Indiana Dunes National Park

Day 1: Indiana Dunes National Park

Cowles Bog Trail

Mount Baldy Trail

Exploring the dunes, lakeshore, and scenic trails

• Dunewood Campground – Indiana Dunes National Park.

• Hike the Calumet Trail — 9.1 miles total, but you can do as much or as little as you’d like.

• Start at the North Mineral Springs Parking Lot for convenient access.

• This trail offers scenic views through dunes, wetlands, and wooded areas.

• Walk the Cowles Bog Trail which winds through sand dunes and ends at Boaters Beach on Lake Michigan.

• On clear days, you can see the Chicago skyline across the lake.

• Continue walking along the dunes above the beach for sweeping views of the shoreline.

• Climb the Mount Baldy Trail — one of the park’s tallest dunes.

• The short, sandy trail leads to panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

• The surrounding area features smaller dunes perfect for exploring and relaxing.

Day 2: Indiana Dunes National Park – Partial Day

Wetlands, wildlife, and forested dune ridges

• Start the day with a walk on the Great Marsh Trail.

• This accessible trail offers prime birdwatching and wetland views.

• Keep an eye out for herons, frogs, and other marsh wildlife.

• Continue to the Dune Ridge Trail.

• A long woodland trail with sandy footing, offering great views of the surrounding dunes.

• Choose how far you want to hike based on your time and energy.