Sitting inside the national park but managed separately by the state, Indiana Dunes State Park covers 2,182 acres and contains the most dramatic dunes terrain in the region. The three highest dunes — Mt. Tom (192 feet), Mt. Holden (184 feet), and Mt. Jackson (176 feet) — can all be reached on Trail 8, a strenuous but rewarding hike that rewards you with sweeping views over the lake.
The state park requires a separate entrance fee but offers excellent facilities: a protected swimming beach with lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 16 miles of trails, and a 140-site campground. It is the most visited state park in Indiana, so arriving early on summer weekends is essential. The nature preserve within the state park is particularly good for birdwatching — more than 370 species have been recorded across the wider dunes area, making this one of the best birding spots in the Midwest.