Indiana Dunes Hiking: Easy, Moderate, and Challenging Hikes For Families

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Overwhelmed by all the Indiana Dunes hiking choices? Not sure if there is one perfect for your family, especially if you have young children? 

Worry no more! We had many of the same concerns when visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, and actually had lower expectations than we should have. The park outdid all of them!

Indiana Dunes National and State Parks offer a wide variety of hiking options, and we will help you find one (or more) that you can enjoy with your kids of any age! We will break it all down for you! 

The park is full of so many diverse ecosystems and habitats, it is impossible to “get bored” when visiting the area. The diversity also makes Indiana Dunes hiking an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about wildlife, flora and fauna, and wilderness safety skills! Saddle up your kids and get ready for your next big adventure!

Why Indiana Dunes Hiking? 

If your kids are anything like my daughter, they’ve got energy to burn—and there’s no better place to let it all out than Indiana Dunes National Park. This place is an absolute gem for families who love a good adventure (and maybe a little sand in their shoes). While hiking is not the only adventurous thing to do in Indiana Dunes, it is one of the best!

Indiana Dunes National Park is a 15,000 acre park on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, in, you guessed it, the state of Indiana. The park boasts a wide range of habitats and ecosystems, from sandy beaches to peaceful forests to wetlands and marshes, giving you a unique experience no matter what hike you choose. 

After our recent visit to the park, we wanted to share our favorite family-friendly hikes with you—trails with big views, hidden surprises, and just enough challenge to keep everyone smiling (and maybe even napping on the car ride home). We have broken them down for you into three categories: easy hikes, moderate hikes, and challenging hikes.

Indiana Dunes Hiking: Best Easy Hikes For Families

These hikes are classified as easy, and are great options for families hiking with toddlers up to teens. The hikes are mostly flat and do not involve steep sand slopes, so we have included them under the easy classification.

Heron Rookery Trail

The Heron Rookery Trail is a 3.3-mile trail that meanders through a hardwood forest along the Little Calumet River. This trail is mostly flat with very little elevation gain, making it one of the best Indiana Dunes hiking choices for younger children. 

The trail gets its name from the great blue herons that used to call this area home. While they have moved on and no longer inhabit the area, a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, woodpeckers, and warblers can be seen.

If visiting during the spring, the trail comes to life with a display of colorful wildflowers, including Trillium, spring beauties and Dutchman’s breeches, enhancing your hiking experience. 

The trail, like many in Indiana Dunes, can be muddy and slippery at times, especially after rainfall, so appropriate footwear is recommended. There are two parking areas for the Heron Rookery Trail, the larger east side lot and the smaller lot west of the rookery (4 car parking in this lot). 

There are no restrooms or potable water along the trail. Pets are permitted on a leash of 6’ or shorter. The Heron Rookery Trail is hiking only, bikes are not permitted. 

Little Calumet River Trail / Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm

The Little Calumet River Trail is part of a 3.9-mile network in Indiana Dunes National Park. This trail system connects the historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.

The entire Little Calumet River Trail is 3.9 miles, but you can choose to just do the shorter Bailly/Chellberg Inner Loop at 1.1 miles. This trail will take you to Indiana Dunes’ most well known historic sites.

Along the Little Calumet Trail, hikers can also explore the restored Mnoké Prairie, traverse hardwood forests dominated by maple, beech, basswood, and oak trees, and follow a stretch of the Little Calumet River, once a critical transportation route for early regional travelers. 

The hike can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on what route you choose to take. Parking is available at the Bailly/Chellberg parking lot.

Great Marsh Trail

The Great Marsh Trail is a 1.2-mile unpaved loop trail that winds through the largest interdunal wetland in the Lake Michigan watershed, exposing you to some of the park’s wildlife and unique ecosystems.

The Great Marsh Trail is one of the best Indiana Dunes hiking options for birdwatching. There is an observation deck over the marsh that allows you to view a variety of bird & wildlife species, including mallards, wood ducks, kingfishers, and beavers. 

The Great Marsh Trail is great for families because it is mostly flat with no major elevation changes. Also, while the trail itself is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, there is a paved trail from the north parking lot to an observation deck overlooking the marsh. 

The trail can become muddy at times, so appropriate footwear is recommended. There are no restrooms or potable water along the trail, and pets are permitted on a leash. No bikes are permitted on the trail. 

There are two parking areas for the trail, the south parking lot which is the main parking area, and the north parking area. 

Calumet Dunes Trail

The Calumet Dunes Trail is a short, fully paved loop trail at only 0.5 miles. There is some minor elevation change of 32 ft., easily doable for toddlers and younger children. The trail is also wheelchair/stroller accessible, making it a great option for families. 

The trail traverses the Calumet Dunes ridge, which was once the shoreline of Lake Michigan over 12,000 years ago. As the lake receded, it formed parallel dune ridges, with the Calumet Dunes ridge standing at 620 feet above sea level. 

There are a few junctions to be aware of on the trail-two entrances to the Glenwood Dunes Trail and one to the Dunewood Trace Trail. Be sure to look at the trail map ahead of time, take a snapshot, or print it out and bring it with you so you don’t get lost!

Restrooms and potable water are available year-round at the trailhead. Pets are permitted on a leash, but bikes are not. There is a paved parking area on Kemil Road near the trailhead

For those interested in extending their hike, the Calumet Dunes Trail connects to the Glenwood Dunes Trail system, offering additional exploration opportunities.

Hobart Woodland Trail 

The Hobart Woodland Trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back hike located in the Hobart Prairie Grove area of Indiana Dunes National Park. The trail begins by following the Oak Savannah Bike Trail east for a little under half a mile, before branching off into the Woodland Trail. 

The Hobart Woodland Trail has some minor elevation changes, but is more rolling than steep elevation gain, easily doable for even the younger kids.

This unpaved trail meanders through forested ravines, offering hikers a tranquil experience amidst mature woodlands. As the trail approaches Lake George, it provides scenic overlooks, allowing visitors to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. 

The hike usually takes about an hour and a half to complete. There are no restrooms or potable water facilities along the trail. Pets are permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter). The trail is for hiking only, no bikes are permitted. 

Parking is available at the Robinson Lake Park parking lot on South Liverpool Road. 

Hoosier Prairie Trail

The Hoosier Prairie Trail is a 0.7-mile loop located within the Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve in Lake County, Indiana. This easy, family-friendly trail offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the state, making it one of the best Indiana Dunes hiking options for families.

As visitors walk the unpaved trail, they can observe a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The preserve features a variety of habitats, including oak barrens, wet prairies, and sedge meadows, supporting over 350 native plant species.

There are no restrooms or potable water facilities available along the trail. Pets are permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter), but bicycles are prohibited. 

Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail

The Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail is one of the best Indiana Dunes hiking options for families. The 0.9 mile loop located at the Portage Lakefront is a flat and easy hike that is mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible (there is one set of stairs). 

The trail begins at the Portage Lakefront Pavilion and takes you through restored dune habitats, providing picturesque views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. 

Along the trail, hikers can enjoy a boardwalk section that runs parallel to the Burns Waterway, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife. The area is also known for its rich history, having been transformed from a former industrial site into a restored natural habitat. This hike takes about 45 minutes to complete. 

There is a fishing pier near the pavilion, a good spot for an evening walk and catching the sunset. If visiting in the winter, the Portage Lakefront is a good place to observe ice shelves. 

Visitors can explore the pavilion, which includes restrooms and a seasonal snack bar.  Parking is available near the Portage Lakefront Pavilion. 

Indiana Dunes Hiking: Best Moderate Hikes For Families

Next, we will take you through some moderate Indiana Dunes hiking options. These options are labeled as moderate because they require a little more effort. Some have some steeper sand dunes to climb while others have multiple stairs. They may be a little more difficult for toddlers and younger children to complete.

Paul H. Douglas Trail

The Paul H. Douglas Trail in Miller Woods is one of the best moderate Indiana Dunes hiking trails. The hike is a 3.4 mile loop that takes you through a combination of wetlands, black oak savanna, open dunes, and a sandy beach along Lake Michigan.

The hike begins with taking you through wetlands before bringing you out to the sand dunes after crossing the Grand Calumet River. The hike is mostly flat, but walking through the sand can be challenging, especially on a hot summer day. There are some minor elevation changes of 46 ft. 

If you don’t want to complete the entire trail, you can choose to complete just the Douglas Center Loop. The Douglas Center Loop is much shorter at only 0.9 miles, and is good for any age group. Completing the whole loop including the beach trail is a total of 3.4 miles and takes about 2 hours.

Parking is available at the Paul H. Douglas visitor center. Before heading out for the hike, stop at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. The center offers hands-on exhibits to get the kids excited and pumped up for the hike.

Diana’s Dune Dare (Dunes Succession Trail)

If your family is up for a bit of a challenge with a big payoff, the Diana of the Dunes Dare Trail is a must-do. Starting at West Beach, this one-mile loop takes you through the fascinating stages of dune development, offering a mix of sandy climbs, wooden staircases, and scenic overlooks.

The trail is named after Alice Mabel Gray, also known as “Diana of the Dunes.” In the early 1900’s, Alice left her life in Chicago to live among the dunes, becoming a local legend and an early advocate for the preservation of this unique landscape.

As you ascend the 250 steps to the top of Diana’s Dune, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Michigan and, on clear days, the Chicago skyline. Along the way, interpretive signs share snippets of Diana’s story, making the hike both educational and inspiring. 

As you reach the end of the trail, it will transition from a boardwalk and stairs to walking on the sand dunes down to West Beach. Walking on the sand dunes can be a little challenging, especially on hot summer days. 

After completing the loop, don’t forget to stop by the West Beach bathhouse to snap a selfie at the Diana of the Dunes mural. Then, head to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to claim your free sticker—a fun memento to commemorate your family’s adventure.

There is plenty of parking at West Beach, and restrooms, showers, and a concession stand available. 

Tolleston Dunes Trail

The Tolleston Dunes Trail is a 2.9-mile loop moderately difficult hike. This trail traverses sand dunes formed over 4,700 years ago when Lake Michigan’s water level was 25 ft. higher than it is today. There is about 127 ft. of elevation gain along this trail, making it a little more difficult than the other trails we’ve discussed. 

Like many of the Indiana Dunes hiking trails, you’ll encounter a variety of habitats, including wetlands, oak savanna, and forested areas, providing diverse scenery and opportunities for wildlife observation. 

The trail features a mix of sand, packed soil, gravel, and boardwalk sections, with some boardwalks potentially submerged depending on recent rainfall. There are a couple junctions along the trail-with an inner and outer loop. The outer loop will take you around the full 2.9 mile trail, while the inner loop is 2.1 miles. The hike typically takes about 2 hours to complete.

There are no restrooms or potable water facilities along the trail. Pets are permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter), but bikes are not allowed.

There is parking available on Highway 12. A short distance from the trailhead parking you can also find the Tolleston Dunes Overlook, which features a short boardwalk with sheltered picnic areas overlooking the dunes. This area is wheelchair and stroller friendly. 

Dune Ridge Trail

The Dune Ridge Trail is a moderately challenging 0.7-mile loop located near Kemil Beach. There is 73 ft. of elevation gain along the trail, with some steeper slopes in loose sand. This trail typically takes up to an hour to complete. 

Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Great Marsh from the top of the dune ridge, providing a picturesque backdrop for the journey. Along the way, the trail will take you through wetlands and forests until you begin the ascent up the dune. 

Restrooms and potable water are available year-round at the trailhead.

For those interested in a guided experience, the park offers ranger-led hikes along the Dune Ridge Trail, especially during the autumn season. These programs provide insights into the park’s natural wonders and are a great way to enhance the hiking experience. 

Kemil Beach is also nearby, so consider making it a full day with a hike and stop at the beach afterwards to cool off! 

Pinhook Bog Trail System 

The Pinhook Bog Trail System contains two trails-the Upland Trail and the Bog Trail. 

The Pinhook Bog Upland Trail is a 2.1-mile loop located near La Porte, Indiana with 97 ft. of elevation gain. This easy to moderate trail takes you through a rich beech and maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine. As it climbs, the trail offers a marvelous view of the bog below. 

The 0.9 mile bog trail will take you to, yoou guessed it, a bog in the moraine. The bog was created when a piece of ice fell off the glacier. 

Restrooms (porta potties)  are available seasonally, but there is no potable water along the trail. Pets are permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter)

The bog trail is only open for ranger led open houses on weekends during the summer, so if you want to experience this hike be sure to plan ahead!

Indiana Dunes Hiking: Best Challenging Hikes For Families

The hikes in this section are the most difficult hikes in the park. While they are most likely easily doable for experienced hikers, families with young children may want to avoid these hikes. Most of the challenge comes from steep sand dunes, which can be very difficult to hike in, especially in the hot summer weather.

Cowles Bog Trail

The Cowles Bog Trail is a 4.7-mile loop that is better suited for families with older children and more experienced hikers because of the steep sand dunes along the hike. The trail has around 200 ft. of elevation gain. 

This trail takes you through ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas, and to a secluded beach. The hike takes around four hours to complete. 

Restrooms (porta potties) are available year-round, but there is no potable water along the trail. Pets are permitted on a leash (6 feet or shorter). Bikes are not permitted on the trails.

There are two parking areas for this trail (the main parking lot and the greenbelt parking lot), with overflow parking available at park headquarters. 

Glenwood Dunes Trail

The Glenwood Dunes Trail system is a collection of 15 miles of trails, some being less than a mile. The Glenwood Dunes trails are popular for hiking, running, and in the winter cross country skiing. 

We have classified this as challenging if you plan to complete the entire system. The individual trails, especially the Glennwood Dunes extension trail, may be doable for younger children.

• Glenwood Dunes Trail: 6.8 miles 129 ft. of elevation gain, 4 hours hiking time. The trail can be extended with the Calumet Dunes Paved Trail, Dunewood Trace Campground Trail and Glenwood Dunes Extension Trails for a hike of 15 miles. 
• Dunewood Trace Campground Trail: 4.4 miles, 30 ft. elevation gain, 2 and a half hours hiking time. This trail connects the Calumet Dunes Paved Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail to the Dunewood Campground. 
• Glenwood Dunes Extension Trail: 2.6 miles, 26 ft. of elevation gain, 2 and a half hours hiking time. 

If you plan on exploring the Glenwood Dunes Trail system, bring a map because there are 13 junctions and it can become confusing very quickly! 

The trail system is accessible from multiple parking areas, including the Glenwood Dunes Lot and the Calumet Dunes Lot, providing convenient access points for visitors.

Whether you’re seeking a short nature walk or a more challenging hike, the Glenwood Dunes Trail offers a rewarding outdoor experience amidst the natural beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park.

Three Dune Challenge (State Park)

The 3 Dune Challenge, located within Indiana Dunes State Park is a 1.5-mile loop trail that ascends the park’s three tallest dunes: Mount Jackson (176 feet), Mount Holden (184 feet), and Mount Tom (192 feet). This self-guided challenge involves a total elevation gain of 552 feet, making it the most strenuous hike in the park.

The trail is well-marked with colorful “3 Dune Challenge” signs, guiding hikers through sandy paths, steep inclines, and a series of stairs on Mount Tom. The hike offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the surrounding forests, and the city of Chicago on clear days.

While the 3 Dune Challenge is physically demanding, it is accessible to most ages and fitness levels, provided hikers take their time and stay hydrated. The trailhead begins at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center, where visitors can find restrooms and obtain information about the hike.

After completing the challenge, hikers can visit the Nature Center to receive a commemorative sticker or bumper sticker as a memento of their accomplishment.

The 1966 Hiking Challenge

Looking for a challenge? Consider taking on the 1966 Hiking Challenge in Indiana Dunes National Park. The challenge includes 19 trails that cover 66 miles within the park. The challenge is named 1966 to commemorate the park’s founding in 1966.

The hikes can be done on your own, or you can join in the 19 ranger led programs that take place every Saturday April through August, taking you through each of the 19 hikes. This obviously isn’t doable if visiting for a short time, but it is worth mentioning! After completing the challenge you will receive a special challenge sticker.

Tips for Indiana Dunes Hiking

• Wear Proper Footwear: Due to the sandy and uneven terrain, sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or boots are essential for good support and traction. Many of the trails can also become wet and muddy, so you will want to be prepared for that. 
• Stay Hydrated: Always bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as trails can be physically demanding and there are limited water sources along some trails (hiking in the sand is hard!) 
• Wear Sunscreen and a Hat: Many trails expose you to the sun, so protect yourself from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Prepare for the Sand: Some trails, particularly those involving dunes, can be challenging due to the deep sand. Be ready for some strenuous climbs and carry a walking stick or trekking poles if needed. Some of the dune trails include steep ascents. Pace yourself, take breaks when needed, and enjoy the views once you reach the top!
• Dress in Layers: The weather can change quickly, especially near the lake. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothes and bring a light jacket in cooler seasons.
• Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding animals. Many trails offer great bird watching opportunities, so bring binoculars and maybe a bird watching guide!
• Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace principles by staying on designated trails, packing out all your trash, and minimizing your environmental impact.
• Check Trail Conditions: Some trails can be muddy or flooded after heavy rainfall. Always check current trail conditions before heading out, and avoid trails if they are too wet to preserve the natural environment. 
• Bring a Map: Though trails are generally , well-marked, carrying a trail map can help you stay on course and plan your hike efficiently. Cell service in the park can be spotty at times, so plan ahead. 

What Else Is There To Do in Indiana Dunes

Aside from Indiana Dunes hiking, there are so many great things for families to do inside the park!

• Check out the visitor center
• Head to the Beach
• Visit the Historic Sites
• View the Century of Progress Homes
• Go Stargazing
• Join the Junior Ranger Program
• Go Kayaking or Canoeing
• Go For a Bike Ride
• Have a Picnic
• Go Camping

Need help planning your trip to Indiana Dunes National Park? We break down the numerous family friendly things to do in the park and our top recommendations in our full guide!

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***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****