South Shore Summer Getaway

Home of the Indiana Dunes

Come visit the South Shore of Lake Michigan for a fun and relaxing summer vacation with family or friends.

Explore all the Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park have to offer including miles of trails, beautiful beaches, camping sites, a wide variety of wildlife, birds and plants to discover and more. Take the kids to jump, play, learn and splash at the different attractions throughout the area.

Dine at local restaurants, many offering indoor and outdoor seating options. Find your favorite drink at the many breweries and wineries.

Located in the northwest corner of Indiana - just 45 minutes from Chicago - the South Shore offers the perfect destination to get away!

Connect with Nature

The trails and beaches at the Indiana Dunes and surrounding areas are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy along the South Shore. Find opportunities for kayaking, fishing, golfing, boating, camping and so much more!

Beaches

Along the southern Lake Michigan shoreline, there are more than a dozen beaches inside and outside the Indiana Dunes parks. Plan some time to splash, lounge, stroll and build sandcastles.

Find Your Beach

Trails

Northwest Indiana and parts of Eastern Illinois contain more than 125 miles of biking and walking trails, including the scenic trails within the Indiana Dunes. Most of the trails also allow dogs to tag along!

Take a Hike

All About the Dunes

The Indiana Dunes is well-known for its beaches and trails, but there are even more activities to enjoy all summer long. Start your bucket list with our page: 61 Things to Do at the Dunes!

Dunes Activities

• All Outdoor Things to Do

For 21 and Over

Hop on the South Shore Brewery Trail to experience the region’s finest local craft beers. With more than 25 breweries, you are sure to find a style of beer you will love! If wine, cider or mead is more to your liking, the South Shore Winery Trail is sure to have what you’re looking for.

If you like to test your luck, Northwest Indiana is also home to four lakefront casinos.

Fun for the Kids

The South Shore is home to all kinds of places for families to visit to learn, play and explore. Taste the gummies straight from the factory at Albanese. Splash, swim and float at Deep River Waterpark. Go on a dairy or pig adventure at Fair Oaks Farms to learn about modern day farming practices. Watch the trains go by in the Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum. Release some energy at some unique play centers.

• All Family Fun Throughout the Region

Where to Stay

Rent a vacation home for the entire family close to the beach at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals or Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. Stay in a contemporary barn-like setting at the Fairfield by Marriott Fair Oaks Farms or one of the many other hotels in the region.

If you are looking for a couple’s retreat, Serenity Springs is away from it all nestled on 85 private wooded acres. Visit our blog post for more unique places to stay, here.

Find Accommodations

Learn more on our Blog

View All

A to Z list of things to do this summer in Northwest Indiana

It’s never too early to plan your South Shore summer activities. We’ve compiled an A to Z list of things to do in Northwest Indiana with...

South Shore’s Summer Bucket List

Looking for some summer fun? Mark these things to do in northwest Indiana this summer off your bucket list!

10 Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Indiana

There are a variety of good fishing spots within the Northwest Indiana area, whether you're looking

Explore the South Shore’s Water Trails - Part 1: For Beginners

Photo from the Indiana Dunes National Park. Shallow streams, a great lake, a nationally recognized waterway, small lakes and ponds can all be found in...

Trails & Walks in Northwest Indiana for the Lazy Hiker

No matter the season, when you want to get outside and enjoy nature, a nice walk is always a great choice. Of course, we have beautiful hikes at...

South Shore Getaways: Unique Stays in Northwest Indiana

Everyone can use a getaway or staycation! If you are looking for somewhere unique to stay in Northwest Indiana, check out one of these bed &...

Restaurants with a View - Outdoor Dining in Northwest Indiana

When the sun shines and your belly is rumbling you’ll want to enjoy these locations with great fare

Outdoor Bucket List for Northwest Indiana

It is a great time for some much-needed nature exploration. Northwest Indiana is lucky to be home to

Request a Visitors Guide

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 or join our e-newsletter list.

• Mail me a Visitor's Guide

• Email me the South Shore Explorer Newsletter

• Download the Indiana Dunes Brochure

Fun Along the South Shore

Tag your adventure #alongthesouthshore

Request a Visitors Guide

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 or join our e-newsletter list.

• Mail me a Visitor's Guide

• Email me the South Shore Explorer Newsletter

• Download the Indiana Dunes Brochure