5 Beautiful Trails to Hit Up at Indiana Dunes National Park

If you enjoy the sand touching your feet, this park is for you.

Indiana Dunes National Park is a place of unparalleled natural beauty that sits in North Western Indiana.

Designated as a national park in 2019, this park is relatively new. Because of its large bogs and creeks, the park is host to a variety of plant and wildlife species. The bogs and creeks serve as water sources that feed essential habitats for many animals, and they all empty into Lake Michigan.

One of the coolest (literally) natural wonders in the park is a phenomenon known as shelf ice. Beautiful but dangerous, shelf ice forms when heavy winds push ice from Lake Michigan onto the park's many beaches. When this happens, ice dunes form and float above the ground. While this shelf may look solid, it can be hazardous to walk on it and presents a serious risk of sinking through the ice.

However, in the warmer months, Indiana Dunes National Park provides miles of incredible hiking trails. Indiana Dunes has something to offer whether you're interested in a good hike or just taking a leisurely stroll.

Parks and Landmarks has 5 trails that we think everyone should see during their visit.

Mount Baldy Beach Trail

Don't let the short length of this hike fool you — you’re about to get an intense workout as you trek up to the dune's summit.

Made entirely of sand and with a steep elevation, this trail is tough. But the payoff is huge when you arrive at one of several beaches sitting on the coast of Lake Michigan. Don’t forget to bring that swimsuit!

Total Distance: 0.86 Miles

Elevation Gain: 88.5 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Indiana Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• This trail is entirely sand based, so ensure you have the proper footwear to hike on it
• This trail requires you to be accommodated by park staff. Please visit the park's website to learn when hiking opportunities are available

Tolleston Dunes Trail

Tall trees, gorgeous wildflowers, and lots of wetlands will greet you as you head into Tolleston Dunes trail.

This is a great trail for those who want to see some of the more natural and untouched beauty the park offers. The wetlands on this trail are home to many different animals, so keep your eyes peeled as you might just catch a glimpse of one!

Total Distance: 2.92 Miles

Elevation Gain: 180 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Indiana Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• This trail features an overlook of one of the bigger marshes. This is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but the rest of the trail is not

West Beach 3-Loop Trail

Combining the beach with a strong hike is the perfect way to spend a day, and that's exactly what you can do on West Beach's 3-Loop trail.

This trip will take you to many of the park's beaches and give you a taste of the park's different ecosystems. After a long hike, you’re sure to enjoy taking in the scenery, and cooling off in the water.

Total Distance: 3.47 Miles

Elevation Gain: 255 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Indiana Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• Bug spray is recommended for this trail
• Ensure you bring lots of drinking water on this trail

Cowles Bog Trail

This trail is one of the more unique trails in the park. You’ll get a feel for the park’s various ecosystems, including dunes, bogs, and prairies.

Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1965, the park boasts plant ecology that is still studied today. 

And because this trail passes a beach, you’ll be able to jump in the water and cool off after a hot day of walking.

Total Distance: 4.28 Miles

Elevation Gain: 216 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Indiana Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• Bug spray is recommended for this trail
• Ensure you bring lots of drinking water on this trail

West Beach — Dune Succession Trail

If you are ready to get those legs moving up some stairs, then this is the trail for you. This hike will take you up and down some of the park's tallest dunes.

You'll be able to see a variety of different plant life that helps stabilize the dunes and get a great view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from the top of the dune. Just remember to bring lots of water, as the stairs and sand can make for a tiring hike.

Total Distance: 1.1 Miles

Elevation Gain: 95.1 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Indiana Dunes National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• Dogs must be leashed on this trail
• Ensure you bring lots of drinking water on this trail
• Going off the trail can harm the dune's ecosystem so please stay on the marked trail

With so many options, there is a perfect hike for everyone at Indiana Dunes National Park. Whether you want to take in the beach, the wetlands, or climb to the top of a sand dune, there is a trail waiting for you.

So grab your hiking shoes and water bottle and head out to explore all this national park has to offer!