The Two Sides of Indiana Dunes National Park

Hey there Reader,

Most people come to Indiana Dunes National Park for the beaches and rolling sand dunes along Lake Michigan.

But there’s another side that doesn’t get as much attention — the quiet wetlands and marshes that stretch just inland.

We spent a full day exploring two short trails that show off both sides of the park: the peaceful Great Marsh Trail and the stair-filled Dune Succession Trail.

Great Marsh Trail: Birdwatching & Wetlands

Expansive view of the Great Marsh wetlands, showing patches of standing water, wet soil, and mixed green and dry marsh grasses under a bright blue sky at Indiana Dunes.

We started our day at the Great Marsh Trail, a quiet, flat 1.3-mile loop through the park’s restored wetlands. It’s a very different trail compared to the dunes. It's shaded, calm and full of bird calls echoing across the marsh. Perfect for birdwatching!

My parents joined us from Wisconsin while we were road-tripping to Ohio, and we took our time exploring. We stopping at the observation deck to watch birds and listen to the sounds of the marsh.

It was peaceful, with almost no one else on the trail when we visited in May.

👉🏻 Check Out Our Great Marsh Trail Guide

If you visit in spring, definitely bring bug spray and check for ticks. We learned that lesson quickly. Both of our dogs picked up quite a few before the hike was over!

Climbing the Stairs of the Dune Succession Trail

Sandy dunes with tall grasses leading to Lake Michigan along the Dune Succession Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park.

After cleaning up and dropping the dogs back at our Airbnb, we set out to hike the Dune Succession Trail along West Beach. It's a short 1-mile loop that climbs about 270 stairs over the dunes and opens up to incredible views of Lake Michigan and even the Chicago skyline on a clear day.

At the top of the stairs, the trail winds along the ridge before dropping down toward West Beach.

👉🏻 Read Our Dune Succession Trail Guide

Expect sand in your shoes, but the views make every step worth it.

Two Trails, One Park

It’s the contrast between the marshland and dunes that made our visit to Indiana Dunes so memorable. You can walk through quiet wetlands filled with birds in the morning, and in the afternoon, stand on top of a dune watching waves crash along the shore.

It’s not a park I feel the need to revisit, at least not for us. One full day was plenty. But there’s clearly more to discover & explore for anyone who wants to see it all.

See you on the trail,

Minerva & Sam

P.S. Which side of Indiana Dunes sounds more like your kind of hike? The peaceful marsh or sandy climb of the dunes? Hit reply and let us know!