Tolleston Dunes Trail

2.9 miles, 127 feet of elevation gain, 2% average grade, 9% maximum grade
Hike time: 2 hours

The Tolleston Dunes Trail winds amid 4,700 year-old sand dunes that were formed when Lake Michigan's water level was 25 feet higher than today. Tolleston is the second youngest of four distinct dune systems found within the national park. Together these dune ridges provide a glimpse into the changing shoreline of Lake Michigan. Tolleston Dunes has varied habitats ranging from globally rare black oak savanna to wetlands and plants such as prickly pear cactus, butterfly weed, and the wild blue lupine flower (Lupinus perennis) which grows in abundance. Another plant with a large population is the eastern prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa).

This featured hike is a lollipop shaped trail. Starting at the parking lot trailhead, the trail starts out in what was once a sand mining operation. This is why the parking lot and surrounding area are so flat. After roughly a third of a mile, the trail enters the rolling ancient sand dunes of Lake Michigan. The footing is generally good with some sections of sand. At the loop trail junction, follow the trail to the right. The trail wind will up and down through oak savanna and wetland habitats.

Shortly after the boardwalk (roughly the one-mile mark), you will reach the cut-off trail junction. Staying to the right will take you on the outer loop (2.9 miles total distance). Taking the left trail will cut 0.8 miles off the hike (total hike distance of 2.1 miles). The recommended route is the outer loop. At the two-mile mark, stay to the right at the cut-off trail junction. Finally, at the loop trail junction, stay right again and hike back to the parking lot.

Trail Features: Fall Colors, Wildflowers, Wildlife

 

History and Background

The Tolleston Dunes parking lot is the site of former sand mining activities from before the park was created.

---

Getting There

Trailhead Parking Lots
Main Lot: 5800 U.S. Highway 12 (Dunes Highway), Ogden Dunes, IN 46368

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Main: 41.615056, -87.192889 (Decimal Degrees)

---

Need to Know

Hours & Information

• Hours – Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Hike Length – 2.9 miles.
• Hike Time – 2 hours.
• Difficulty – Moderate with consistent changes in elevation.
• Trail Surface – Sand with some sections of packed soil, gravel, and boardwalk. Boardwalk can be submerged.
• Facilities – No restrooms or potable water.
• Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
• Prohibited – Littering, hunting, and removing plants.
• Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
• The main trailhead parking lot and marsh overlook parking lot are paved.
• There are two picnic tables at the marsh overlook. First come, first served. No advance reservations. Cooking fires are prohibited.
• In the winter, this trail is popular for cross-country skiers looking for a more challenging experience.

Safety

• Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
• Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
• Poison ivy can be present on the edges of the trail.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

• Main trail is not wheelchair accessible. There is a wheelchair accessible picnic area and overlook located 1⁄4 mile west of the parking lot on U.S. Highway 12.

---

Trail Map

View a detailed map of the Tolleston Dunes Trail.

All hiking trail maps of the Indiana Dunes National Park are available online on our website or in paper at the trailhead kiosk or the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.