Climbing Dunes

Although Mount Baldy in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is currently closed, visitors can enjoy a fantastic hike up Mount Tom in the Indiana Dunes State Park.

At 192 feet above Lake Michigan, Mount Tom is the highest dune in the state of Indiana. Mount Holden, at 184 feet, and Mount Jackson, at 176 feet, complete the set of high dunes that are accessible on the Indiana Dunes State Park's Trail 8. This serene, forested trail takes visitors up and over all three of these beautiful dunes, starting at the Wilson Shelter and finishing on the beach at the Pavilion and Beach House.

At just 1.5 miles, Trail 8 is one of the more rugged trails in the park, but the view from the top of Mount Tom is definitely worth the 100-plus steps that must be climbed to reach the peak! Visitors can delight in the stunning views of Lake Michigan, or the skyline of Chicago on a clear day, from the peak.

Activities at the Dunes

Indiana Dunes Trails
The Indiana Dunes has an impressive trail system which can be used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing,...
Beaches
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park offer 15 miles of beautiful sandy beaches....
Camping at the Dunes
Camping in the Indiana Dunes is a fantastic way to get away from it all. Visitors can enjoy Lake...

More Around the Area

Family Fun
Explore fun things your family can do including waterparks, beaches, farm adventures & more.
Restaurants near the Dunes
Savor a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant while enjoying all that the Indiana Dunes has to offer. Choose...
Breweries
Visit one of the many breweries in South Shore.