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Indiana Dunes State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,842 Google reviews · Running trail in Chesterton, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Indiana Dunes State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dune-lined park for hiking, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing, birding & more, plus campsites.
What runners say about Indiana Dunes State Park
“Well its not really a paking ticket fee, its a donation, for the village to keep the place clean and running.”
“The beach right outside the Pavilion is wide and beautiful, with plenty of space (though it can get crowded in peak summer).”
A beautiful hidden gem in Indiana. This was our first time here, and I'm glad we made the trip. Who knew you could drive 4 hours, and be at a beach in Indiana! The trails, and campground were very nice. The trails were great, and peaceful. I wish they were marked a little better.
State park fee but very much worth it. Parking was plentiful and they have a visitors center but we did not stop in. We did trail 9 it was amazing. A mid-range moderate trail and had some awesome views from the dunes and Lake Michigan.
Gorgeous and clean state park! The entry is pretty cheap, and you can stay all day to do the trails, swim, bike, and enjoy being by Lake Michigan. I think it's particularly nice for families to spend time here. It's a short drive for Chicagoans. I recommend taking a day trip here!
If you’re planning a trip to Indiana Dunes, don’t skip the area around the Pavilion—it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the park. The Pavilion itself is this beautifully restored historic building that sits right on the beach.
Trail conditions & character
“You’ve got options—grab a bite to eat downstairs, cool off with some ice cream, or head up to the rooftop bar (my favorite part) and take in the views of Lake Michigan.”
“Parking was plentiful and they have a visitors center but we did not stop in.”
“We had a picnic lunch there as there are plenty of picnic tables, shelter houses, playground & small bathrooms.”
“This place is not too crowded unlike other well known beach and the water is clean and at this time it was at the right temp.”
“They have several mats laid out on the beach for wheelchairs and is also great so you don't burn your feet in the hot sand.”
“It kind of gives off a nostalgic, almost vintage boardwalk vibe, but with updated features that make it perfect for a beach day break.”
“Sites are paved and water stations are accessible for easy fill.”
Plan your run at Indiana Dunes State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteon.in.gov
- Phone(219) 926-1952
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Chesterton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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