Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton

We were here during summer and the line to enter the parking was huge. It took a while for us to get a spot in the Parking area. However, it was worth the wait. Although it's on the shores of lake Michigan, the beach gave us a feeling as if we were on some Ocean beach. Midwest's very own coast, I'd say :) Plus, the water here is fresh water. We took the 3 dune challenge followed by spending time catching a spectacular sunset with Chicago's skyline at the backdrop. Recommended to visit on a weekday when there is less rush.

Absolutely beautiful park with many trails through the forest and over the dunes. Beautiful nature center with clean bathrooms and a water bottle filling station. We came in July and were glad we carried bug spray. The wooded trails had lots of biting flies and mosquitoes but the spray worked great. Park by the nature center to hike the three dunes challenge. Entrance into state park is $12 for out of state cars. Best to hike with sandals. Parts of the trail are deep sand and steep incline. There are plenty of places to stop and catch you breath. Beautiful and peaceful location.

This may be my favorite state park ever...and I've been to a LOT of state parks. It is clean, beautiful, well-maintained and set up very nicely. The beach and dunes are stunning, the plants and scenery are breathtaking and the staff is very friendly and helpful. One comment...I am disabled, and the restrooms and showers here are the most handicap- friendly I've ever used. The campsites are level and far enough apart to be comfortable. They only have electric hookups, but there are water-fill stations and dump stations as well. Very pet-friendly also! We stayed here in a Class C motorhome and will definitely come back again! So many things to see and do!

You could spend a day and a half hiking this unique IN state park with dunes, trails, beach and a nice pavilion. Dunes offer fun in the sand & pretty views of Lake Michigan. Trails are long and the campground has lots of space but you MUST book months in advance to get a spot. I recommend bug spray if you are walking the long trails in the woods especially trail 8, 9 & 10. Pavilion is nice (3 floors) with food, an event venue and a roof top bar. The bar is 21+ and is a great end to the day watching the sunset with some live music - I was in athletic shorts and a crew neck with sandals, so no dress code, but others were definitely more dressed up than I. Entry fee is $7 if you don’t have a pass- I’d recommend getting there early if you don’t want to wait in a two lane long line and walk from overflow parking. Beach is clean, gets packed, but there is plenty of space. Great 1.5 day trip for me and would recommend for just that.

Amazing state park that has both a unique forest and a blue and clean lake with white sand on its shore. There are miles of hiking trails to walk and enjoy and miles of beaches to sun bath or swim. There is an entrance fee of 12 per car which on my visit needed to be paid only by cash . There are many free parkings but the ones that are close to the beach are taken early morning . Nice place to explore