Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes We are the official destination marketing organization for the Indiana Dunes area and Porter County. Welcome to the Indiana Dunes!

Drop by the Visitor Center to chat with our Indiana Dunes Ambassadors, get answers from National Park rangers, pick up guides and maps, and watch our two short films. We also have a kids' activity room and picnic tables outside. Don't miss our native animal art walk around the building, which features murals by spray paint street artist ARCY. The Visitor Center is a National Wildlife Certified Hab

itat as well as a Certified Monarch Waystation. View our full commenting guidelines at www.indianadunes.com/social-media-commenting-guidelines

Valpo Bike Fest at Creekside Trails and Trailyard is just days away! It's a weekend of all things bicycling, including a...
08/14/2024

Valpo Bike Fest at Creekside Trails and Trailyard is just days away! It's a weekend of all things bicycling, including a 10 mile night ride!

08/14/2024
Of course you love coming to visit the beaches at the Dunes, but don’t forget that there are several local community par...
08/13/2024

Of course you love coming to visit the beaches at the Dunes, but don’t forget that there are several local community parks to see as well! 😄

indianadunes.com/things-to-do/attractions-and-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds

Indiana Dunes National Park made the list! We may be biased, but with 15 miles of sandy coastline, 50 miles of hiking tr...
08/12/2024

Indiana Dunes National Park made the list! We may be biased, but with 15 miles of sandy coastline, 50 miles of hiking trails, and unique plants and animals, we think the park is truly special!

Many of these parks are underrated, but are better than Rocky Mountains in different ways.

Furniture store Marvel Us Furniture puts the focus on quality, American-made goods. They even feature artisans from the ...
08/11/2024

Furniture store Marvel Us Furniture puts the focus on quality, American-made goods. They even feature artisans from the Chesterton region! Don’t you love shopping local? 🇺🇸💼

indianadunes.com/listing/marvel-us-furniture/20092

Happy 80th Birthday Smokey Bear! Thanks for celebrating with us at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. 🐻🎉🥳Smokey will be h...
08/09/2024

Happy 80th Birthday Smokey Bear! Thanks for celebrating with us at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. 🐻🎉🥳

Smokey will be here until 1pm. Stop by for photos and birthday wishes!

08/09/2024

Master Watershed Program - Porter County - Fall 2024
August 20, 2024 – October 8, 2024
6:00 PM-8:00 PM CT
Location : Gabis Arboretum at PNW, 450 W 100N, Valparasio IN 46385

Are you interested in learning more about water and natural resource conservation? Does the idea of volunteering and meeting new people excite you? If so, you are an excellent candidate for the Master Watershed Steward Program. Our program trains and supports individuals to protect and preserve these vital resources.

The program comprises of eight in-person classes on Tuesdays from August 20th to October 8th at Purdue University Northwest’s Gabis Arboretum in Porter County, IN. The cost is $50.00 and CEUs are available. The registration deadline is August 14th.

If you require special accommodations to attend this event or have any questions about this event, please email Nikky Witkowski [email protected].

Visit👉 bit.ly/3z84VJu for more information.

Check out the Discovery Trail and cheer on our native carnivorous plants: the pitcher plant (pictured), sundew, and horn...
08/05/2024

Check out the Discovery Trail and cheer on our native carnivorous plants: the pitcher plant (pictured), sundew, and horned bladderwort. They attract and devour insects unlucky enough to come near.

indianadunes.com/blog/post/our-favorite-reasons-to-explore-the-discovery-trail/

Just one of the many reasons to wander in the Indiana Dunes! 🌱🐜

The Chesterton Art Fair features 80+ artists from all over the Midwest and beyond who work in a wide variety of media in...
08/01/2024

The Chesterton Art Fair features 80+ artists from all over the Midwest and beyond who work in a wide variety of media including painting, glass, wood, leather, sculpture, jewelry, and more! The fair will be in Dogwood Park on August 3-4. Visit chestertonart.org/chesterton-art-fair for more info.

Chesterton Art Center

From zesty queso to sweet churros, Cinco de Mayo has you covered. Don't forget to explore their vast selection of tequil...
07/31/2024

From zesty queso to sweet churros, Cinco de Mayo has you covered. Don't forget to explore their vast selection of tequilas and mezcals. ¡Salúd! 🌮🍹🇲🇽

indianadunes.com/listing/cinco-de-mayo-mexican-restaurant-bar-and-grill/19570/

07/31/2024

Enjoying a meal alfresco is a delightful way to savor Indiana’s Cool North’s natural beauty and vibrant community atmosphere.

Support your Indiana artisans! Over Yonder Gift Shop carries items from over 20 local artists, as well as vintage goods ...
07/26/2024

Support your Indiana artisans! Over Yonder Gift Shop carries items from over 20 local artists, as well as vintage goods and Indiana Dunes themed wear.

indianadunes.com/listing/over-yonder!-dunes-gift-shop/19962

Best of all, purchases there support the Save the Dunes conservation fund! 💚

Take it slow, breathe in the fresh air and savor your meal al fresco! Discover a range of pet & family-friendly dining s...
07/25/2024

Take it slow, breathe in the fresh air and savor your meal al fresco! Discover a range of pet & family-friendly dining spots. 🍽️ Let us know *your* favorite outdoor dining spot in the comments!

indianadunes.com/blog/post/outdoor-dining-experiences-locals-love/

What's your favorite hike in the area? Are you a leisurely stroller or an adventure ju**ie? Or both! Check to see if you...
07/23/2024

What's your favorite hike in the area? Are you a leisurely stroller or an adventure ju**ie? Or both! Check to see if your favorite is among the Indiana Dunes area's top 15 trails! 🥾🍃

indianadunes.com/blog/post/top-15-trails/

Looking for a peaceful family retreat? Gabis Arboretum might be the perfect place. 🌳 Here's all you need to know about t...
07/12/2024

Looking for a peaceful family retreat? Gabis Arboretum might be the perfect place. 🌳 Here's all you need to know about this hidden gem.👇

Explore the beauty and diversity of the Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest with our comprehensive guide. Discover the stunning gardens, hiking trails, and unique educational programs that make this arboretum a must-visit destination.

07/11/2024

Our Production Director, Dustin Ritchea, was on 95.1 FM/AM 1420 WIMS this morning talking about all of the great tools and campaigns we’ve created for both locals and visitors. Take a listen and you’ll learn about our coffee and pizza trails, hidden gems, ways to volunteer, and more!

07/11/2024
07/10/2024

Are you into craft beer but looking for a place that has food that is as good as the beer? you’ll want to make your way to this Valparaiso Brewery. Rather than typical bar food, this unique downtown spot serves up Asian fusion specialties. We made our way there recently to check out some of t...

07/10/2024

There are great rides, great food and loads of exhibits and events at the Porter County Fair. Check out the 4-H exhibits; ride the double Ferris Wheel.

07/09/2024

Did you know there's a hiking trail named after Diana of the Dunes?

Want to know more? Read about a local family's hike at indianadunes.com/blog/post/diana-dunes-dare-hiking-adventure-and-ghost-story-at-indiana-dunes-national-park/

Have you "herd" about Broken Wagon Bison? You can see North America’s largest native land mammal grazing on fields in th...
07/08/2024

Have you "herd" about Broken Wagon Bison? You can see North America’s largest native land mammal grazing on fields in the Indiana Dunes region!

Discover the thrill of coming face-to-face with North America's largest land mammal on Broken Wagon Bison's guided tour. Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable adventure.

It's farmers market season! Discover fresh produce, unique artisanal goods, and delicious foods at these local farmers m...
07/03/2024

It's farmers market season! Discover fresh produce, unique artisanal goods, and delicious foods at these local farmers markets in the Indiana Dunes area. 🥕🥦🍓
indianadunes.com/things-to-do/shopping/farmers-markets

Explore the many farmers markets across the Indiana Dunes. Discover fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and community events in this scenic region.

Address

1215 N State Road 49
Porter, IN
46304

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Indiana Dunes posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Indiana Dunes:

Videos

Diana of the Dunes Dare at Indiana Dunes National Park
Diana of the Dunes Dare at Indiana Dunes National Park

Did you know there's a hiking trail named after Diana of the Dunes? Want to know more? Read about a local family's hike at indianadunes.com/blog/post/diana-dunes-dare-hiking-adventure-and-ghost-story-at-indiana-dunes-national-park/

Congrats to our winner! Sign up for The 3 Pizza Challenge at indianadunes.com/pizza. There’s one more pizza oven available!

Indiana Dunes Coffee & Sweets Trail
Indiana Dunes Coffee & Sweets Trail

Join us for a cup (or four) of joe. Check in at just four of the Coffee & Sweets Trail locations and you'll receive a coffee mug! ☕️ Start your coffee tour at indianadunes.com/coffee

Congratulations to our first winner of an Ooni outdoor pizza oven! We’ll be contacting you via email with details on how to claim your prize. We have two more pizza ovens to give away, so be sure to sign up for the 3 Pizza Challenge at indianadunes.com/pizza for your chance to win! 🍕🍕🍕

Indiana Dunes Lifeguards and Beaches
Indiana Dunes Lifeguards and Beaches

Which beach is which at the Indiana Dunes? When is swimming allowed? These beach questions and more are answered by the Indiana Dunes National and State Park staff! 🤿 🏖👀 Indiana Dunes National Park Indiana Dunes State Park

Need some rock-skipping tips? Paul Labovitz, Park Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park, talks of his favorite beach pastime, working at the Indiana Dunes, and gives some sage advice to visitors. Paul will be retiring from the National Park Service this month. Enjoy your retirement, Paul! We look forward to having you as a visitor!

Indigenous Cultural Trail interview with Serena Ard
Indigenous Cultural Trail interview with Serena Ard

Why are we raising money to help build the Indigenous Cultural Trail? Serena Ard of the Westchester Township Museum gives just a few reasons. Help us meet our goal at patronicity.com/IndianaDunesTrail If we raise $50k by 5/15, we'll be awarded an additional $50,000! #patronicity

Why did we choose a snapping turtle?
Why did we choose a snapping turtle?

A snapping turtle logo? Diane from the Miami explains how we landed on the Indigenous Cultural Trail logo.🐢 Learn more or donate at Patronicity.com/indianadunestrail

Mount Baldy's movement inland
Mount Baldy's movement inland

This 32-year time-lapse shows how far Mount Baldy in the Indiana Dunes National Park has moved. How far will it go this year? 😲 Find more fascinating facts about the dunes at indianadunes.com/blog/post/dunes-101-did-you-know/

Diane Hunter talks about the future site of the Indigenous Cultural Trail
Diane Hunter talks about the future site of the Indigenous Cultural Trail

When Diane Hunter of the Miami Tribe saw the future site of the Indigenous Cultural Trail, she said, “It’s like walking through a fairyland...we want people to see this!” Help us make this trail a reality at Patronicity.com/IndianaDunesTrail If we raise $50k by mid-May, we’ll receive an additional $50k in grant money.

Tales from the Dunes: Bao's Pastry
Tales from the Dunes: Bao's Pastry

Vietnam. France. Valparaiso, Indiana. The culinary artists Bao's Pastry have traveled the world to settle in Northwest Indiana, bringing their ever-expanding flavors to the Indiana Dunes. Their food has a certain je ne sais quoi, and locals can't get enough of it. Tempt your tastebuds at indianadunes.com/listing/baos-pastry/19954 #indianadunes #localbusinesses #shoplocalbusiness

Meet our Staff | Indiana Dunes Tourism
Meet our Staff | Indiana Dunes Tourism

Meet the people behind Indiana Dunes Tourism. Our name might lead you to believe that we only promote the Indiana Dunes parks, but we do much more! From promoting the small businesses and communities of Porter County to highlighting the beautiful nature around us, we work hard to show people what an amazing place the Indiana Dunes area is to visit and live! 🎉

Meet the Real People of Indiana Dunes Tourism
Meet the Real People of Indiana Dunes Tourism

Meet the people behind Indiana Dunes Tourism. Our name might lead you to believe that we only promote the Indiana Dunes parks, but we do much more! From promoting the small businesses and communities of Porter County to highlighting the beautiful nature around us, we work hard to show people what an amazing place the Indiana Dunes area is to visit and live! 🎉

Meet the Staff at Indiana Dunes Tourism
Meet the Staff at Indiana Dunes Tourism

Meet the people behind Indiana Dunes Tourism. Our name might lead you to believe that we only promote the Indiana Dunes parks, but we do much more! From promoting the small businesses and communities of Porter County to highlighting the beautiful nature around us, we work hard to show people what an amazing place the Indiana Dunes area is to visit and live! 🎉

Meet Team Tourism - Indiana Dunes
Meet Team Tourism - Indiana Dunes

Meet the people behind Indiana Dunes Tourism. Our name might lead you to believe that we only promote the Indiana Dunes parks, but we do much more! From promoting the small businesses and communities of Porter County to highlighting the beautiful nature around us, we work hard to show people what an amazing place the Indiana Dunes area is to visit and live! 🎉

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Indiana Dunes Tourism

We are a family of marketing professionals, volunteers, and knowledgeable, bilingual staff committed to inspiring visitors and residents to experience the Indiana Dunes and its surrounding communities. For over 30 years, Indiana Dunes Tourism has been in the business of introducing Porter County to the world. As the county’s official destination marketing, planning, and development organization, we promote all the cool places to eat, play, shop, and stay in and around the Indiana Dunes. We do this through partnerships. Tourism teams up with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Indiana Dunes State Park, as well as local businesses, organizations, and communities throughout Northwest Indiana to develop products and campaigns that have a positive impact on our local economy and the quality of life in Porter County. Come see us at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center! The Visitor Center is located just south of the Indiana Dunes State Park at 1215 N. State Road 49, in Porter. Operated in partnership with the National Parks Service, our local experts and national park rangers are on hand to provide helpful guidance on all aspects of the Indiana Dunes area. We welcome over 100,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and approximately 50 international countries, providing insider tips on everything from accommodations to the paths less traveled. Stop in to see us!

Summer hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day; 8am–6pm seven days a week; Off-season hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day; 8:30am–4:30pm seven days a week; 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN.

__________________________________________________________

Welcome to an official social media account sponsored by Indiana Dunes Tourism of Porter County Government. Our sponsored social media accounts and pages are a family-friendly outlet to promote our agency’s activities, events and programs.

Nearby travel agencies

Other Porter travel agencies

Show All

You may also like