUNES
The Indiana Dunes is a 2,182-acre State Park surrounded by an even larger National Park, encompassing 15,000 acres, or 15 miles, of beaches, prairies, wetlands, savannas, and forests. The Dunes, essentially massive mounds of sand reaching 192 feet in height, were formed when glaciers receded 14,000 years ago, leaving behind quartz and silica sand that sings when you walk on it.

The Indiana Dunes is one of Indiana's top tourist destinations. It is made up of two urban parks centrally located in the Midwest next to Chicago. The South Shore Line travels outside the Indiana Dunes State Park to Millenium Station in about 45 minutes, which makes the Indiana Dunes one of the most accessible parks in the country—perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

The Indiana Dunes is also one of the most biodiverse regions in the United States and is the birthplace of ecology. Henry Chandler Cowles, the father of ecology, did most of his research here. That's because the Indiana Dunes has 1,960 known species—nearly as many as Yellowstone National Park—including 350 bird species, carnivorous plants, and even otters and bobcats. To put that into perspective, the Indiana Dunes' 15,000 acres have almost as many plants and animal species as Yellowstone's 2,221,766 acres.

While the Indiana Dunes has one of the nation's best beaches for family fun—with no salt or sharks—and offers endless opportunities for splashing and playing, amazing views of Chicago's skyline, and climbs up ancient sand Dunes, it constitutes an entire destination. It isn't just a beach or a cultural heritage site; it's the communities and activities that surround it. Swimming may be a favorite pastime, but the Indiana Dunes has many adventure opportunities, including biking, birding, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, wandering, and other natural experiences. It also has remarkable dining and must-see local attractions, turning the entire region into a premier family-friendly destination for outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and those just looking to get away. Its downtown communities are complete with a variety of accommodations and Midwest hospitality.

INDIANA DUNES TOURISM
Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing, planning, and development organization dedicated to enhancing sustainability, driving economic growth, and fostering a high-quality place throughout Porter County and the Indiana Dunes area.

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