Dunes

Visitors from beyond the state of Indiana are often surprised to discover that Indiana not only has coastline, but that its coast is on Lake Michigan, the fifth largest freshwater lake in the world! And among visitors fortunate enough to know about this shoreline, many know it only for its beautiful beaches.

But just beyond the beach lie the some of the world’s largest lakeshore dunes, including Mount Baldy, a 125-foot “living dune.” Come visit and find out what sets a living dune apart from other dunes. Walk among native wild lupines blooming along the Inland Marsh Trail at the Indiana Dunes National Park-and perhaps spot rare Karner blue butterflies sipping nectar from their flowers. Visit one of the Dunes Region’s many historic sites and museums. Explore the grounds of the beautiful Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, or watch for shorebirds and waterfowl along one of the many lakeshore beaches.

In the Dunes Region of the Beaches and Beyond Outdoor Adventures Guide, you’ll find 29 great sites to explore. Learn more about them below.