There is one special park in Indiana where you can have the ultimate vacation without having to leave state lines. Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana has sandy beaches, wooded hiking trails, rivers full of fish, and a dark night sky full of stars. It’s the perfect place to get away from the everyday stress of life, where you can find relaxing views day and night. If there is one national park to visit in Indiana this is the one that should make the top of the list.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

Nestled between Gary and Michigan City, Indiana Dunes National Park is a stunning lakeside national park that's the perfect destination for your Midwest beach vacation.
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
Grab your beach chair and pick a sunny spot on one of the eight Lake Michigan beaches in the park.
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
Since this area is both a national park and a state park, they require different fees. Be sure to check the park's website for fees before you head over.
It's is also superb for hiking. Visitors can pick from more than 10 different trails. The miles of trails can take hikers over dunes, bogs, marshes, woodlands, and more!
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
At the end of the night, guests can pitch a tent or bring their RV into the campsite. The campsite at the National Park is open for the season and has sites available through November 1st.
KJ Hoosier/TripAdvisor

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Take a stroll out to the beach and watch the sunset. Even on a cloudy evening, the park skyline is stunning.
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
Visitors often bring telescopes or participate in special stargazing events throughout the year. It's a great place to view the starry sky because the beaches stay open to visitors until 11 PM.
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
Photographers are known to frequent this park for it's incredible dark skies. The stars always put on a great display during a clear night.
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
Let the moon dazzle you on the shores of Lake Michigan. For a moment, you may just forget you're not actually on a tropical beach vacation.
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook
It's the perfect place to watch the sunset turn into a starry night. You won't regret staying within state lines for your summer beach vacation!
Indiana Dunes National Park/Facebook

All public use areas in the park are open daily from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Campsite fees are $25/night for tent or RV camping, but there are no electrical or water hook-ups at individual sites. Information about activities and camping can be found on the National Park Service website.

Have you been to this park? Did you lounge on the beach or explore the whole park? Did anyone stay the night and see the stars? Tell us about your visit in the comments below.

Are you looking for a lake experience that’s a little less popular? Head to north-central Indiana and enjoy the quiet sunrise at Nyonya Lake in Liberty Township, Indiana.

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National Park To Visit In Indiana

Marisa Roman | January 28, 2022

Can I hike to historical sites in Indiana?

Sometimes the best parks in Indiana offer up some seriously cool historical sites. What can be better than combining a trip back in time with exploring the great outdoors? We’ve compiled a list of five different hiking trails in Indiana that lead to really incredible pieces of history. Start with the trail in Versailles State Park where you can hike just over two miles trekking past the historic Busching Covered Bridge constructed in 1885. Additionally, you can also hike the Tunnel Mill Trail to pass the ruins of the old vinegar mill.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Indiana?

Anyone looking for some seriously fun things to do outside in Indiana should check out some scenic hiking trails. The Hoosier State offers some beautiful state parks and hiking spots, each more jaw-dropping than the next. Kick off the adventure with a trek across the suspension bridge in Turkey Run State Park before adventuring across the longest natural footpath in the state at Knobstone Trail. Also, Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail is one of the most picturesque hiking trails in Indiana, complete with a waterfall!

What are the best outdoor adventures in Indiana?

There are so many exciting things to do outside in Indiana, there will never be a dull moment for you, your family, or your friends. From meandering through the best parks in Indiana to tackling some of the coolest outdoor attractions, your bucket list will be full all year long. For anyone who wants a high-adrenaline thrill ride, head on over to Indiana Zipline Tours in Crawfordsville. Also, Schooner Valley Stables in Nashville is also the perfect place to horseback ride. Or for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with a few gentle giants, come meet elephants at The Wilstem Ranch in Paoli.

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Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA