Dune Acres Indiana
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dune Acres, Indiana.
1. White River State Park
URBAN OASIS | INDIANAPOLIS IN
White River State Park offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and recreation in the heart of Indianapolis. Spanning 250 acres, visitors can explore world-class attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, and the Indiana State Museum. The park also features lush greenspaces, walking trails, and waterways perfect for kayaking or pedal boating. Frequent community events, public art installations, and its proximity to downtown make it a vibrant destination for all ages.
2. Highland Park
COMMUNITY SPACE | KOKOMO IN
Highland Park in Kokomo serves as a vibrant community hub with amenities like picnic shelters, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The park is home to the iconic Sycamore Stump, one of Indiana's largest tree remnants with historical significance. Visitors can enjoy walking trails that weave through scenic areas or participate in seasonal events hosted within the park. Its family-friendly atmosphere makes it a cherished local attraction.
3. Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
LAKESIDE THRILLS | MONTICELLO IN
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort combines amusement park excitement with lakeside relaxation along Lake Shafer. Guests can enjoy roller coasters, water slides, a lazy river, and charming boardwalk shops and eateries. The resort also offers accommodations like log cabins and campgrounds for an extended stay filled with adventure. With its blend of thrilling rides and serene beach areas, Indiana Beach creates memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
4. Lake Street Beach
SERENE LAKEFRONT ESCAPE | GARY IN
Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Lake Street Beach offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the water and the Chicago skyline on clear days. This sandy beach is ideal for swimming, boating, and leisurely walks along the shoreline or nearby trails. Visitors can explore the adjacent Indiana Dunes National Park or enjoy water sports with available jet ski and small craft launches. Paid parking is available seasonally, making it a convenient spot for families and nature lovers alike.
5. White Rock Park
ADVENTURE QUARRY | SAINT PAUL IN
White Rock Park is a thrill-seeker's paradise with cliff diving, zip lining, and rope swinging over a deep quarry lake. Visitors can also enjoy scuba diving to explore sunken treasures like a school bus and boat or relax on floating docks. The park provides ample amenities including picnic areas, volleyball courts, and camping facilities for an all-day adventure. Safety measures such as life jackets are required for water activities, ensuring a secure yet exhilarating experience.
6. Clark State Forest
HISTORIC FOREST | HENRYVILLE IN
As Indiana's oldest state forest, Clark State Forest spans nearly 24,000 acres and offers a rich mix of history and recreation. Visitors can explore over 70 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking, including the challenging Knobstone Trail. Scenic picnic spots provide views of the Louisville skyline, while seven lakes offer fishing and boating opportunities. The forest's experimental tree plantings and nature preserves add an educational dimension to its natural charm.
7. Brown County State Park
SCENIC HILLTOPS | NASHVILLE IN
Brown County State Park is Indiana's largest state park, renowned for its breathtaking views of rolling hills and vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors can hike or bike along its trails, fish in its lakes, or stay overnight at campgrounds or cabins nestled within its rustic charm. Known as 'the Little Smokies,' this park attracts artists and photographers worldwide with its dramatic vistas and seasonal beauty. Horseback riding and nature programs add to its diverse offerings.
8. The Escape Room Fishers
PUZZLE ADVENTURE | FISHERS IN
The Escape Room Fishers provides an exhilarating experience where visitors solve puzzles in intricately themed rooms to escape within a set time limit. Perfect for friends, families, or team-building events, this venue combines mystery-solving with teamwork in an engaging atmosphere. Themes range from thrilling quests to adventurous challenges, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy. Located near other attractions in Fishers, it makes for a fun-filled outing.
9. Wellfield Botanic Gardens
SERENE OASIS | ELKHART IN
Spanning 36 acres, Wellfield Botanic Gardens features themed gardens, tranquil water features, and vibrant seasonal displays. Visitors can stroll through pathways lined with diverse plant species or attend community events like live music performances and workshops. Its picturesque pond area serves as a centerpiece for relaxation or photography opportunities. The gardens also double as a popular wedding venue thanks to their enchanting ambiance.
10. Falls of the Ohio State Park
GEOLOGICAL MARVELS | CLARKSVILLE IN
Falls of the Ohio State Park invites visitors to explore one of the world's largest exposed fossil beds along the Ohio River shoreline. The interpretive center provides insights into prehistoric life through interactive exhibits and guided tours. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails or fish along the riverbanks while marveling at the park's unique geological formations. Its blend of natural history and recreational opportunities makes it a fascinating destination for all ages.
11. Breakout Games
ESCAPE ROOM | INDIANAPOLIS IN
Breakout Games in Indianapolis delivers an adrenaline-pumping escape room experience with various themed adventures. Teams have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover clues to 'break out' successfully. With high-quality production design and engaging game masters, it's an ideal activity for families, friends, or corporate team-building events. Each room offers unique challenges that keep participants on their toes until the final moments.
12. Indiana Historical Society
STATE HISTORY HUB | INDIANAPOLIS IN
The Indiana Historical Society, located in the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, serves as a hub for preserving and sharing Indiana's rich history. Visitors can explore the Indiana Experience, featuring interactive exhibits that transport them to pivotal moments in the state's past. The center also houses the William Henry Smith Memorial Library, offering access to extensive archives and historical collections. With programming for all ages and a focus on education, this nonprofit organization is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
13. Lincoln State Park
LINCOLN LEGACY | LINCOLN CITY IN
Lincoln State Park offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and historical significance tied to Abraham Lincoln's childhood in Indiana. The park features 10 miles of hiking trails, two lakes for fishing and boating, campgrounds, and cabins for overnight stays. Historical sites within the park include the Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church Cemetery and memorials honoring Lincoln's family members. It's a peaceful destination for outdoor recreation and learning about Lincoln's early life.
14. Indianapolis Zoo
CONSERVATION LEADER | INDIANAPOLIS IN
Nestled in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo combines animal exhibits with botanical gardens and an aquarium for a unique triple-accredited experience. Housing over 1,400 animals across diverse habitats like deserts and oceans, it emphasizes conservation through programs like its biennial Indianapolis Prize. Guests can enjoy seasonal events such as ZooBoo or feed giraffes at interactive stations while exploring dynamic exhibits like Tembo Camp for elephants.
15. Indiana Dunes National Park
COASTAL ESCAPE | PORTER IN
Indiana Dunes National Park stretches across 15 miles of Lake Michigan's shoreline with diverse ecosystems including sand dunes, marshes, prairies, and oak savannas. Visitors can hike 45 miles of trails offering scenic views or relax on sandy beaches while enjoying birdwatching amidst one of the most biodiverse plant communities in the U.S. The park also provides opportunities for camping, fishing, cycling, and cross-country skiing during winter months. Its unique mix of Arctic plants alongside desert flora makes it a must-see natural treasure.