The 3 Dune Challenge
Climb up the three tallest dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s 1.5 miles of tough trail and 100% brag-worthy.
Diana of the Dunes Dare
We dare you to walk in the footsteps of Diana, a legendary dune advocate who lived in the Indiana Dunes wilderness.
Drop-In Volunteering
Get involved and give back when visiting! Drop-in volunteer opportunities are easy, educational, and rewarding.
Memorial Opera House
Memorial Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers entertainment for its guests.
Zao Island Amusement Center
An adventureland for grown-ups and kids alike with miniature golf courses, go-karts, a game room, and more!
Valparaiso University
The university welcomes visitors to its art museum and has many events, such as Jazz Fest, theater shows, and more.
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
The Birding Festival is an event that showcases the abundance of migratory birds in the Indiana Dunes.
Chesterton's European Market
An outdoor family/artisanal market is held in historic downtown Chesterton every Saturday from May to October.
Tour the American Factory at Journeyman Distillery
Visit the new distillery, brewery, and production floor to learn the process of our grain-to-glass spirits!
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Join Valpo Parks downtown for the chance to safely view the 2024 Solar Eclipse!
Gigantic Indoor Garage Sale
Here, you will find 3 interconnected buildings with over 32,000 square feet packed with bargains just for you!
Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival
Each fall, locals lead over 100 events in ten days to celebrate the variety of outdoor adventures you can have!
49'er Drive-In Theatre
The 49er Drive-In Theatre is Northwest Indiana's only drive-in theater and one of around 300 in the entire country.
The Port Drive-In
The Port Drive-In is a blast from the past and is one of the Indiana Dunes area's must-sees & dos.
Broken Wagon Bison Farm
Home to over 100 American bison, Broken Wagon Bison Farm provides an experience like no other.
Indiana Dunes Century of Progress Homes
Five historic houses, originally displayed in the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, now live at the Indiana Dunes.
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
Gabis is popular among birding enthusiasts and offers dog-friendly walking trails, gardens, and woodlands.
PoCo Muse
The award-winning Porter County Museum is devoted to the history and culture of Porter County.
Indiana Dunes Coffee & Sweets Trail
With locations throughout the Indiana Dunes area, you don’t need to “pour over it” another minute.
The 3 Pizza Challenge
You’ve heard about Chicago’s pizza, but Indiana Dunes is ready to give the Windy City a run for its money.
Don Quijote Restaurante and Imports
Often called “The most authentic Spanish restaurant outside of Spain,” Don Quijote serves amazing food!
Speakeasy at the Spa
Enjoy classic cocktails that were invented during Prohibition, along with domestic, craft and imported drinks.
Trailyard Kitchen + Bar
Surrounded by nature and friends— Trailyard Kitchen aims to bring people together.
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe
Travel to Valpo Velvet Ice Cream for homemade, old-fashioned ice cream treats made the same way since 1947.
Dunes 101: Things You Didn't Know about the Indiana Dunes
- 5 minute read
Separate passes are needed for the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. For more information, visit the Indiana Dunes Entrance Fees page. There's more to the Indiana Dunes than warm sand, blue water, and miles of hiking trails. For example, as of 2021, it's the fifth most biodiverse…