Hike up Mt. Baldy, a 126-foot sand dune. You'll need to follow the marked trail up to the top and the area is open from 7 a.m. until dusk each day. The parking area for the trail is off of Highway 12.
Attend the Duneland Harvest Festival each year in September or Maple Sugar Time in the spring. These festivals take place at the Chellberg Farms. The Duneland Harvest Festival explores what it was like to live on a 1900 era farm. You'll also learn more about the area's history.
Take a walk along the shoreline. The beaches are open year round and you can enjoy the changing scenery as the year passes. You'll also find a variety of trails in the area, with trail maps available at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center.
Swim in Lake Michigan during the summer months. West Beach is the only location with lifeguards on duty during the summer so you'll need to be cautious at other locations. Rip currents and breaking waves can be dangerous.
Bird watch at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for both resident and migrating birds. The fall migration offers individuals a chance to see a greater variety of species as many birds follow the north-south shoreline. You may see hawks, waterfowl and wetland birds.
Snowshoe or cross-country ski on the park's trails during the snowy winter months. You'll need to bring your own equipment and a six inch snow base is recommended. You'll need to watch out for the ice shelf that can develop along the shore if you venture near the water.
