A Day at the Indiana Dunes + Lake Michigan

One of the best parts of a stay at Long Lake Memories is having more than one kind of lake day within easy reach. Spend the morning on quiet Long Lake, then make the short drive north to explore sandy beaches, wooded trails and the Lake Michigan shoreline at the Indiana Dunes.

Located about 20 minutes from Long Lake Memories, the Indiana Dunes make an easy addition to a weekend at the lake. Whether your group wants a full beach day, a morning hike or just a few hours exploring somewhere new, there’s plenty to see without having to venture far from home.

First Things First: National Park or State Park?

If you’re visiting for the first time, there’s one thing that can be a little confusing: Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park are two different parks.

Both offer access to Lake Michigan, beaches and hiking trails, but they have separate entrances and entrance fees.

Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, with beaches, trails and historic sites accessed from different locations throughout the park. There isn’t one main entrance that leads to everything.

Indiana Dunes State Park is a separate property surrounded by the National Park. Here, you’ll find a large Lake Michigan beach, the historic beach pavilion, a nature center and miles of hiking trails all within one park.

If you only have one day, you really can’t go wrong with either. Here are two of our favorite options depending on the kind of day you have in mind.

For a Classic Beach Day: Indiana Dunes State Park

For groups looking to spend most of the day along Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park is an easy choice.

The large beach has plenty of room to settle in for the day, and the park offers restrooms, seasonal changing facilities and food service at the historic beach pavilion. There are also hiking trails throughout the park if part of your group wants to explore beyond the beach.

If you’re up for a challenge, the park’s 3 Dune Challenge takes hikers over three of its tallest dunes. It’s a workout, but the views make the climb worthwhile.

For a more relaxed visit, pack a beach bag, find a spot along the shoreline and enjoy an afternoon that feels surprisingly far from Indiana.

For Beach + Hiking: West Beach

Part of Indiana Dunes National Park, West Beach is another great option for a day trip.

It has the largest parking area of the National Park beaches, along with seasonal restrooms, showers and concessions. It’s a particularly good choice if your group wants to combine time on the beach with a hike.

Several trails wind through dunes, wetlands, woods and along the Lake Michigan shoreline, so you can spend an hour exploring before cooling off by the water.

West Beach is also a good option during the busy summer months when the smaller National Park beach lots can fill quickly.

There’s More to the Dunes Than the Beach

Lake Michigan may get most of the attention, but the Indiana Dunes are worth visiting even when it isn’t beach weather.

Across the National and State Parks, trails wind through dunes, forests, wetlands and prairies, making the area just as enjoyable for a fall hike or spring afternoon outside.

That makes the Dunes one of our favorite year-round recommendations for Long Lake Memories guests. Summer brings beach days and swimming, while cooler months are perfect for hiking without the summer crowds.

And if your group has different ideas about how to spend the day, that’s okay too. Some can head for the trails while others claim a spot on the beach and meet back up later.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

Summer weekends can get busy, particularly when the weather is beautiful. If a beach day is high on your list, heading out earlier in the morning is your best bet for easier parking.

A few other things to keep in mind:

• Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park require separate entrance passes.
• National Park beach access points vary considerably in parking and amenities, so check your destination before leaving.
• West Beach and Indiana Dunes State Park are good choices for first-time visitors looking for more parking and facilities.
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and everything you’ll need for the beach or trail.
• Lake Michigan conditions can change quickly, so always check current beach and swimming conditions before getting in the water.
• Park hours, fees and seasonal amenities can change, so check the park websites for current information before your visit.

Make It Part of Your Long Lake Weekend

The best part? A trip to the Indiana Dunes doesn’t have to take over your entire day.

Head north for a morning hike. Pack lunch and spend the afternoon on Lake Michigan. Or make a full day of it before coming back to Long Lake Memories for dinner, a soak in the hot tub or a quiet evening by the water.

It’s one of the things we love most about this corner of Northwest Indiana: you can enjoy the privacy and slower pace of Long Lake while having one of the country’s national parks and the Lake Michigan shoreline just a short drive away.

Planning your stay at Long Lake Memories? Check availability and start planning a lake getaway of your own.