Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore provides visitors with a 15-mile stretch of beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore that’s perfect for a beach day getaway.

Fifty miles of diverse trails weave along the lakeshore where visitors can hike, bike, ride on horseback, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or bird watch.

Besides beaches, highlights include interpretive programs, ranger-led walking tours, the children’s outdoor Nature Play Zone at the Paul H. Douglas Center, four historical buildings from a 19th century homestead, and a 3500-square-foot modern pavilion.

Every day trip should include a hike up West Beach’s Succession Trail for an epic view of the Chicago skyline.

1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN, Phone: 219-395-1882

Milwaukee (1 hour 35 minutes) Holland, Michigan (2 hours 30 minutes) Kettle Moraine State Forest (2 hours 40 minutes) Lake Geneva (1 hour 40 minutes) Naperville (40 minutes) Village of Oak Park (15 minutes) Six Flags Great America (1 hour) North Utica (1 hour 45 minutes) Chicago Botanic Garden (35 minutes) Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (1 hour) Old State Capitol State Historic Site (3 hours) Apple River Canyon State Park (2 hours 30 minutes) Starved Rock State Park (1 hour 35 min) Brookfield Zoo (25 minutes) Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (3 hours) Anderson Japanese Gardens (1 hour 40 minutes) The Morton Arboretum (35 minutes) Cantigny Park (40 minutes) Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (20 minutes) Huron-Manistee National Forests (4 hours) Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (2 hours) Oglesby (1 hour 40 minutes) White River State Park (3 hours) Peoria (2 hours 40 minutes)

Explore more: Chicago > Day Trips from Chicago

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.