When rivers and forests are too typical for a vacation in the great outdoors, how about a few bogs and marshes thrown in for good measure? Varied landscapes would make it more exciting! What if we added sand dunes immediately inland to the beaches into the mix? There is one place along the shores of Lake Michigan that contains all these natural features. This place is called Indiana Dunes National Park, and you are welcome to explore all 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of it. The park’s natural terrain is inherently challenging and innately beautiful: a stunning remnant of the last ice age. The tallest dunes rise to about 200 feet (60.9 meters) from sea level. Thousands of species of flora and fauna call the lands within the park their home. Time to plan a trip and book one of our best hotels near Indiana Dunes National Park. Read this article to find out more.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location near national park. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 24, 2024.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton (from USD 182)
Onsite restaurant available, but also close to other dining options. Breakfast was good, but some confusion about what was included in the stay.
Reasonable pricing with nearby affordable dining options.
Conveniently located near the highway, restaurants, and attractions like the Indiana Dunes State and National Park.
Clean, comfortable rooms with a beautiful lobby, pool, and grab bars in the tub. Water bottles, Keurig, and bendable reading lamps provided.
Expect clean and modern rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton. The decorative theme in the room is more subdued than in the lobby, which has flowery highlights and sunset colors. As soon as you are checked in, you are the guest of honor and you can expect the hotel staff to put their best foot forward. The disposition of the Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton is cheerful and cordial as the eye-catching flowers on the carpet. Ask them about access to the indoor heated pool in case you still have the energy to take a dip after prospecting in the dunes.
Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton
Address: 501 Gateway Boulevard
8.71 km (5.5 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Michigan City (from USD 155)
Michigan City is a good starting point for day tours to Indiana Dunes National Park. A three-star hotel with a casino is ready to receive your reservation for a spacious and well-appointed room. Most of the facilities are new, and you will be well taken care of by attentive hotel staff. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Michigan City is a great place to wind down after biking, hiking, or geocaching at the dunes. Remember to visit Mt. Baldy, the tallest sand dune, and see for yourself why they say it is also the fastest moving of them all.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Michigan City, an IHG Hotel
Address: 401 Kieffer Rd.
12.43 km (7.8 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
3. Days Inn by Wyndham Portage (from USD 68)
Days Inn by Wyndham Portage stands like a ray of sunshine along Melton Road. The standard rooms are clean and comfortable. This value hotel is a reliable provider of quality services to guests. You’d be in the utmost comfort as you plan to explore Indiana Dunes National Park Trails and decide which paths to follow. Consider Glenwood Dunes Trails, where certain portions allow enthusiasts to go horseback riding. If you haven’t done it yet, then get your first encounter with the equine beauties of Indiana Dunes.
Days Inn by Wyndham Portage
Address: 6161 Melton Road
11.91 km (7.4 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
4. Baymont by Wyndham Portage (from USD 99)
An established hotel like Baymont by Wyndham Portage is expected to provide guests with exceptional services. Indeed, they deliver a high quality of services as promised. Hotel facilities include an indoor pool and fitness center on top of the standard room amenities to keep you snug and secure every day of your stay. The location of the Baymont Hotel is ideal for the fulfillment of your plans within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes National Park. Locals would recommend camping there, so make a note now to bring a tent or hammock.
Baymont by Wyndham Portage
Address: 2323 Willowcreek Road
13.31 km (8.3 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
5. Best Western Indian Oak (from USD 123)
A hotel room that is quiet and nice is all you need for a perfect vacation. What’s your opinion about a hotel room with views of the lake and the woods? We think an inspiring view suits you well. You can have all these when you choose to avail of the generous offer from Best Western Indian Oak in Chesterton, Indiana: spacious rooms and quiet days and nights. From the hotel, you’ll reach Indian Dunes National Park in about 10 minutes by car. Your surroundings will make it easy to remember why you made the trip and why you need to lose yourself in nature at this time.
Best Western Indian Oak
Address: 558 Indian Boundary Road
4.27 km (2.7 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
6. Country Inn and Suites Portage (from USD 195)
You’ll find the color palette chosen for the Country Inn and Suites interiors pleasing to the eyes. The reception you’ll receive as soon as you arrive is warm and deferential. The indoor pool area stands out. Aside from the huge main pool, there are kiddie amenities, which the children will love. Country Inn and Suites is a hotel in Portage that puts your next door to Indiana Dunes National Park. Imagine strolling along the shoreline of the lake with sand between your toes, and dunes like lumbering giants everywhere. No need for flights of fancy because you are going to experience it for real. Dare to take part in the many adventurous activities in the park and don’t stay on dry land. There’s plenty of excitement (and fish) in the water!
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Portage, IN This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 1630 Olmsted Drive
11.32 km (7.1 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
7. Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso (from USD 172)
Excellent breakfast with gluten-free options, friendly and helpful breakfast staff.
Reasonable pricing compared to alternatives in the area.
Close to Valparaiso landmarks and Indiana Dunes, convenient for a wedding trip.
Jacuzzi tub, free 24/7 coffee, accommodating breakfast for dietary restrictions.
If you have 30 minutes to spare, then choose a hotel in Valparaiso as your command post for the Indiana Dunes National Park expeditions planned out for the family. Valparaiso is still at a convenient distance from Indiana Dunes. Check into Hampton Inn & Suites to see for yourself why their charming guest rooms are more than adequate. You won’t have to worry much about meals if you are on a budget. A mini-refrigerator and microwave oven in your private room should be handy. Bird watchers are huge fans of the dunes because it is a haven for wildlife. Is birdwatching part of your itinerary? Whatever you have planned, you can count on coming home to comfortable and safe quarters in Valparaiso.
Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso
Address: 1451 Silhavy Road
21.85 km (13.6 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
8. Best Western Plus Portage Hotel & Suites (from USD 92)
Excited to try out the three-dune challenge at Indiana Dunes National Park? The trail is rugged and hard; It’s not all level because you’ll be climbing up three of the tallest sand dunes in the park. You must plan the entire vacation carefully and choose accommodations near the park so that your energy won’t be sapped during the trip. Portage is a popular base for three dune challengers, and Best Western Plus Portage Hotel & Suites is at your service. The common seating areas and swimming pool are nicely laid out and well-appointed. Your room has coffee and tea supplies ready any time you feel like enjoying a hot beverage. Book online now and secure a reservation in a jiffy!
Best Western Plus Portage Hotel and Suites
Address: 6200 Melton Road
11.88 km (7.4 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
9. Quality Inn - Michigan City (from USD 88)
Quality Inn - Michigan City has furnished rooms for restful nights and upgraded facilities so that you’ll have a secure and comfortable place to stay on your vacation. They have whirlpool bathtubs in the rooms as well. Everything is neat and organized. The 13-mile (21 km) journey via US-12 W from Michigan City to Indiana Dunes National Park should take you about 20 minutes. There are no twists and turns so you should make it in time for a booked tour of the dunes. You can learn about the rich history of the indigenous people, who originally inhabited the shores of the lake, as you marvel at the hills of sand.
Quality Inn
Address: 3801 N. Frontage Road, Franklin, Michigan City (IN), United States, 46360
13.32 km (8.3 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
10. Comfort Inn & Suites (from USD 78)
Comfort Inn & Suites is a hotel located about six minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park. They have spacious suites, and you can make basic meals with the microwave oven and coffee maker provided. Book a room with a hot tub. You’ll appreciate this feature after a long day of sightseeing at the oak savannas and sand dunes. If you fell in a shallow bog while hiking, you can get your clothes washed at the hotel. If your party is thinking about dining out, there are numerous options at the nearby Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets Mall.
Comfort Inn & Suites Porter near Indiana Dunes
Address: 1800 West US Highway 20, Porter, IN, USA, 46304
6.53 km (4.1 mi) from Indiana Dunes National Park
Explore Indiana Dunes National Park
Imagine sitting on a sandy beach by the lakeside while catching your breath as you prepare to conquer the next sand dune. You can make this vision a reality in a heartbeat if you book your hotel accommodation now, finalize your plans tomorrow, and start making lists of things to bring (and do) for the long-awaited trip to Indiana Dunes National Park.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data