# Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country

> 2-day road trip of about 219 km (136 mi) with 7 stops, from Chicago to Shipshewana. About 2 h 26 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b10-indiana-dunes/

**At a glance:** 2-day road trip of about 219 km (136 mi) with 7 stops, from Chicago to Shipshewana. About 2 h 26 min of driving in total. Lake Michigan dunes an hour from Chicago, then Notre Dame and the buggies of Shipshewana.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 219 km (136 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 26 min |
| Suggested days | 2 |
| Stops | 7 |
| Route | Chicago → Shipshewana |
| States | IL, IN |
| Updated | July 12, 2026 |

## Route description

Leave Chicago on I-90 or the Chicago Skyway (toll) and follow US-12, the old Dunes Highway, to Indiana Dunes National Park. At West Beach the Dune Succession Trail climbs stairs over sand hills, with the Chicago skyline visible across the lake.

Indiana Dunes State Park, surrounded by the national park, has the Three Dune Challenge, a steep climb over three of the highest dunes, and a large beach. Mount Baldy, a moving dune near Michigan City, can be climbed only with a ranger, but its beach trail is open.

Michigan City has a lighthouse museum and pier. From there, US-20 or the Indiana Toll Road leads east to South Bend and the University of Notre Dame, whose Basilica and Grotto are open to visitors.

Continue east to Shipshewana and Middlebury, the heart of an Amish community with a big flea market in summer and quilt shops. Beaches get very busy on summer weekends, so arrive early or visit in June or September.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Chicago** (IL)
2. **West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park** (Portage, IN): A guarded Lake Michigan beach with the Dune Succession Trail climbing stairs over dunes; the Chicago skyline is visible across the lake.
3. **Indiana Dunes State Park** (Chesterton, IN): Home of the Three Dune Challenge, a steep climb over three of the highest dunes, and a busy beach pavilion. Parking fills on summer weekends.
4. **Mount Baldy** (Michigan City, IN): A wandering sand dune that moves inland each year; access to the top is by ranger-guided hike, but the beach trail is open.
5. **Michigan City** (IN)
6. **University of Notre Dame** (South Bend, IN): A campus of lakes and golden dome, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto, open to visitors.
7. **Shipshewana** (IN)

## FAQs

**How long is Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country?**
2-day road trip of about 219 km (136 mi) with 7 stops, from Chicago to Shipshewana. About 2 h 26 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country?**
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 26 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country start and end?**
It starts in Chicago and ends in Shipshewana.

**Which states does Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country pass through?**
Illinois and Indiana.