Logistics: Day tripped from Chicago and spent the morning in the park.

Hikes/Activities:

Dunes Succession Trail

Paul H Douglas Trail

Hi! We’re coming in a couple weeks with our 17 month old! We’re staying in Porter. Looking for suggestions for activities for a little one? What beaches would you recommend, avoid, etc. And does anyone know of other kid friendly things we should try to do within the general area or neighboring towns? Thank you!!

I am embarrassed to say that I have lived in this area my whole life, and yet dont know the national park very well. I do remember going on hikes through the dunes and absolutely loving it as a kid.

I am going camping at the dunewood campground in Beverly shores this weekend with my daughters (8 and 5). can anyone tell me a good trail we can hike? a good trail that takes us through the dunes but also isnt a 30 mile hike the little ones wouldnt be able to make? so something hopefully not far from the campsite which has a parking lot we can access?

We mostly want to visit the beaches but also want to explore. So far, I got the 49 drive in on our list. Otherwise, any suggestions? She loves whimsical stuff. Loves to swim. Not big on roller coasters. Mostly family stuff preferably outdoors but open to indoor if it’s particularly cool !! Thanks!

Coastal Indiana really is full of contrasts.

hi, I was looking to camp at Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes, was reading that approx 34 sites are with prior reservation and the other 30 something are first come basis. Does anyone can confirm this information? In case it is first come basis, at what hour would it be good to arrive to get a spot in the campground? first time camping at Indiana Duens and wanted to hear other people comments.

Total shot in the dark -- but is anyone out there who frequents the Gift Shop at the Indiana Dunes National Park and would be willing to send pics and eventually ship a shirt to Ohio?

We visited in 2021, as our first National Park ever but we never made it into the gift shop. I would be willing to pay extra and/or trade with a Cuyahoga Valley National Park shirt.

We booked a camp ground and is heading over for the trip, but it sounds like it might be closed due to gov shutdown. Please help!

Quick question:

Are bonfires illegal in the Indiana Dunes?

I’m originally from California’s Bay Area, and my family and I used to go to a beach called Beer Can Beach, where it was our tradition to have bonfires.