Attractions Near Indiana Dunes
If you are visiting the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and looking for more to do than just relax on Michigan’s lakeshores, then you are in luck. Below is a list of attractions Near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore you can enjoy while on vacation.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great way to spend the summertime with friends and family. The park offers dunes, trails, and beaches for the whole family.
The National Park has over 15 miles of sandy shores that allow plenty of room to enjoy Lake Michigan without feeling overcrowded. In addition to the Indiana Dunes National Park, there are several other beaches nearby that you can visit. For more information on the Indiana Dunes, National Park, and the surrounding beaches, check out our article, Guide for the Indiana Dunes this Summer.
While visiting the Indiana Dunes National Park, check out some of the attractions around town. Indiana Sand Dunes features amusement parks, waterparks, drive-in theaters, and indoor recreational play, making it a perfect way to take a break from the beaches or on those rainy days. Check out our top picks of Attractions Near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Attractions Near Indiana Sand Dunes
49'er Drive-In Theatre
After a long day at the beach, nothing is more relaxing than watching a movie from the comfort of your car. Pack the car with blankets and pillows for the ultimate comfy drive-in experience.
The drive-in features a double feature so that you can watch two movies for the price of one! Check out the drive-in if you want a fun way to spend your evening.
Important Information: Movie audio is broadcasted on 88.5. Bringing a battery-operated radio might be a good idea to prevent the car from running throughout the movie.
Deep River Waterpark
If you want another adventure outside of swimming in Lake Michigan, check out this Waterpark!
Deep River Waterpark resides in Crown Point, Indiana, one of the largest waterparks in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. The action pack park features a large variety of activities.
One attraction the Waterpark has to offer is the wave pool with a zero-depth entry. The rip tide wave pool features 500,000 gallons of water between calm waters and waves. Be sure to grab a tube and hit the waves.
The Storm Tube Ride
Another great feature is ‘The Storm Tube Ride.’ This ride features a five-story slide where you enter the enclosed slide while sitting on your tube. This experience allows for twists and turns in the dark until you reach the bottom.
DRAGON Speed Slide
While you’re here, check out the ‘DRAGON Speed Slide.’ The slide will have you going up to 35 miles per hour as you fly down the slide. A thrill that will have you wanting to come back for more.
KRAKEN Multi-Lane Mat Slide
Race your friends and family in the KRAKEN Multi-Lane Mat Slide. Allowing multiple people to go down the slide simultaneously to see who won at the bottom. It’s a smooth ride you will love.
The Dueling Cannon Bowl Ride
Possibly the best ride in the park is the Dueling Cannon Bowl Ride. Grab a tube and head to the top of the slide. You will start by entering a covered slide, then pop out in an oversized bowl where you spin into another closed slide until you exit out the bottom.
In addition to the vast number of slides the park offers, they also have two lazy rivers, the Bayou River and the Great American River. Allowing you plenty of time to relax as you float around the swimming pool.
In conclusion, Deep River Waterpark offers so much to do that you can easily spend an entire day here. The park features multiple slides, with each offering its own unique features, a wave pool with zero-depth entry, and two lazy rivers. It’s a great way to spend the day in the sun while making memories with family and friends.
Inman's Bowling and Recreation Center
Inman’s Bowling and Recreation Center is a great place to visit. The facility is an action-packed adventure for both children and adults. The venue offers 32 lanes of bowling, a roller skating rink, and an arcade. For the adults, there are pool tables and a bar.
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Then play a round of miniature golf (18-holes), drive a go-kart, or take your chances on the Paddle Boat Soakers. Additionally, Inman’s Bowling and Recreation Center offers Bounce Houses, Bean Bags, and Pizza.
Attractions may change; check the website for more information.
WhoaZone
Located at Whihala Beach is the WhoaZone, an inflatable Obstacle Course stationed in Lake Michigan’s water. It is a unique experience that allows you to test your strength and agility.
The WhoaZone features different routes, each presented with its own unique features. Each route ranges from easy to complex, depending on the module within each course. Below are some modules you can expect to encounter throughout the course.
Monkey Bars
Climb your way across this module with the monkey bars that hang above. This will test your strength. If your fingers slide, you will fall into the lake below.
Wiggle Bridge
The Wiggle Bridge is similar to Lily Pads except without ropes above, and the wiggle disc is closer together. This module will test your balance and speed.
Trampoline
Another great module is the Trampoline, which allows you to take a break from the course, relax, and jump. It’s a fun way to keep your energy going for the rest of the obstacle course while taking a break from climbing and sliding.
Action Tower XXL
Test your stamina and strength on the Action Tower XXL. This inflatable structure is designed for climbing and sliding.
You can purchase a single splash or double splash online at Whoazonewhihala.com. Additionally, there are several discounts online depending on the day and time you choose.
In addition to the inflatable floating obstacle course, you can rent Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards, and Corals.
Beach Rules are as follows:
- You cannot swim in undesignated areas
- You cannot swim while a lifeguard is NOT on duty
- No alcoholic beverages and glass containers
- No vehicles are permitted on the beach
- Personal floatation devices must be Coast Guard approved
- No unsupervised children
- No animals or pets
- No horseplay or behavior detrimental to visitors/staff stay
- No tampering with lifeguard equipment
Important information: Anyone under the age of 18 needs to have a parent present to sign the waiver.
Broken Wagon Bison
Fun Fact to get you started: Bison are the largest mammal in North America. Check out this fun fact and more at https://www.doi.gov/blog/15-facts-about-our-national-mammal-american-bison.
Get an up-close encounter with natural Bison at the Broken Wagon Bison Facility. Broken Wagon Bison is located on 160 acres in Hobart, Indiana.
They feature tours from June through September. However, call to schedule a group tour if you have a larger group of 20 people or more.
Group and public tours are available. Check their website for more information about hours of operation and tour availability.
Complete List of Attractions Near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
- 49’er Drive-in-Theater
- Deep River Waterpark
- Inman’s Bowling and Recreation Center
- Whoa Zone
- Broken Wagon Bison
These are a few attractions that are offered around the Indiana Sand Dunes. Let us know if you have been to one of the attractions listed above or if you have a favorite attraction near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that was not listed above. We would love to hear about your experience!
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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