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.
Mount Baldy near Michigan City, Indiana, is a “living” dune about 123 feet (37 m) high at the eastern end of Indiana Dunes National Park. The wind pushes it inland by roughly 4 to 6 feet (1 to 2 m) a year. From the parking lot you can see the dune's migrating south face. According to the National Park Service, the access site with the parking lot and the beach route reopened on June 15, 2026, after shoreline work.
The summit and the dune face remain closed because of unstable sand (as of October 2026). You can reach the summit only with rangers on guided hikes when they are offered; check with the park for dates. The beach is about 0.33 miles (0.5 km) from the lot at the end of a sandy path, where walking is harder than on firm ground. The drop to the beach is steep; Wikivoyage advises using the gentler path farther back and staying on the trail. The beach is one of the quieter ones in the park, there are no lifeguards, and rip currents are possible. The parking lot (92 spaces) is on US 12 west of Michigan City; the beach lots close at dusk.
- Nearest town
- Michigan City, IN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.7070, -86.9310
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Dunewood CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Mount Baldy · 67 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Michigan City CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Mount BaldyTentsCaravans
- Indiana Dunes State Park CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Mount BaldyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Sand Creek CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Mount BaldyTentsCaravans
- La Porte County Fairgrounds CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Mount BaldyTentsCaravans
- Mini Mountain CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Mount BaldyTentsMotorhomes
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mount Baldy?
Mount Baldy is in Michigan City, IN, at GPS 41.7070, -86.9310. It is about 38 mi from Chicago.
Can you camp near Mount Baldy?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Dunewood Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mount Baldy?
Mount Baldy is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country and Shifting dunes, horse-drawn buggies and covered bridges – by camper from the Indiana Dunes through Amish Country to the Ohio River.
What is there to see near Mount Baldy?
Places worth a stop nearby: Indiana Dunes State Park (8 mi), West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park (16 mi), Studebaker National Museum (35 mi) and University of Notre Dame (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mount Baldy?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)