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

01/10/2025

Even in January, Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park are simply beautiful!

📷 by Ranger Rafi Wilkinson⁠ via Instagram
📍 Indiana Dunes

Still need a New Year's Resolution? Check out our wellness page for some ideas!indianadunes.com/things-to-do/wellness/
12/31/2024

Still need a New Year's Resolution? Check out our wellness page for some ideas!

indianadunes.com/things-to-do/wellness/

Poet Carl Sandburg said, "Those dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona and the Yosemite is to Cali...
12/31/2024

Poet Carl Sandburg said, "Those dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona and the Yosemite is to California. They constitute a signature of time and eternity; once lost, the loss would be irrevocable."

Thanks to all who have loved, protected, visited, enjoyed, and cared for the Indiana Dunes in 2024. We look forward to seeing you in 2025.

Winter is a great time to visit the Indiana Dunes. Hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding? You got it. Just remember to ...
12/30/2024

Winter is a great time to visit the Indiana Dunes. Hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding? You got it. Just remember to admire the beautiful (and deadly) shelf ice from afar!

indianadunes.com/things-to-do/attractions-and-recreation/winter-activities/

Eyeballs aching from holiday stress? Recharge yourself with a walk through a winter wonderland in the Dunes. We have som...
12/28/2024

Eyeballs aching from holiday stress? Recharge yourself with a walk through a winter wonderland in the Dunes. We have some ideas and tips for you. ❄️ ☮️ 😺

indianadunes.com/things-to-do/attractions-and-recreation/winter-activities/

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, Happy New Year! No matter what you celebrate, our best wishes for a pea...
12/24/2024

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, Happy New Year! No matter what you celebrate, our best wishes for a peaceful and love-filled holiday, and we hope you have a wonderful 2025. 🎄 🎁 🕯️ 🍾

This summer we brought The Brain Scoop to the Indiana Dunes to learn about what makes it so special. (Spoiler: it's the ...
12/22/2024

This summer we brought The Brain Scoop to the Indiana Dunes to learn about what makes it so special. (Spoiler: it's the biodiversity, the views, and the rangers who work tirelessly to protect it.) Check out the video to see behind-the-scenes work at the dunes!

Support The Brain Scoop's relaunch on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/emilygraslieShop prints + Original artwork! http://www.emilygraslie.com/prints 25% off ...

Feel like you’re running out of shopping time? Never fear! We have last-minute gift ideas for you that help support our ...
12/21/2024

Feel like you’re running out of shopping time? Never fear! We have last-minute gift ideas for you that help support our local small businesses while putting a smile on your face. 🛍️ 😄 🎁

If you still need to buy some last-minute gifts for your friends and family, consider shopping at one of our many local boutiques and gift shops. You'll support local businesses and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Here are just a ...

Need a little something sweet? Go ahead… you deserve it! Find your new favorite goodie at one of our Porter County desse...
12/18/2024

Need a little something sweet? Go ahead… you deserve it! Find your new favorite goodie at one of our Porter County dessert suggestions. 🍨 🍰 😋

Whether you like over-the-top cupcakes, donuts to go with your morning cup o' joe, or triple scoop ice cream cones, the communities of Porter County have something for every sweet tooth. We asked our locals to tell us about their favorite places to...

How about a whiskey tasting tour for a last-minute gift? Tasting Tours at Journeyman in Valparaiso are one part whiskey ...
12/17/2024

How about a whiskey tasting tour for a last-minute gift? Tasting Tours at Journeyman in Valparaiso are one part whiskey and one part history! Learn more about the tour in our latest blog.

indianadunes.com/blog/post/tours-at-the-journeyman-american-factory/

Exciting news! Two pop-up Chesterton's European Markets will happen at the Visitor Center this winter! Stay tuned for mo...
12/17/2024

Exciting news! Two pop-up Chesterton's European Markets will happen at the Visitor Center this winter! Stay tuned for more details!

Exciting news: the CE market is moving indoors for two pop-up markets in Jan and Feb. You will be able to shop some of your favorite vendors while learning more about the dunes at the Indiana Dunes Visitors Center at 1215 N State Road 49, Porter. We will post more information shortly on vendors, entertainment and other activities.

Still searching for that perfect gift? Stop by the Beaches & Beyond Gift Shop at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to fin...
12/16/2024

Still searching for that perfect gift? Stop by the Beaches & Beyond Gift Shop at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to find gifts crafted by local artisans who capture the heart of the region.

Discover Dockside Inspirations by Beverly Gibbs, a collection of handmade wall art crafted from beach glass, driftwood, rocks, and other natural materials. Each piece reflects the charm of the lakeshore and makes a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift.

Stop by and explore these unique designs—thoughtful, timeless, and ready to find a place in someone’s home this holiday season!

Everyone’s favorite Christmas light extravaganza is back! Enjoy the Bozak Family Christmas Lights through January 1. Don...
12/14/2024

Everyone’s favorite Christmas light extravaganza is back! Enjoy the Bozak Family Christmas Lights through January 1. Donations support The Caring Place in Valparaiso. ☃️ 😁 🎄

The Bozak Family again Hosts a FREE Christmas Light Show with a special visit from SANTA! The light show runs nightly from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Because the lights are timed to musi...

Need a gift for an outdoorsy person on your list? The Beaches & Beyond Gift Shop at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center has...
12/12/2024

Need a gift for an outdoorsy person on your list? The Beaches & Beyond Gift Shop at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center has dunes-themed gifts! For everyone else you're shopping for, the gift shop carries a selection of local artisans' wares like ornaments, art, vases, and candles!

Shown: Art by Beverly Gibbs, handmade glass ornaments by Jannean Jelinek, and natural lip balms and nature jewelry by Blue Butterfly New Age.

12/11/2024

Why is Mount Baldy moving inland? Indiana Dunes National Park will host a special program on the dune's challenges, potential solutions, and the park's intended path forward. The one-hour program will include a presentation by Park Superintendent Jason Taylor and other experts on the history and status of Mount Baldy.

When & Where
Monday, December 16, from 7-8 pm
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Road 49.

If you can’t attend in person, a virtual option via Teams is available at: 68bd289e-7c51-4872-ac57-8a7b9c7e63a7@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/68bd289e-7c51-4872-ac57-8a7b9c7e63a7@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494

Registration is required only for the virtual option to receive the link. The program is free.

The program is part of the “Superintendent’s Spotlight” series. Dr. Taylor said, “I look forward to engaging local community members and others interested in the Indiana Dunes on the park and its operations to share, learn, and answer questions about our stewardship of this special place.”

12/09/2024

Chamber to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for new Red Cup Cafe location on Tuesday Dec 17

It’s one of most prominent and extensive redevelopment projects in Downtown Chesterton in recent years: The remodel of the former Hiestand Law Office space at 117 Broadway to make a cozy new home for Red Cup Cafe & Deli.

Join the Duneland Chamber of Commerce at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Red Cup at its new location—immediately next door to its old one—at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The public is welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting, after which folks are cordially invited to explore Red Cup’s new space and purchase a delicious lunch or refreshment.

While the Red Cup’s address may have changed (though only slightly), this cherished local favorite continues to offer the same comfortable and intimate ambiance, welcoming service, and superb menu which have made it such a beloved part of the community.

“We’re thrilled to open the doors to our new location and continue serving the community we love,” said Laura Verheaghe, owner of Red Cup. “This space represents growth, connection, and the same warm environment our customers have come to know and love. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in and create even more great memories together.”

“We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter for Red Cup Cafe,” Chamber President Maura Mundelln said. “The cafe has been a cornerstone of our business community, and this new location shows their continued dedication to serving Chesterton.”

What are you doing this weekend? We hope it’s attending the annual Holly Days celebration in Valparaiso! There will be s...
12/05/2024

What are you doing this weekend? We hope it’s attending the annual Holly Days celebration in Valparaiso! There will be shopping, Santa, sculptures, and songs a-plenty. 🛍️ 🎅 🎵

A downtown Valpo holiday tradition! Get in the spirit and revel in the holiday season with this festive celebration throughout downtown. Be sure to make time for holiday shopping and dinner at your favorite downtown shops and restaurants. LIVE ENTERTAIN...

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

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Why is Mount Baldy moving inland? Indiana Dunes National Park will host a special program on the dune's challenges, potential solutions, and the park's intended path forward. The one-hour program will include a presentation by Park Superintendent Jason Taylor and other experts on the history and status of Mount Baldy. When & Where Monday, December 16, from 7-8 pm Indiana Dunes Visitor Center 1215 N. State Road 49. If you can’t attend in person, a virtual option via Teams is available at: 68bd289e-7c51-4872-ac57-8a7b9c7e63a7@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/68bd289e-7c51-4872-ac57-8a7b9c7e63a7@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494 Registration is required only for the virtual option to receive the link. The program is free. The program is part of the “Superintendent’s Spotlight” series. Dr. Taylor said, “I look forward to engaging local community members and others interested in the Indiana Dunes on the park and its operations to share, learn, and answer questions about our stewardship of this special place.”

Since 1893, Valparaiso's Historic Memorial Opera House has entertained and delighted patrons with Broadway musicals, concerts, and special events. Learn about upcoming Memorial Opera House shows at indianadunes.com/listing/memorial-opera-house/19451

Indiana Dunes Backpacks for Naturalists
Indiana Dunes Backpacks for Naturalists

Did you know you can borrow a backpack full of nature tools for free at the Indiana Dunes? Learn how to borrow one at indianadunes.com/backpacks. Thank you for the glowing review, J& M Excursions, LLC!

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

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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.

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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.