Whether you’re an avid hiker or your preferred way to spend time outdoors is dining on patios, sometimes being outdoors in nature is necessary. The next time you’re up for a little outdoor adventure, do yourself the favor of spending a day at Indiana Dunes State Park. This scenic stretch of beach is so beautiful, you’ll swear you’re at the ocean.

Indiana Dunes State Park is located in Porter County, resting comfortably on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Thomas T / TripAdvisor The area is only about 47 miles from Chicago, but you’ll feel like you’re lightyears away from the big city.

The park offers 2,182 acres of rugged, beautiful landscape, and you’ll love exploring every square mile.

Wise Woman Wanderer / TripAdvisor You’ll find the park entrance at the north end of State Road 49.

The terrain includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore, plus plenty of spots for nature hikes.

Agb2007 / TripAdvisor You’ll also spot some large sand dunes, which have taken thousands of years to form. Some of them tower almost 200 feet above the sand!

Scientists and nature enthusiasts recognized this area’s value in the early 1900s, when they came together to try to get the region preserved.

Feni D / TripAdvisor It worked. The state park was officially established in 1925.

You can visit this stunning park any time of year, although most prefer to spend time there in the summer.

Rick H / TripAdvisor But there’s something to be said for going when it’s nice and secluded in the off-season. For one, you’ll enjoy quieter and more peaceful walks.

Along with the miles of sandy shoreline, the park is home to a wide range of habitats and plant species.

management / TripAdvisor The habitats found here provide homes for plenty of plants and animals.

Indiana Dunes State Park really is remarkable.

KB2016 / TripAdvisor Check it out now, while there are still some sunny days ahead.

Have you been to Indiana Dunes State Park lately? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

Thomas T / TripAdvisor

The area is only about 47 miles from Chicago, but you’ll feel like you’re lightyears away from the big city.

Wise Woman Wanderer / TripAdvisor

You’ll find the park entrance at the north end of State Road 49.

Agb2007 / TripAdvisor

You’ll also spot some large sand dunes, which have taken thousands of years to form. Some of them tower almost 200 feet above the sand!

Feni D / TripAdvisor

It worked. The state park was officially established in 1925.

Rick H / TripAdvisor

But there’s something to be said for going when it’s nice and secluded in the off-season. For one, you’ll enjoy quieter and more peaceful walks.

management / TripAdvisor

The habitats found here provide homes for plenty of plants and animals.

KB2016 / TripAdvisor

Check it out now, while there are still some sunny days ahead.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA