Reviews of Indiana Dunes State Park (Park)

Nikki Osko

Good spot to sit and watch the sunset from up the big sand hill to the east of the swimming area.

Kristina McB

Went here to kill a couple of hours while traveling through with my dogs. Trails coming from the beach aren't clearly marked, so be careful. Parking is $6 and that isn't clearly labeled anywhere before you get to the gate or online, so plan for that.

Brent Gibson

As an Easterner used to the ocean, I still have trouble getting my mind around the Great Lakes. Really massive and such an important natural treasure! Something like 20% of the world's fresh water is here...numerous unique ecosystems...and pretty darn good beaches too. After mass yesterday we dragged the family to the Indiana Dunes, about an hour east of our home in the city. Surprisingly remote and relaxed, this stretch of unspoiled lake shore (Lake Michigan) includes a section of state park and our nation's newest National Park. It's all quite understated but really lovely and well worth a trip. In this photo, at dusk from atop a dune, you can just make out the Chicago skyline in background. God bless!

Ning Sanderson

Very nice State Park. A lot to do here: swimming, hiking, picnic... etc. Amazing Sand Dunes.

nicole sikora

I had no idea this park existed until the day before I left for my trip. The state park was just up the road from my hotel, so it was a perfect place to stop for a short hike. The views from the lake are breathtaking, and I sincerely hope to get out that way again to explore the dunes more in the future#

LaTanya Grimes

The beach part was nice but getting there took some time because of the traffic jam where you have to pay. They need to come up with a better plan for that

BinDu MurALidharaN

Lovely state park for short hikes with loved ones! Summer and fall months are the best time to visit. Some trails are strenuous but there are easy/moderate trails as well to get to the beach.

Amy Offenbacker

It's a very pretty place but they don't tell you when you are paying if the tides are strong. Drove 4 hours and couldn't swim.. didn't know til after we paid, unpacked, and walked down to the beach

Tiffany Eliseo

It was the most amazing and beautiful beach we've been to this year. Definitely somewhere to go with your family.

Bill Norris

What better place can you go to experience all the nature has to offer. The camping provisions allow the fun to continue through the night and into the next day. Not far from the water you can enjoy the trails and take in the sights. Plenty of geocaching in the area also but service is limited so an offline map or old school GPS would be helpful

Rashmi Choudhary

Beautiful beach. June to August is definitely a good time to go. Over the long weekend expect 2 hours to just get get through the entrance gate.

irish prick

The lake water was like bottled water comercial....glacier fresh!! Will be going back next year....the lake is not for novice swimmers and can be dangerous!!

naresh nandhigam

The place is very good. Has plenty of vews and beach is clean. Traffic is usually heavy during the peak season

Jared Garretson

It was HOT the day we went. We wanted to put our feet in Lake Michigan and I got blisters on my feet in the process. The beach was FULL. Of course it was on a Saturday. I'd like to go during the week in the off season. I'm sure it would be a lot nicer and not so full. As it was we didn't experience the park the way I would like to but I was in pain by the time we got out of there

denise dunlap

Loved being outdoors, the trails, the beach, picnic areas......very well kept and nice.

rmonlo Ibanez

Clean beach with newer building with showers. There was a good amount of life guards on patrol. Pricing for parking was more for out of state visitors

emily vanzant-gillette

Reminded me of my home beaches in Florida! So many many little beautiful like river stones all along the water so we collected rocks instead of shells! And we skipped them so many of them! A perfect easter day with the nature trails through the dunes hills and forest we got plenty of exercise then roasted buffalo dogs and peeps hidden at one of the pick nicking areas we cant wait to bring back our bikes

Diamond Dust

We had so much fun here! The Sandy beaches were clean and everyone on the beach seemed happy to be there. Good family atmosphere.

Pao Xiong

Nice beach within wilderness park. Only downside was that when we got there at 6pm, the beach was closed down. The life guards ordered everyone to get out of the water. The park wardens keeps a watch thereafter and will give citations to those whom choose to go swimming after hours.

Bob Papka

If you haven't been here, give it a try. Pretty awesome

Dee Ramseyer

It was a very clean beach. The people were friendly. The park was easy to navigate. (We visited the park that is accessed from 49)

Ryne Sechrist

My first time there and it was fun! The beach is large and very clean. There is plenty to see and do.

Shahzad Daudi

Awesome day on the dunes and Lake Michigan!... clean, well maintained and so accessible... very easy drive in from Chicago, just pack a few of your favorite snacks and have a picnic... get away from life for a few hours and unwind on the lake shore that seems like an inland sea!

Shahzad Daudi

Awesome day on the dunes and Lake Michigan!... clean, well maintained and so accessible... very easy drive in from Chicago, just pack a few of your favorite snacks and have a picnic... get away from life for a few hours and unwind on the lake shore that seems like an inland sea!

Tammy Livingston

Absolutely beautiful scenery. Hiking the dunes is an excellent way to get exercise and enjoy the park. The beach is clean and the people are friendly. Wonderful spot to spend time with your family.

Stephanie Schopf

This is an excellent place to go hiking and have fun at the beach. The area is absolutely beautiful, and it is pretty easy tho navigate! We got there around noon, and I should mention that traffic isn't particularly fun when you hat close (30 minutes to go 1 mile), but it was easy enough to find parking.

Daniela 00000

Great place to go out and relax. Good for kids as well. There is a beach, lots of sand, outdoor showers. Hiking trails, lots of nature to experience.

Cyndi

This place is family friendly and perfect to hike and site see!

Mary Andrews

The naturalist talks at the Nature Center were awesome. The campground was kept very clean and the restrooms also. Trails very well marked. Great beach an of course beautiful all around. We had a great time. Thank you Cookie for your talks at the Nature Center. You are Awesome! !!

Benjamin Janssen

Beautiful place to watch the sunset but a fair warning. (1) Bring bug spray as the bugs and mosquitos are everywhere in the woods and on the beach. (2) the bike trails are more just walking trails. They're not well kept and It's not worth popping a tube so just walk instead. (3) Lastly it costs $7 for Indiana residents to park. At the end of the day we enjoyed ourselves but it wasn't the experience we were expecting. The park service really needs to redo the biking trails they have listed. It's pretty sad honestly because more people would visit if the bike paths were better. The surrounding area has wonderful bike paths full of thousands of bikers each year.

Michelle Stillwell

A beautiful Park if you like Sandy Dunes for me it wasn't as enjoyable but that's cuz I've got asthma but it's very beautiful to go to. I suggest Trail 9 if it's your first time there(not a beginner hike for that start with Trail 7 or Trail 8.9) and Trail 10 if you want to die. Trail 2 is beautiful but it is currently closed unfortunately. in the Nature Center has some chill Turtles! oh yeah and also they've never got pins and that's the best!

James Zhang

Great beaches and hiking. Can see the Chicago skyline across the lake on a clear day. Definitely a great place for a weekend getaway. Dunes are pretty nice and many of the trails go through and you walk through sand. Easy access from Chicago and NW IN. Not something you would expect in Indiana!

Code Duff

The Wait lines can be BEYOND OUTRAGEOUS, but the beach is wonderful. You can shower and the restroom is clean. Play volleyball, camp, and swim. This place is a prime destination, and many know it. Plan ahead. There will be traffic

Darren and Helen Gruett

This is one of our favorite places to go every year at the end of the summer. The beach is clean, and the water is shallow and warm. You can wade out for quite a ways too with the water only up to your waist.

Fred Bishop

We have come here hundreds of tltimes, but hadn't been for awhile. This was a very short visit. Campgrounds were very clean and so were the restrooms. Like the new comfort room rooms by the ol old pavilion. Can't wait to see how they are going to remodel it!

Michael Edwards

The trails were somewhat decent considering there isn't much else around. However, my issue was with the campground. I have been to many campgrounds and this was by far the most crowded and by crowded I don't mean full, in the summer time it's expected it to be near full capacity. I am referring to the amount of space in an individual campsite. The campsites are extremely close together in many different parts. And while I was not going there necessarily for privacy, I don't want to be able to hear everyone's conversations in the neighboring campsites. I could literally hear every word and sound from 4-5 different campsites. I live in a Chicago and I felt more crowded here than I did in a large city. I go camping to get away from all that and this was worse than being at home. This alone warranted a 2 star review but the part that made me give this a one star is the fact that there are many unmarked trails that aren't supposed to be used because it destroys parts of the preserve. And some of those trails lead to people's campsites. Within my 2 days there, I had probably 8 different groups of people walk directly through my campsite. I don't have an issue with people and usually welcome others, but not a single person would apologize for intruding. Not to mention my dog is a recent rescue and can sometimes get nervous when strangers approach him. This resulted in a few unpleasant encounters because people were intruding in his space and he got scared of that. (Yes, we are still in the process of training, but I think these reactions were warranted) Not a single person there seemed to care about anyone else's space there and just did as they please. Some of the people who intruded, knowingly walked through our campsite within 3 feet of us and didn't even say a word. That is extremely rude. I will not be recommending this place to anyone who wants a real camping experience, nor will I ever be returning. This was the worst run campground I have ever seen.

Leonard Bowman

A great beach that wasn't crowded. In fact, it was sparsely populated despite the gorgeous weather (granted, it was the end of August). There's a nearby dune with a section for sand sliding. There are restrooms and changing rooms with lockers. The beach pavilion's history is intriguing but closed to the public. It would earn 5 stars if the pavilion was renovated and reopened to function as originally designed. The dune trails were fun. There's a "3 Dune Challenge" trail that's 1.5 miles going over the 3 big dunes. The first dune has an adjoining trail going down that would be amazing for sand sledding. The second dune has a minimal view of the lake. The third dune has a great view towards Illinois, Michigan, and the lake. The camping area has electric but I didn't see water connections so double check that before you camp there with an RV.

Sandeep Pinjerla

Loved our visit. 11$ to enter is not bad. 3 dune challenge is fun to take. Not for everyone but even if taken it has shortcuts to cut thru. We finished in about an hour at moderate pace. We started at the beach and ended at the beach and enjoyed water after the hike. Recommended that way instead of starting at nature center. Beaches, restrooms, showers all well maintained. Good views of lake from top of the dunes.

Dinah Diaries

So many activities offered: camping, hiking, swimming, bird watching, etc. A nature lover (like me) would have a ball

Robert Gephart

Great place for hiking! Afterwards, jump in the lake to cool off... Assuming it is summer...

Patricia Slager

Our second trip here. Top notch campground. Bathrooms cleaned twice daily. Spacious campsites. Great beach and trails. Well be back!

Adrian Duggan

absolutely beautiful. The observatory is real neat, the sand is soft and the water is crisp. The trails are great to walk, and there's some very nice secluded areas as well, so even though it was crowded af when we went, my man and I were able to enjoy some peaceful time.

Ernest Bird

Definitely our favorite Indiana State campground. Nice big lots that are mostly shaded. Just watch out for the sand burs if you are going bare foot.

Kuldip Shah

Absolutely best sand beach. Clear water and sandy beach soothing on legs. I will definitely visit again.

Carolina Arteaga

I have been wanting to visit the Indiana Dunes for the longest time, after hearing about how awesome it is and found out that it's very true. It is an awesome place, plus it's clean.

Lisa B

The beach and restrooms a very clean despite all the people there and the water is crystal clear and it was just a good time with family.

Kathleen Resendiz

It was a great time spent st the Indiana Duned State Park. The only downside was the over an hour traffic wait to get into the park.

Christopher Read

Amazing clear water and massive sand dunes. We loved it as a stop off on way to Chicago.

Meredith Ulrich

So it's a little embarrassing, but the only Great Lake I've ever seen my whole life has been Lake Erie. Until today when I finally was able to see Lake Michigan in all her glory today. And all o can say is wow. Lake Michigan is literally gorgeous in comparison to Lake Erie. The Dunes were so incredibly gorgeous too! Overall the park was very clean, the water was amazing, and the dunes were so much fun to climb and run as fast as we could down straight in the lake. My husband and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary while we were there just having a fun filled day at the lake and it really was just an amazing place to be for a day. It's a great place for families, friends, or couples!

Leonard Bowman

A great beach that wasn't crowded. In fact, it was sparsely populated despite the gorgeous weather (granted, it was the end of August). There's a nearby dune with a section for sand sliding. There are restrooms and changing rooms with lockers. The beach pavilion's history is intriguing but closed to the public. It would earn 5 stars if the pavilion was renovated and reopened to function as originally designed. The dune trails were fun. There's a "3 Dune Challenge" trail that's 1.5 miles going over the 3 big dunes. The first dune has an adjoining trail going down that would be amazing for sand sledding. The second dune has a minimal view of the lake. The third dune has a great view towards Illinois, Michigan, and the lake. The camping area has electric but I didn't see water connections so double check that before you camp there with an RV.

Mansi Rathi

Visited this beautiful beach in Indiana dunes state park with family. There is entry fee of 12$ per car for people from outside IN. Beach is clean and water is so clear. There are rest rooms, changing rooms, open showers on the beach. There is car parking available on the beach. No floatable allowed in water but if you have kayak you can use that. There is no food or drinks stalls there to buy but you can bring your own food, grill, drinks, tents to make your stay more fun. It’s beautiful and cool place to visit.

Mansi Rathi

Visited this beautiful beach in Indiana dunes state park with family. There is entry fee of 12$ per car for people from outside IN. Beach is clean and water is so clear. There are rest rooms, changing rooms, open showers on the beach. There is car parking available on the beach. No floatable allowed in water but if you have kayak you can use that. There is no food or drinks stalls there to buy but you can bring your own food, grill, drinks, tents to make your stay more fun. It’s beautiful and cool place to visit.

Pam Perrin

We heard it was a new national park so we stopped by when visiting the area. Our national park pass didn't work here and had to pay a per car fee to get in. Nice beach, but not much hiking. Pretty view across the lake to Chicago.

Sarah B

Beautiful beach! We camped there over the 4th of July weekend and they weren't prepared for the crowd. Bathrooms and dumpsters definitely needed more attention throughout the weekend. The hiking trails were clean with no trash and the nature center was very inviting.

Richard Frame III

Love finding these places that I've passed by lots of times, then finally going.. it wasn't too busy out there today.. it was sunny, windy and low humidity on this August 23, 2019.. just fun walking the sandy trails, taking some nice pics of Lake Michigan with Chicago in the distance. Makes for a nice day trip.. plus there's a food stand with Hot Dogs and Pulled Pork sandwiches that are reasonably priced. It's $12 to get in for the day.

Richard Frame III

Love finding these places that I've passed by lots of times, then finally going.. it wasn't too busy out there today.. it was sunny, windy and low humidity on this August 23, 2019.. just fun walking the sandy trails, taking some nice pics of Lake Michigan with Chicago in the distance. Makes for a nice day trip.. plus there's a food stand with Hot Dogs and Pulled Pork sandwiches that are reasonably priced. It's $12 to get in for the day.

Viana Miller

We love the campground. Its large sites and concrete slabs for campers. Nice pedestrian and biking trails. Awesome beach.

Christine Schoell

The downfall was that it took over a half an hour to get through a ridiculously long line of cars funneling into only 2 pay booths. Then navigating to an open lot when one attendant either missed what was standing out there for or really just did not care. Otherwise the trip was great.

jerome smigla

We went on a 78 ° day with a breeze off the lake, Beautiful!! Main beach house is being remodeled, but a bath house is open. There was a good concession with hot dogs etc. Just had a pizza puff and fries, both were fine.

Misty Garcia

We live 5 hours from here and it was the first time bringing my children to these beaches. Although we love the beach, the parking staff in one of the lots that apparently isn’t normally staffed, were extremely rude and refused to let ya park. TWICE! Even letting others turn in when we clearly were waiting and asked! They kept telling us to move along that we are blocking traffic. There was no traffic behind us. We reminded them they told us we have to wait for the car to pull out and they were finally pulling out. Literally waiting to turn, and they were allowing someone else to turn in! We literally have circled around twice to get a parking spot! They threatened that if we didn’t leave they would call dispatch and have our vehicle towed if we tried to park there. WHAT?! Needless to say, my kids first experience to your state and beach wasn’t impressionable. My youngest felt like the guy was going to throw us all in jail. Terrible kids working parking areas. Shouldn’t allow favoritism or think they can determine who can park in a free lot or not.

Dan Petreikis

America's newest national Park, Indiana dunes offers stunning views along with miles of hiking trails to challenge you. when your done exploring, cool off with a quick dip in lake Michigan, or just relax on the beach! learn more about the area at the Nature Center, a terrific place to sit and bird watch!

Jonathan Martin

Beautiful scenery. Great hiking. Clean and well-maintained.

Adam Johnson

There is often a long line of cars to get into this park on warm weekends! Consider walking or biking in from the nearby train station (fee is also reduced if you walk or bike in). Also, please take the signs seriously that say to stay on marked trails. The Dunes are very prone to erosion from visitors, and every year a boy scout troop has to do a summer project to undo tourist damage. If you like to hike, this park offers an unusual "3 Dune Challenge" among its sandy trails that, while short, can be quite a workout. Try it counterclockwise for three steep climbs, clockwise for more gradual climbs (not necessarily easier!). The other trails at the park range from packed soil to loose, sand, easy to moderate. The campground is well-kept. The Nature Center is also worth a visit.

Karyn Struck

This is one of my favorite places to visit. I grew up in this area and have been coming to this beach since I was young. Lake Michigan is so big that it feels like you're at the ocean when you're here. The kids spend hours digging in the sand and looking for rocks. There are big sand dunes that are fun to climb. Clean and modern restrooms. There is a campground and several picnic shelters. Worth a visit!

Irfan Ahmed Syed

Good beach to visit, one suggestion is they have to add few more parking booths.

Alioune Gueye

Beautiful sandy beaches and campground. I wish there were more swimming hours but the dune hiking will keep you busy.

Angela Alburei

I have been going here for years and it’s always so much fun! I love walking up the dunes and being on the beach. It’s clean and there’s usually always parking available. There are sometimes food carts open in case you get hungry.

류용운

Beautiful scenery. The beach is highly recommended to visit.

Aiyshwariya PK

The trails are awesome. The views along the trails of the beach, Chicago skyline are all worth it!

Terry Bork

Fantastic dunes and beach. Nice csmping and hiking area. It is now a National Park. Could use some additional cleaning in the new bath house.

Michael Schneider

A beautiful beach. Nice trails to hike the dunes. Make sure you get a map or you will easily get lost.

sadia rimsha

We entered free of charge on may 5. Beach was good and clean. White sand. Swimming wasn't allowed because no lifeguard was present on duty. Nice hiking trails. Ample parking space.

kalyan ashok

Great place to visit with family during the summer time. The place is well organized and maintained. There has been 4 bay-watch towers and lifeguards available Incase of any emergency. Showers and restrooms available near swimming area.

Michael Turznik

How do you rate a natural place?...like any other i guess... Would have gave all 5 stars, but not until Mother Nature gets the mosquito swarms under control. Once the sun sets...Baamm! Actually, it's really cool. Lockers you can rent, and a really smart changing room area.

sabarish burlagadda

Very good place to enjoy beach and trail in dunes. Maintenance in this beach is very good, worth to go.

Janet Gruwell

Great! Hiked atop the dunes and through the woods. Just beautiful. Fantastic natural resource for Indiana!

Ning Sanderson

Last mini vacation on Labor Day weekend. Indiana has nice state parks. This is one of them. This park has all types of activities from hiking, swimming, picnic, etc. The day of visit was overcast, the pictures did not fit how beautiful the park is.

Devra Cerny

$12 entry fee, but it was a fantastic place to watch sunset after climbing the dunes. Downtown Chicago is your backdrop. Lots of people walking the beach with their dogs.

Rich Peters

Great place. Thank goodness some wosw people preserved it instead of letting it get industrialized

Fish Chikin

The abandoned restaurant building down near the beach is pretty frickin cool tbh

Sasha Starr

I'm in love with the entire indiana dunes lake front area!! This was not our favorite beach and it cost $12 per car to get in, even though it was just before dark when we arrived, just wanting to watch the sunset. But it was by far the largest beach we have visited in that area so far and getting to climb the devils slide sand dune was pretty awesome.

Sasha Starr

I'm in love with the entire indiana dunes lake front area!! This was not our favorite beach and it cost $12 per car to get in, even though it was just before dark when we arrived, just wanting to watch the sunset. But it was by far the largest beach we have visited in that area so far and getting to climb the devils slide sand dune was pretty awesome.

Sally Jones

Lovely park. Important to preserve. Looking down the shoreline you see why...smokestacks mar the landscape.

Elliot Green

Amazing find, We took out dog and she loved it... only reason it wasnt a 5 star is the power plant being so close.

Mark Nelson

Love the hiking. Every time we go there, there is something different to see or a trail has changed. Almost a new park everytime we go there.

YJ Lee

5 Stars, of course. Just adding my voice to the masses. I have seen some incredible sunsets here. Unfortunately, I am impatient as hell, so I can't always come here due to the long lines to get in to park. However, once in, it's heaven.

Phil Hale

Great excursion walking on a sandy path. On trail 7 the trees engulf you; it's like walking thru a tree tunnels or cave, until you make it to the lake. It's very surreal. There were several people

Wayne Kramer Jr.

Easily one of the most sought after hiking destinations in the midwest. Tranquil environment, large sand dunes and scenic views all along lake Michigan.

Mike Recinto

We traveled a bit to get there. The National Park registry labels the area as National Park . The guy at the gate said that Indiana Dunes will never be a National Park. He said it like he didn't like the idea. He said Indiana wants to keep all the money. Its not the National Park, can't use your National Park pass. But I guess the National Park is a ways down the road. So confusing. Paid $7 and really it's worth it to drive up a bit to the ones in Michigan like Warren Dunes.

Beautiful Loser77

Absolutely love this place. We try and go every year.It is so beautiful here.And so much to see. Very relaxing.

MOHAMMED DALOWAR HOSSAIN

It's an awesome place to visit, clean beach, trail, place for camping, green all over the place, nice things are enjoyed the beach and hills together, also there are porch to see nice view of beach, really liked it.

aali farooqi

We have fun time there enjoyed trail too.

Caitlyn Kramer

Every memorial day we go here and have an amazing time. We stay at the campground and go to the beach as much ad we can. When entering the park after you pay your fee, in state residents pay cheaper, you have two options for beaches. Either one is close to the bathrooms so you can't go wrong there. The beaches are usually pretty clean and the pavilion will soon be a restaurant.

Tammy Wronowicz

Very nice park. Very clean. Nice campground. Beautiful sunsets over lake Michigan!!

Mary Tenny

We absolutely love how the staff is so kind, and helpful. It's a beautiful place to visit. ❣

Viliyan Iliev

Great place , quiet well organized and maintained. We just went there with huge group of people for a few days and spent a awesome time. We loved the trails around the campground as well.

Keith Patrick

Always good. Nice beach. Well kept. Nice picnic area.

Sandeep Pinjerla

Loved our visit. 11$ to enter is not bad. 3 dune challenge is fun to take. Not for everyone but even if taken it has shortcuts to cut thru. We finished in about an hour at moderate pace. We started at the beach and ended at the beach and enjoyed water after the hike. Recommended that way instead of starting at nature center. Beaches, restrooms, showers all well maintained. Good views of lake from top of the dunes.

Thomas and Laura Sanford

Indiana Dunes State Park is such a fun place to be. My family has went there multiple times and enjoyed it. The sunset is beautiful from so many places and there are great places to take hikes. The beach is really neat and all the sand everywhere is interesting. There are good little restaurants around the area. One of them is a barbecue place that kid rock visited at one point and signed the wall.

Charles Letbetter

Summer is here and engineer wants to be on the beach, right? If you think of Indiana as another landlocked flyover state, guess again. Indiana Dunes is a perfect place for family time at the beach. The natural sand beaches aren't fake, either. The dunes are totally natural, and they're living, as evidenced by the fact they parking lots have to be cleared every morning. Public swimming starts at 11 but if you're a bird watcher you want to get there at sunrise. This is a treasure trove of adventure.

Amber

Great place, beautiful to visit, but definitely get out before it gets dark because it's very easy to get lost. Not a lot of markers telling you where you're at or how to get back to the parking area.

Chanela Patterson

Always crowded but worth the wait. It's beautiful here

Linda Greene

The lake was the calmest I have ever seen it. And yet nobody was out in the water. All the deaths around the lake are finally sinking in. Stay out of the water! Still one of the most beautiful parks to visit.

Tabatha Fulk

This place takes you away from all the chaos of life if just for a bit, beautiful lake and so many trails. If you're a bicycle ride this is the place to see some lovely scenery.

Veronica Stanley

Everyone had a great time it's been many yrs since I've been to a Beach

Widya Bever

The dunes and beach are pretty clean. The ticket to get in costs $7 per car if you’re Indiana Resident. The beach is closed at 7pm. be aware of ticks though when you explore the trails on the dunes. The restroom is clean. There were no food options when my husband and I went there so pack your food and snacks. the parking lot is closed to the beach.

Mehrdad Vaziri

The park is great, so many spots for beach lovers, and it's clean for the most part. There are a good number of shelters if you decided to throw a party at this place. it gets very busy, though parking should not be a problem. They also have a wide range of trails for walking and running and biking fans. Overall, it was a great experience. We didn't get to camp there due to being full, though I imagine it would be fun. The entrance fee of $12 is a bit much considering we only spent few hours there, however no complaint on that front....

Mehrdad Vaziri

The park is great, so many spots for beach lovers, and it's clean for the most part. There are a good number of shelters if you decided to throw a party at this place. it gets very busy, though parking should not be a problem. They also have a wide range of trails for walking and running and biking fans. Overall, it was a great experience. We didn't get to camp there due to being full, though I imagine it would be fun. The entrance fee of $12 is a bit much considering we only spent few hours there, however no complaint on that front....

Tonya Miller

I was shocked to learn we had to pay a $12 entrance fee to get to the campground/park on top of the campground fees. We were not thrilled with this extra surprise! However, staff was nice and bathrooms were decent. Showers were nice and hot. A nice path to the beach. Overall a nice park.

Jessica P

Beautiful place for a walk along Lake Michigan. But $12 just to enter is crazy.

Durk Reinsma

Just a beautiful lake shore. Was a great night to watch the setting sun. I love walking on the beach, especially in September & early October.

Am M.

Clean but could use people being more responsible while there with trash, not overly populated area the time of day we were there around 4. Shower stations with bathrooms were set up but biting flies met us there for our exit. Outdoor restrooms available and gate staff were pleasant and helpful.

elizabeth lemoine

I traveled here with my family years ago and loved it.. when I arrived here this time it brought back so many awesome memories.!! One of my most favorite places to visit for sure. Affordable for out of state visitors. Great camping sites. Bring your family and run down the dunes, trust me they wont forget it :)

Emily Bever

A great way to spend a day! We only hiked one dune of the 3 Dune Challenge because we started from the beach parking instead of the nature center-oops! Lovely bird observation deck accessible from the West beach parking lot. Soft sand beach with interesting rocks. Food and other vendors at beach pavilion

Justin Bush

Always a great place for a mini vacation. 7 dollars to get in. Plenty of parking. Changing rooms and restrooms available. Well kept beach. Beautiful scenery. Wonderful people. For next to nothing, you can have an amazing time.

Brandon Scott

The water was decent, and the waves were nice for the kids. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. One toilet was covered in feces, others were filled and over flowing. There were two operational toilets. Glass and concrete in the sand. The restroom/changing area definitely needs work. Kids enjoyed it, I did not.

Kevin Case

We are camping here. Sites are nice and facilities are good. It's our first trip here, but will definitely come back another time!

Chay Brayboy

Absolutely beautiful. Get there early in the morning and you can watch the sand getting turned for the day. You can see Chicago from the shoreline, boats in the distance. The beach is incredibly safe as well. You WILL know if there is a rip tide, or if the water is unsafe for the day, as it is well announced on the beach and lifeguards are present. They test the waters for themselves as well. And if course, there is sand for days. The place is clean. The bathrooms and changing areas are immaculate. And concessions/souvenirs are available in the afternoons. I highly recommend this place.

Brian Janz

Great beach and dunes. On a clear day you can see the Chicago skyline.

Paige Fanning

Beautiful place to swim and genuine regard for your kids well-being. My only complaint was the amount of trash build-up, but it was a busy day. Also, I'm of the opinion that when life guards are off duty, consenting adults should be allowed to swim at their own risk.

Melissa Sanchez-Fischer

Dunes are gorgeous. Beach gets so full you should walk with caution, On holidays/ weekends it gets full. be prepared to wait to have people leave the lot to enter. The bathrooms stay to smell around noon. The showers aren't much better either.

Marco Fantin

We explored a good portion of the park in one day of hiking. The views are great, but the hikes can be strenuous because of the steep dunes, the sand, and the scorching sun. We even saw a beautiful snake, which looked very poisoning, so be careful in the forested areas. We also spent a little time on the beach and it was a great time.

justin russell

Seemed nice little crowd holiday weekend. Close too Chicago 7 bucks for resident's 12 for nonresidents

Briana Jones

The hikes here have so much variation. At first you walk through forest, then you can be on top of a huge sand dune, and finally you're walking along Lake Michigan. The park could be better cared for though. We ended up picking up some of the trash along the lake because it took away from the experience.

Luis Boileve

The park is awesome. Getting in is another story. They need a better system. It took over 30 minutes just to get through the entrance road to the ticket gate

Dawn D

Very nice beach and sand dunes to run up and down

Maggie Hampton

We had a great weekend at the Indiana Dunes! The sites were plenty big and shaded. Trails were fun, beach was clean. People were very friendly and the campground was very quiet at night. If you are looking for a place to party, this isn't it. If you want a good relaxing weekend, you will fit right in.

Carly Gaspich

It gets too crowded....it costs a decent amount to get in to park which is ALWAYS full...usually from people from Illinois... You also have lifeguards... So that's good for kids...no alcohol... That's why I usually get a parking pass for a different private beach...

Mike Robertson

We love this place! We also love we can take our family dog with for a swim on the north side of the park!

Stephanie Pierce

Nice place to get out and stretch our legs, still unsure if it was worth the $12. Decent trail system although a little underwhelming. Wish some of the money would go to picking up the trash!

Joann Tucker

great place. the kids love it. visited in july had so much fun we went back in aug. bathrooms are clean

Forrest Walker

Great place, good facilities, walking access to train stop to Chicago. Good sites with decent size and space between. Will definitely stay here again. Seems a bit like gouging when they charge you to get into the park and charge for a campsite. Beautiful place. Showers/bathrooms could be updated and cleaner.

Pamela Zirbel

So pretty. Enjoyed our visit. Visitor Center was worth the stop. Watch the visitor center

Sahil Phule

Very good state park. It has hills made up of sand. Try the 3 Dunes Challenge, its quite a thrill.

Preston Smith

It has Beautiful beaches,sand dunes and trails. It's just like being at an ocean. I would highly recommend it! It is a relaxing get away that I would go back to,again and again.

Weston Hunn

Beach and changing rooms were clean. Great visit if you're nearby.

Sean Luedtke

It is great to now have a National Park so close to Chicago. So glad the dunes were protected so many years ago. The visitor center was very nice and the state park is well maintained. Only downside was the initial trail markings from the beach area.

Daniel Cummings

Very nice park, had an amazing time walking out of the car right up to the water through the sand! Being able to see Chicago on the other side was awesome! Great place for a getaway.

Claire Dolan

I love going to the chicago beaches, however, this Beach is a little less crowded; there’s plenty of room to set up an umbrella, tent, or even a campfire. They’re also really tall Sandune‘s that you can run up and then run back down again. If you also want to get to the top, but don’t think you can make the climb you can take the staircase that is by the parking lot to get to the top.

Emmy Marx

Absolutely wonderful place! I highly suggest the Three Dune Challenge! You get to see Lake Michigan from over a 100 feet up along with the forestry surrounding it! As if that wasn't enough, on way out, we stopped at the National Park Visitor Center and they gave us post cards, and stickers for completing the challenge!

Sherwood Avery

First time to the great lakes. Made sure I left the place better than I found it

Miss Andrea Reads

I visited yesterday with my kids - the first time I've been there in 18 years. Much has changed... I used to go one Saturday every August as a teenager and it was NOT crowded. I couldn't believe how crowded it was yesterday, like a Florida beach on spring break. It took us 30 minutes to get the 1.5 miles from the visitors center to the parking lot. We had to wait in line that long to pay our $7.00 to get in the park. We were directed to the west beach parking lot, but our friends had already arrived and settled on the far east end, so we had quite a haul over there with baby and cooler, etc. I was not a fan of all the new touristy stuff like food trucks and stands of souvenirs. The loudspeaker was annoying. I just wanted to come to a natural beach. I don't think they had lifeguards 18 years ago, either. All that being said, it's still very beautiful, and if you do go far to the east end like my friend did, you get out of the crowd a little bit. The restroom facilities are large and nice. It looks like they're doing some construction on the pavilion? The moral for me is, don't ever go on a weekend again, and don't haul so many heavy things with me. I'd like the try out other beaches in the area as well.

D G

The Indiana Dunes are a peaceful get away minutes from Chicago. There is large beach to roam on and sun dunes to explore. There is also a forest to wander through. There is a nominal fee to enter but well worth it. There are public restrooms and changing rooms

D G

The Indiana Dunes are a peaceful get away minutes from Chicago. There is large beach to roam on and sun dunes to explore. There is also a forest to wander through. There is a nominal fee to enter but well worth it. There are public restrooms and changing rooms

David Marvin

I absolutely love the dunes. I grew up near them and recently drove back from Indianapolis to visit. It was beautiful as always. It's a great place to walk the dog or just catch some sun. And if your ambitious, pick a dune and climb it!!!

scott miranda

We ride our bicycle from our home to the Park my five year old loves the facilities and the people that work there are friendly.

Hanna Lelis

Amazing place! So beautiful! Very busy though.

Jonas Dornseifer

Very nice place to relax and enjoy a day at the beach. They also have some hiking trails.

Kelly Harlev

We went on a cloudy Sunday and it took 31 minutes to get up to where you pay. Long long wait. It was crowded but the beach and water were very clean!!!

dana larock

This was an unexpected surprise on the way out west... the beach is huge, we arrived just before sunset, & were treated to a beautiful sunset, featuring the Chicago skyline.

matthew clement

I took my sandboard here for the first time. I took trail 7 to the beach. It was a pretty direct route. Forgot how difficult it was to walk uphill on sand! Once I got to the beach. I was able to practice and fall a lot without being judged as nobody was there! Overall it was clean and well taken care of, unlike Illinois State Parks. The $12 entrance fee for out of state is worth the price to protect these beautiful places.

Pamela

The beach is nice..the sunset is beautiful.. I think parking for out of state is a little high..and their food and t shirt area has thing priced way to high.. but the beach and seeing Chicago in the background it is simply beautiful! Because it was such a beautiful scene..I'll pay the parking price again..however..Friday and Saturday s.. get there early

Zack F

The 3 dune challenge is a fun way to spend time hiking with the family with a little bit of effort needed!

Minghwa Tan

Great place to hike with a friend. It's relatively quiet and the loose sand adds a little difficulty to the trail for those who like a little challenge. You're rewarded with expansive dunescape views and Lake Michigan waters along the trail! Just beware the insects especially in summer.

Eric Bunge

Great walks through the woods on the sand, very unique. Seeing Chicago in the distance is amazing from "Mount Holden".

Rabia Siddiqui

Absolutely gorgeous, separate locations for hiking and picnic. There is also a playground for kids. Beach is beautiful and not crowded. Perfect for relaxing and having fun

Natalie LaPointe

I liked the view and the dunes were fun but the bathrooms were not clean at all

Ryan Davis

It was nice until the life guards said we had to get out of the water at 6. Wanted to swim on a 90' day not just sit in sand. Was enjoyable until then.

Wickedness 4Life

Visiting from out of town, the beach was great but very long lines to get into the parking lot. Took a little over an hour waiting in the car to get into the parking area. It was a typical Saturday in July so not sure if that is always the case on Summer weekends. Not worth the wait if you just want to cool off on hot summer day.

Jeremy Evans

I have been 4 times since my Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. I have only seen and experienced a small portion of the park. Every time I go I discover more and more. Each time I visit I don't want to leave.

Rick Summers

Awesome relaxing time and beautiful scenery, definitely a perfect place for a mini vacay for family and also couples we will definitely come back .

Terence Faircross

The state park and national parks are awesome! If you think you've got it try the 3 Dunes Challenge. The have nice beaches with rangers doing campfires in some of them. I love it! And on a clear day you can see the Chicago skyline...

Elaine Kopf

We himed the 3 Dune Challenge and trail #9, the ranger's favorite. A great way to spend a few hours and really see the park.

Shanell Moffatt- Mitchell

There's a gorgeous recreation area the water is lovely. No ocean therefore is not technically salt life. Cellphone reception is limited or possibly none existing. The water looks pretty clean and the lifeguards require people to clear the water when their shift ends . (Roughly 6pm)

David Kotynski

Such a great weekend get away! Very friendly staff overall!

Ben Macey

So nice! All I did was hang on the beach, and play in the water. My kids loved it! They are accustomed to salt water, so the whole fresh water thing was really cool to them. Parking was a little expensive as I am not a resident of the state, but worth it I guess. I highly recommend the Dunes.