Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is a protected area that contains 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 15,000 acres of land, and 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Known for it's serene lake views and surreal landscape for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
Our 3.5 miles of spectacular beaches include the westernmost national park beach and walking access to two others. Here, the spectacular beauty of the dunes is in your backyard.
Gary's Miller Beach neighborhood is surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Park. Miller Woods and the Douglas Nature Center border the neighborhood on the west. West Beach area borders the neighborhood on the east.
On the southern side of the neighborhood, The Marquette Greenway Trail runs parallel to the lake, connecting bikers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region.
The Paul H. Douglas Center is a nature center and serves the western visitor center for the Indiana Dunes National Park. It is open all seasons.
The Douglas Center is staffed with rangers from the National Park Service. They are ready to greet you with plenty of advice on what to do and see on your visit. Check out a backpack and binoculars for your hike.
Children can explore exhibits of live reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Visitors can get their national park stamps or Junior Ranger badges. Free weekly programs for park visitors include free kayaking, snowshoeing, and ranger -guided hikes.
The entrance to the Paul H. Douglas Center bridge, which stretches across Lake Street.
Hikers in early June on the Miller Woods Trail is a perfect example of a fun ranger led hike suitable for all ages.
Want to try snowshoeing? No worries, the Paul H Douglas Center has free loaners, and cross country skis, too!.
Hiking is Fun in Any Season on the Miller Woods Trail.
An outdoor kids area includes another picnic area and drinking fountains.
A National Park Service Ranger prepares a testing activity area for visitors to the Douglas Center. Tanks along the walls inside the Center contain local turtles, snakes, fish, and reptiles for observation.
The picnic area on the deck outside the Douglas Center overlooks trails, forest, and a wetland. Great place to stop and refresh. Two other picnic areas are available on the trail.
Interesting exhibits inside the Paul H. Douglas Center explain the history of early area residents and the fight to save the dunes.
The Douglas Nature Center is accessed via this bridge over Lake Street only a block north of Downtown Miller Beach.. A new updated bridge is being installed by July of 2024.
Lake fog appears when the air temperature is significantly different from the water temperature of Lake Michigan.
A winter scene in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Marram grass peeks through snow.
Miller Woods Beach is a calm and peaceful spot to swim or enjoy the Chicago skyline view.
The Miller Woods Trail behind the Douglas Center accommodates wheel chairs and strollers. It has a lovely picnic area under a forest of giant oak trees. Each section has its own grill!
Millions of lupines and hoary puccoon bloom along the sandy hike to the beach. It's a stunning experience every May!
Stunning Miller Woods Beach has shallow walk in waters and a stunning view of the Chicago skyline!