Outdoor Adventures
Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure exploring the most diverse landscapes in the Midwest. Hike the towering dunes and through forests, cycle miles of trails or paddle and fish on our open waters. Keep your eyes open for rare birds and native plant life you won’t find anywhere else.
Indiana Dunes
The crown jewel of outdoor activities is the Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park, stretching 25 miles along the south shore of Lake Michigan.
Hike through diverse landscapes, sunbathe and splash on the beach, fish on the lake, go birding, stay at the campgrounds, view shelf ice along the shore, try out cross-country skiing and so much more.
Blueways and Greenways
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Adventurers can enjoy hundreds of miles of waterways in Northwest Indiana. Paddlers can experience no-wake lakes or the expansive waters along the South Shore of our Great Lake, Lake Michigan.
Streams and rivers intersect throughout the region, for quick trips or day-long adventures. If you don’t have your own paddleboard or kayak, there are places to rent them.
Enjoy hundreds of miles of blueways with numerous access points, many of which are ADA compliant from the Kankakee River in the south to Lake Michigan in the north.
Hiking and Biking
Miles and miles of trails have been developed through the last decade in the South Shore, making it easy and fun to explore the communities by foot and by bike. Many trails have been converted from old railroad tracks to smooth paths perfect for walking or cycling.
The Indiana Dunes National Park rangers dare you to take the Diana of the Dunes Dare - a hiking challenge mixed with a ghost story! Learn about Alice Mabel Gray (aka Diana) and her legend as you hike this moderate trail. Head to West Beach to take the challenge and don’t forget to take a selfie at the Selfie Station located at the bathhouse and use #DianaDunesDare.
Wildlife Viewing
The wide variety of habitats at the Indiana Dunes makes it one of the best areas in the Midwest for birding. Throughout the parks including the beaches, marshes, forests, wetlands and dunes you can spot more than 350 different bird species.
Visit Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area from late September through December to view tens of thousands of sandhill cranes during their annual migration.
At Kankakee Sands watch a large herd of bison roaming the prairie. A viewing area has been established just off US Highway 41.
Fishing and Hunting
The region has plenty of good fishing spots along creeks, rivers and lakes. On Lake Michigan, you have to option to fish from the shore, on piers or by boat. You can even join a professional captain on a charter fishing excursion. For these and other great locations, view our 10 Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Indiana blog.
For the hunter, there are a number of fish and wildlife areas (below) that are open for hunting at certain times of the year. Willow Slough also has a shooting range.
Camping
Spend the evenings of your outdoor adventure under the stars at a local campground. The Indiana Dunes National and State Parks both have campsites along with other sites throughout the area.
More Outdoors
Beaches
There are miles of beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan's South Shore, including the Indiana Dunes.
Biking & Hiking Trails
Northwest Indiana and parts of Eastern Illinois contain 125 miles of biking and walking trails.
Winter Activities
Winter along the South Shore of Lake Michigan brings rosy cheeks, fluffy snow and lots of outdoor fun…
Bird Watching
Discover Northwest Indiana's bird watchers paradise! Find bird sanctuaries, nature preserves, county parks…
Indiana Dunes
Learn about the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. Find things to do, camping and hotels.
Public Gardens
The South Shore has a number of public spaces featuring formal gardens, Japanese gardens, prairies, woods and…
Kayaking & Canoeing
Adventurers can enjoy hundreds of miles of waterways in Northwest Indiana. Paddlers can experience no-wake…
Charter Fishing
Proven each spring, summer and fall, Indiana's 3 percent ownership of Lake Michigan can be one of the most…
Golf
The South Shore is home to many first-rate golf courses. Test your skills on the green at one of these…
Water Parks & Splash Pads
For a splashin' good time, visit one of the South Shore's fabulous water attractions. Whether your…
Marinas
A trip to the South Shore isn't complete without a stop along Lake Michigan. If you'd rather discover…
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Find traditional, family-fun campgrounds at the Indiana Dunes and surrounding areas.


Beach glass on Lake Michigan's South Shore
I don’t exactly remember how long ago I got into collecting beach glass, but from the first piece I found, I was hooked. Searching for beach glass quickly became one of my favorite things to do. I love to walk the…
10 Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Indiana
There are a variety of good fishing spots within the Northwest Indiana area, whether you're looking for a quick trip or an all-day fishing excursion, the region has someplace to suit your needs. Many of these locales…
Sand and Salmon - Treasures of Indiana’s North Coast
Indiana residents kept a secret for many years. Hoosiers knew their Lake Michigan beaches ranked among the top beaches in the world, but other than local residents going to beaches along their city’s lakefront or…
Maple Syrup Time in Northwest Indiana
Every March, maple trees in the South Shore awaken with the warmer days of springtime and the sap begins to flow. Several parks in Northwest Indiana take part in this special time of year to show us all the sweet treats that…
South Shore's Great Outdoors
Tag your adventure #alongthesouthshore
Request More Information
Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request a visitor's guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.
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