Parks / The Plains and the Great Lakes
Indiana Dunes
Stop 45 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Chesterton IN, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Lakefront / dunes.
- State
- IN
- Stay in
- Chesterton IN
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- July
- Don't miss
- Lakefront / dunes
- Getting here
- 664 mi from Grand Portage MN, about 13 h 8 min. Plan 1 overnight stop.
- Next stop
- Cuyahoga Valley, 310 mi, about 5 h 44 min.
About the Park
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. Known for its striking plant and bird diversity, it's easy to find inspiration throughout the park’s 16,000 acres.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Chesterton IN. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
- $25 Private Vehicle
- $20 Motorcycle
- $15 Per person (walk or bike in)
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Gateway Arch about 264 mi as the crow flies
- Cuyahoga Valley about 287 mi as the crow flies
- Mammoth Cave about 315 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/indu/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.