Sandboarding at Indiana Dunes National Park offers a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty, with the dunes accessible from Dunewood Campground or West Beach. This article offers information on sandboarding in Indiana Dunes National Park, including the best dunes to find and what to bring, providing an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park, situated on Lake Michigan’s shore, has a rich history dating back over 10,000 years. Established in 1916, it was given national lakeshore status in 1966. The park offers a variety of sandboarding spots, from beginner to advanced. Sandboarding originated in Egypt and spread to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, but gained popularity in the United States and Europe in the 20th century.

Today, it’s featured in the X Games and the Winter Olympics. Beginners can practice on smaller dunes at Dunewood, while more experienced riders can head to West Beach for a more challenging experience. Spring and fall are the best times for sandboarding, as the weather is cooler and the dunes are less crowded.

10 Things to Know Before Sandboarding at Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park, home to some of the largest sand dunes in the U.S., is an ideal destination for sandboarding enthusiasts. The park offers beginner-friendly dunes and more challenging slopes for experienced riders. Located just a short drive from Chicago, it’s an easy getaway for city dwellers. Before sandboarding,

1. It’s important to dress appropriately for the hot and windy dunes.
2. Bring water and snacks.
3. Wear shoes that can handle sand.
4. Choose the right board for your skill level.
5. Consider a lesson from an experienced sandboarder.
6. Check the weather.
7. Be respectful of other park visitors.
8. Take plenty of photos and videos.
9. Pack a first-aid kit.
10. Have fun.

Activities to enjoy in Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails and various activities for visitors. Adventurers can explore wetlands, kayak on Lake Michigan, and enjoy wetlands exploration. The park also hosts ranger-led programs, festivals and an interpretive center. Other activities include:

• Hiking

Indiana Dunes National Park boasts over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The Dune Succession Trail is a popular one-mile journey through dune development stages. Visitors can also climb Mount Baldy, the tallest dune in the park, for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan.

• Kayaking

Indiana Dunes National Park offers kayaking and canoeing on Lake Michigan and the Calumet River. Experienced kayakers can enjoy Lake Michigan, while beginners can enjoy the relaxed river experience. The rivers are also a great spot for wildlife, including herons, turtles, and bald eagles. To enjoy the experience, bring your own kayak or rent one from a local outfitter.

• Swimming

Indiana Dunes National Park features three designated swimming beaches: West Beach, Dunbar Beach, and Kemil Beach. These beaches are popular summer activities, with lifeguards on duty. West Beach is the largest and most popular, offering amenities like picnic areas and a nature center. Dunbar Beach is smaller and more secluded, while Kemil Beach is known for its scenic views. All three beaches have soft, sandy beaches and cool waters.

• Fishing

Indiana Dunes National Park offers numerous fishing opportunities, including Lake Michigan and the Calumet River, with the best spots being in quieter areas. Popular fish species include smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and steelhead. The park also provides educational programs about fish and fishing, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the park.

• Bird Watching

Indiana Dunes National Park is a bird-watching paradise, with over 300 bird species recorded. Located on a migration route, it offers a variety of bird species throughout the year. Popular spots include Lake Michigan, Miller Woods, and the Calumet Trail. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when migratory birds pass through. Bring binoculars and a bird guide.

• Horseback Riding

Indiana Dunes National Park offers horseback riding as a unique way to explore its natural beauty. The park features equestrian trails like Pinhook and Calumet Trails, offering stunning views of dunes, wetlands, and forests. Open from April to October, riders must bring their horses and follow park rules. A private stable also provides guided trail rides.

• Camping

Indiana Dunes National Park offers five camping options, including Dunewood Campground near West Beach, Kemil Campground, Dunbar, Miller Woods, and Porter Beach. These sites provide full hookups for RVs and tent sites, as well as primitive experiences. Regardless of the choice, camping in this unique national park is sure to be a great experience.

• Sandboarding

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a thrilling sandboarding experience with stunning views from the top. Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding but involves riding down sand dunes instead of snow.

• Bike along the Calumet Trail.

The Calumet Trail is a 17-mile bike path through Indiana Dunes National Park, offering a variety of terrain and scenery. Starting at Ogden Dunes Dune Park Train Station and ending at the Calumet River, it passes through wetlands, forests, dunes, and prairies. The trail is mostly flat with rolling hills, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists.

• Stargazing at West Beach

West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park is ideal for stargazing due to its low light pollution and clear night sky. It offers a chance to observe the Milky Way, planets, and shooting stars. The best time to go is during the summer months, when the days are long and the nights are warm. Bring a blanket and layers, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

• Scenic Drive along Dunes Highway

The scenic drive along Dunes Highway, spanning 30 miles from Illinois to Michigan City, Indiana, offers stunning views of Indiana Dunes National Park. Sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, and the glistening waters of Lake Michigan can all be seen along the way. The road is lovely all year round, but the best time to drive is in the fall when the leaves are changing. For breathtaking views, stop at one of the many viewpoints.

• Guided Nature Walk

Indiana Dunes National Park offers guided nature walks, focusing on dunes, wetlands, and forests. Guided by experts, these short, about an hour-long walks provide insights into the area’s plants, animals, and history. They are suitable for all ages and fitness levels and can be found on the park’s website for upcoming schedules.

• Hang Gliding

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a thrilling hang-gliding experience with its steep hills and rolling dunes. Only allowed in the off-season from October to March, it’s best on clear days with light winds. Lessons and rentals are available, but safety is crucial.

Related Posts: Discover breathtaking sites to sandboard in South America

Breath-taking Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park

In addition to sandboarding, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy at Indiana Dunes National Park. Top attractions at Indiana Dunes National Park, other than sandboarding:

• The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education

Indiana Dunes National Park’s Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education offers educational programs and exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. Visitors can learn about dune formation, ecosystems, and human settlement history. Children can participate in nature walks, arts and crafts, and storytelling. The center, located on Lake Michigan’s shore, also offers exhibits and programs on history and ecology. Visitors can also visit one of the park’s beautiful beaches.

• The Dunes Learning Center

The Dunes Learning Center is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs and summer camps for all ages, focusing on the natural and cultural history of the Indiana Dunes. The center offers exhibitions, a nature museum, and a live animal display, as well as programs like the Dunes Field Station for kids aged 9–17. The Dunes Discovery Days are free public events, showcasing topics like birding, stargazing, dune ecology, and local history. The center also hosts talks, family fun days, and nature walks.

• The Dunes Countryside Park

The Dunes Countryside Park, located near Indiana Dunes National Park, offers hiking trails, picnic areas, restrooms, and a nature center. It features West Beach, known for Lake Michigan and golden sand dunes, and is home to deer, foxes, and beavers. The park is open year-round, in Porter County, Indiana, and is a short drive from Chicago, providing an escape from city life and a chance to appreciate nature’s beauty.

• The Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park is a 2,000-acre natural area in northern Indiana, encompassing forests, wetlands, and prairies. It features a three-mile beach along Lake Michigan and offers recreational activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. The park has been managed by the state, the National Park Service, and the Nature Conservancy since 1925. Despite facing urbanization and industrial development threats, the park remains a natural area with diverse habitats, including sand dunes, wetlands, oak savannas, and prairies. It is also home to rare and endangered species.

• West Beach

West Beach, south of Indiana Dunes State Park, is a popular beach with clear water and a sandy shoreline. It offers swimming, sunbathing, picnics, a playground, a snack bar, and a concession stand. Open daily, it hosts festivals and events. West Beach also features a nature preserve with wildlife, a bird-banding station, and a butterfly garden with native plants.

• Mt. Baldy

Mt. Baldy, Indiana Dunes National Park’s 100-foot-tall sand dune, is a popular hang-gliding spot and historical site with a sawmill town. It offers a thrilling sandboarding experience and is gaining popularity for its historical significance. Nearby attractions include the West Beach Dunes Nature Preserve, Indiana Dunes State Park, and a variety of wildlife, including a rare dragonfly species.

• Kemil Beach

Kemil Beach, named after local businessman Fred Kemil, is a family-friendly beach in Indiana Dunes National Park with calm waters, picnic areas, restrooms, and lifeguards. It’s also a great spot for beach glass hunting. Nearby beaches include Dunbar Beach, West Beach, and Michigan City, each with unique attractions. Kemil Beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing, while West Beach offers hiking trails and nature preserves.

• Lake Michigan

Michigan City is a charming town with a historic lighthouse, the Old Lighthouse Museum, and a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The Michigan City Marina offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, one of the largest and most beautiful in the US, and provides hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts for guests. Lake Michigan, fed by rivers like the St. Joseph, Grand, and Kalamazoo, supports ecosystems and provides nutrients. Its shoreline features beaches like Indiana Dunes State Park, making it a popular destination for sailing, swimming, and fishing. Lake Michigan has a rich history.

• The Bailly Homestead

The Bailly Homestead, a historic house museum in Indiana Dunes National Park, was built in 1833 by fur trader Joseph Bailly. The house, made of yellow pine logs, has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can explore the house and its surrounding grounds, including a blacksmith shop, a smokehouse, and an herb garden. The museum offers educational programs, interactive events, and beautiful gardens, including a formal garden created by Bailly’s daughter-in-law.

• Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is a nature preserve near Indiana Dunes National Park, preserving a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. It is home to wildlife like deer, foxes, and coyotes, as well as rare and endangered plants. The preserve is a vital part of the region’s ecology and offers educational activities on the Coffee Creek Gorge Trail. The Chesterton Inn, near the preserve, offers amenities like a restaurant, pool, and fitness center.

• Calumet Regional Visitor Center

Indiana Dunes National Park’s Calumet Regional Visitor Center in Porter, Indiana, offers exhibits, programs, and information about the park’s history, ecology, and attractions. Visitors can explore the Calumet Trail and rent bikes. The center’s Heritage Gallery showcases Native Americans, early settlers, and local businesses. The Westchester Township History Museum preserves the township’s past.

• Chellberg Farm Historic Site

Chellberg Farm, a historic site in Indiana Dunes National Park, was established in 1885 by Swedish immigrants and served as a working museum until the 1970s. Today, it offers programs like sheep shearing, hay baling, and harvest, and houses various animals. The farm provides insight into the region’s agricultural history, population, and pre-modern lifestyles.

• The Miller Woods

Indiana Dunes National Park’s Miller Woods Trailhead in Gary, Indiana, offers hiking trails and birdwatching stations. Visitors can learn about the park at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center. The trailhead features a beach, a picnic area, and guided hikes. The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education offers a live animal exhibit and interactive activities. The Starlab Planetarium offers moonlit nature hikes.

• The Birding Trail

The Indiana Dunes Birding Trail is a network of 20 birdwatching sites in Indiana Dunes National Park, offering unique experiences of the park’s diverse habitats and wildlife. Accessible year-round, it’s particularly popular during spring and fall bird migration. Visitors can access a free guidebook and app provided by the Indiana Audubon Society.

• Bailly Cemetery

The Bailly Cemetery, a historic site in Indiana Dunes National Park, is the final resting place of early settlers overlooking Lake Michigan. It serves as a reminder of the area’s history and offers a great opportunity to learn about the region. Additionally, sandboarding, a new sport in the park, involves riding down a sand dune.

Tips for Sandboarding in Indiana Dunes

Sandboarding is a safe activity, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you head out.

• To sandboard, you will need a board, wax, and a helmet. The park does not rent equipment, so you will need to bring your own.
• It is important to check the weather forecast before you go. Sandboarding can be dangerous in high winds, so it is best to go on a calm day.
• Be sure to wear sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Sandboarding can be strenuous, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and take care not to disturb the environment around you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandboarding Indiana Dunes

Do I need experience to sandboard?

No experience is necessary to sandboard. Sandboarding is a beginner’s sport, requiring basic balance and coordination skills. It’s easy to learn after a few attempts, and practice can be done on the sand at the bottom of the dune.

What should I wear for sandboarding?

Sandboarding necessitates comfortable attire and sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Good-grip sandboard shoes are recommended, while open-toed shoes or flip-flops should be avoided. A bandana or scarf can also protect the face.

Are there any rules or regulations for sandboarding?

Sandboarding in Indiana Dunes National Park requires following rules, including going with a friend or family, respecting the environment, and avoiding disturbing wildlife or plants. Following signs and staying on marked paths ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone.

What is the best time of year to visit Indiana Dunes National Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a variety of activities, with summer being the most popular due to the warm weather and open beaches. The park is beautiful in all seasons, with fall leaves changing and less crowded, winter snow-covered dunes, and spring flowers blooming, making it a versatile destination for various activities.

What other activities can I do in the Indiana Dunes National Park?

The Indiana Dunes National Park offers a variety of activities beyond sandboarding, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. Visitors can also participate in educational programs and ranger-led activities. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center provides exhibits, information, and a gift shop, making it a must-visit destination.

Are there any camping options in the Indiana Dunes National Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park offers various camping options, including Dunewood Campground, Kemil Beach Campground, primitive Kemil Beach Campground, and rustic cabins for rent. The park also provides amenities like showers and a dump station and is within driving distance of Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes State Recreation Area.

How do I get to the Indiana Dunes National Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park is conveniently located off Interstate 94, an hour from Chicago, with Gary/Chicago International Airport just 15 minutes away. Accessible via bus and train, the park is connected to popular destinations via the South Shore Line and Dunes Trolley.

What is the weather like in the Indiana Dunes National Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park experiences varying weather patterns throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while winters are cold and snowy, sometimes dropping below zero. Spring and fall are mild, with an average of 38 inches of rain per year.

Is the Indiana Dunes National Park Accessible for People with Disabilities?

Indiana Dunes National Park is dedicated to accessibility for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Facilities like restrooms, picnic areas, and parking lots are wheelchair-accessible. Trails like the Dune Succession Trail and Pinhook Bog Trail are also wheelchair-friendly. The Dunes Trolley is also wheelchair-accessible. The visitor center features exhibits and ranger-led programs.

Conclusion

Sandboarding at Indiana Dunes National Park is a thrilling and unique experience, offering a chance to experience the diverse landscape and adrenaline rush. The park is accessible to people with disabilities and offers ranger-led programs and tours. However, it’s important to wear appropriate safety gear and follow park rules for a safe experience.