Indiana Dunes National Park 3-Day Travel Guide

Day 1: Dune Climbing and Lake Beach Exploration 8:00 Arrive at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, the park entrance education center, watch a 1-hour film to learn about the geological history. 9:00 Walk 5 minutes to Dune Succession Trail, a boardwalk ecological viewing spot, spend 2 hours crossing the dunes to the Lake Michigan beach to observe ecological changes. 11:00 Walk 10 minutes to West Beach, Lake Michigan swimming area, spend 2 hours swimming, relaxing, and strolling along the lakeshore to enjoy panoramic dune views. 13:00 Drive 10 minutes to Porter Beach, a quiet lakeside picnic area, spend 2 hours picnicking and then continue walking by the lake to feel the lake breeze and waves. 15:00 Drive 15 minutes to 3 Dune Challenge, a challenging dune summit viewpoint, spend 2 hours climbing from the Indiana Dunes State Park entrance to the highest point to overlook the lake and mountain scenery. 17:00 Drive 20 minutes back to accommodation to rest. Day 2: Ecological Forest and Historic Buildings Tour 7:00 Arrive at Paul H. Douglas Trail, a forested wetland bird paradise, spend 3 hours early morning crossing the Miller Woods area to observe swamp forest and birds. 10:00 Walk 5 minutes to Miller Woods Trail, a wetland nature trail, spend 2 hours continuing deeper into the wetlands to listen to natural sounds. 12:00 Drive 15 minutes to Century of Progress Homes, the 1933 World's Fair buildings, spend 2 hours driving to Beverly Shores to externally view and explore historic sites. 14:00 Drive 20 minutes to Cowles Bog Trail, an ecological research wetland, spend 4 hours hiking through to observe rare plants and the full view of lakeside wetlands. 18:00 Drive 25 minutes back to accommodation to rest. Day 3: Advanced Dunes and Lakeside Leisure 8:00 Arrive at Portage Lakefront, a lakeside fishing pier, spend 2 hours fishing at the pier or walking by the lake to enjoy the morning light on the water. 10:00 Drive 15 minutes to Mount Baldy, an active dune guided tour spot, spend 2 hours joining a ranger-led group to climb and explore the limited-access dunes. 12:00 Drive 20 minutes to West Beach, Lake Michigan swimming area, spend 3 hours returning for free activities such as photographing dunes and lake views or strolling along the coastline. 15:00 Walk 10 minutes to Neal Peterson Nature Trail, a prairie flower short trail, spend 2 hours hiking the loop to admire flowers and butterflies. 17:00 Drive 1 hour to end the trip, returning to Chicago or nearby areas.