WWingAwayWEEKENDSFly to lunchDestination guide 142
Indiana · Couples · Two nights

Indiana Dunes

Dunes and beaches on Lake Michigan, with Chicago on the horizon.

Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Climb the Three Dune Challenge, walk the beach at sunset with the Chicago skyline across the water, bike the trails through the woods and wetlands, and have dinner in Chesterton or a beer in Michigan City.

National parkBeachesSunsets
See the weekend itineraryFlight & arrival details
Dune grass beside Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park
YOUR ROUTEKMYR to KMGC
STRAIGHT-LINE DISTANCE~610 NM
ILLUSTRATIVE FLIGHT TIME~4 hr 19 min
WEEKEND STYLETwo nights · Rental car

Time illustration: direct distance at 150 KTAS plus 15 minutes for departure and arrival, matching the discovery page. Use ForeFlight for your actual flight plan.

01 / Aviation & getting around

Land at Michigan City.

KMGC, Michigan City Municipal, is a non-towered field about 15 minutes from the national park.

The FBO

Michigan City Municipal Airport

Michigan City Municipal Airport, Michigan City, IN

219-872-0121

Confirm FBO hours, fees and ground transportation. No live fuel price is shown.

Great Lakes weather: lake-effect clouds and snow from late fall through winter, summer thunderstorms and fog over cold water in spring. About 610 nm from Myrtle Beach: plan a fuel stop and three nights.

02 / Where to stay

A woodsy inn near the park.

Rates and availability need travel dates. Summer weekends book early.

03 / Where to eat

Lake-town dining.

Reserve weekend dinners.

04 / Things to do

Dunes, beaches and trails.

Mornings on the trails, evenings on the beach.

01

Indiana Dunes National Park

Beaches, dunes and 50 miles of trails.

NPS
02

Three Dune Challenge

A steep climb in Indiana Dunes State Park.

Indiana Dunes
03

West Beach

Swimming and the Dune Succession Trail.

NPS
04

Washington Park & the lighthouse

Michigan City’s beach and pierhead light.

Indiana Dunes
05 / What’s happening

Sometimes the season is the reason to fly.

This prototype links to the local visitor site. It does not yet match events to your travel dates.

Fall

Color and quiet

Fewer crowds and fall color in the woods.

Spring

Birding

Migration along the lakeshore.

Concerts, festivals & local happenings

Check the local calendar when choosing a weekend, and confirm dates and tickets with the organizer.

Browse Indiana Dunes events
06 / Suggested itinerary

Friday in. Sunday home.

A sample long weekend: dunes, beaches and sunsets. Plan three nights for the flight. No bookings or availability confirmed.

DAY 1

Arrive

  1. Arrival

    Land at KMGC, subject to weather and your actual flight plan.

  2. Afternoon

    The visitor center and a beach walk.

  3. Evening

    Dinner at Shoreline Brewery.

DAY 2

Explore

  1. Morning

    The Three Dune Challenge.

  2. Afternoon

    West Beach.

  3. Evening

    Dinner at Lucrezia.

DAY 3

Morning & home

  1. Morning

    A trail through the woods.

  2. Before leaving

    Allow time at the airport.

  3. Fly home

    Lake-effect weather can build quickly; leave early.

07 / Good to know

Keep the weekend easy to change.

These details make the difference between an appealing list and a usable getaway.

Book in this order

Lodging first.

Beaches

Rip currents are real; obey flags.

Parking

Arrive early on summer weekends.

Best seasons

May to October.

Reviewed · Destination 142

Reviewed November 4, 2026.

Picks and links reviewed by WingAway Weekends. Hours, prices, menus and availability change often, so confirm directly with each place before booking.

WingAway Weekends helps you discover the destination. Use ForeFlight and current official aviation information for route, performance, weather, NOTAMs and preflight decisions. Flight planning and PIC responsibility stay with the pilot.