Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country
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
- States
- IL, IN
- Updated
- April 25, 2026
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.
More road trips in Illinois, Indiana · More road trips from Chicago
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
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Chicago
IL - 254 km
West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park
NaturePortage, INA guarded Lake Michigan beach with the Dune Succession Trail climbing stairs over dunes; the Chicago skyline is visible across the lake.
- 315 km
Indiana Dunes State Park
NatureChesterton, INHome of the Three Dune Challenge, a steep climb over three of the highest dunes, and a busy beach pavilion. Parking fills on summer weekends.
- 415 km
Mount Baldy
NatureMichigan City, INA wandering sand dune that moves inland each year; access to the top is by ranger-guided hike, but the beach trail is open.
- 54 km
Michigan City
IN - 665 km
University of Notre Dame
HistorySouth Bend, INA campus of lakes and golden dome, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto, open to visitors.
- 766 km
Shipshewana
IN
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Chicago → Michigan City · 54 mi · 0 h 58 minOn the way: West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, Mount Baldy.Overnight nearby, for example: Dunewood Campground (5 mi); Michigan City Campground (5 mi).
- Day 2: Michigan City → Shipshewana · 81 mi · 1 h 27 minOn the way: University of Notre Dame.Overnight nearby, for example: Shipshewana South Campground (1 mi); KOA Holiday (7 mi).
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. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
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.
Where can you camp along Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country?
OpenStreetMap lists 47 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Dunewood Campground, Shipshewana South Campground and KOA Holiday.
When is the best time for Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country?
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)
