Along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Ogden Dunes combines peaceful lakeside living with outdoor recreation. Many of the beaches and dunes surrounding the community are protected by the National Parks Service, with trails and scenic overlooks just a few minutes from homes. “Chicago was designed so that the lake belonged to the people, so lakefront property is unheard of in Chicago,” says associate broker Cynthia Villaseñor with McColly Real Estate. “In Ogden Dunes, not only are you within walking distance of the lake, but you can live along the lake.” In the community itself, the community is quiet and tight-knit, almost feeling like a gated community but without the gates and fences. “It’s not private, but it is secluded,” Villaseñor says. “There’s only one way in and one way out. One police station and a volunteer fire department.”
Multi million dollar homes can be found all throughout the Ogden Dunes.
Within the Ogden Dunes homes often have mature trees all throughout their yards.
1/2
Hiking through the dunes or boating on Lake Michigan
To access Lake Michigan, residents can head to Ogden Dunes Beach. Boardwalk pathways cut between the houses lining Shore Drive, inviting pedestrians to the sandy shores. Here, residents and visitors can swim, paddleboat and boogie board in the clear waters. The East Arm Little Calumet River provides an access point to the lake for motorized boats. “There are a lot of marinas, so if you live in the neighborhood, you’ll have somewhere to put your boat,” Villaseñor says. Indian Dunes National Park runs along 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline around Ogden Dunes and features 50 miles of hiking trails through the dunes and along the shore. One of these is the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail, which stretches 0.9 miles and ends at a pavilion where people can watch the bird migrations or the sunset over the lake. The Porter Lighthouse is also visible from here. In the neighborhood of Ogden Dunes, residential parks are walkable from homes, like Nelson Park, where people can play tennis or basketball or check out the community garden.
Hiking through the Indiana Dunes National Park is easy with their scenic paved paths.
Marina Shores at Dunes Harbor is just across the street from the Ogden Dunes.
1/2
Lakefront properties with decks and large windows
Because Ogden Dunes is so close to Lake Michigan, many homes feature contemporary modern designs and features, like large windows. The terrain is hilly here, so residents don’t necessarily have to border the beach to see the lake from their homes. Along Shore Drive, houses are tightly packed together but often feature decks that open to the beach. Further away from the shoreline, properties become more private, with some houses placed along long driveways and obscured by trees. Properties can start at a quarter acre of land out here, giving people more space to relax. “There’s an optional homeowners association,” Villaseñor says. “If you do, you get a parking pass for the lake. You have to have residential parking to get close to the lake.” Home prices typically range between $400,000 and $1.5 million, depending on the size of the home and how close it is to the shoreline. Renting is also popular in Ogden Dunes, especially seasonally. “There are people who own homes strictly to rent them out for Airbnbs,” Villaseñor says. Many property owners in this community might use their houses as summer homes and then rent them out in the winter, while others use the peak summer season to rent out their homes to vacationers.
Homes in the Ogden Dunes that sit on the Little Calumet River have docks for their boats.
With beautiful beaches and spectacular views, Ogden Dunes is a highly desirable place to live.
1/2
Sandcastle contests for the Fourth of July
Ogden Dunes hosts some smaller events for the community, like their sandcastle-building contest on the Fourth of July before the fireworks show. Over in Portage, the Annual Christmas Craft Show gets people into the holiday spirit, with local vendors showcasing their craft at Woodland Park. Fridays at Founder’s Square takes place every Friday from June through August, featuring vendors, food trucks and farmers. Movies start after sunset. Once a month, people can also enjoy live music and a beer garden.
Burger joints and bubble tea in Portage
Ogden Dunes is entirely residential, adding to its quiet, private feel. Next door in Portage, people can find several great restaurants, including Quaker Steak and Lube. This motor-themed restaurant is known for its wings and the 20 different sauces available. Big Time Burgers and Brew serves classic burgers and big soft-serve pretzels. For a refreshing drink, Teatery serves bubble tea in various fruity and milk flavors. Most grocery stores will also be over in Portage, including Strack and Van Til, about 4.7 miles away along Crisman Road. About 7 miles away, Willowcreek Road is lined with more grocery options, like Meijer, Aldi and a Walmart Supercenter.
Big Time Burger and Brew can be found just outside of Ogden Dunes at Founders Park in Portage.
Ogden Dune locals can be found at Big Time Burgers and Brew trying a locally made craft beer.
Teatery is a locally owned and serves up fresh bubble tea, coffee and sweet treats.
Stop at Teatery for the Banana Dream Boba which is packed full of flavor.
1/4
Dual credit and CTE classes at Portage Township Schools
Students in Ogden Dunes are part of Portage Township Schools. Students will attend Crisman Elementary School, which receives a C-plus from Niche. They then progress to Willowcreek Middle School, which obtains a C from Niche. Portage High School offers Advanced Placement (AP), career and technology, and dual credit courses for students. Niche awards it a B and ranks it as the 30th-most diverse public high school in Indiana.
Parents from the Ogden Dunes love Crisman Elementary, which earns a C-plus from Niche.
Residents of Ogden Dunes send their kids to Willowcreek Middle School.
Portage High School is a highly rated school by Niche and offers great after school programs.
1/3
Many residents of the Ogden Dunes use the South Shore Line to commute to downtown Chicago.
Take the train to downtown Chicago from Ogden Dunes
While there are no buses or public transportation that connect the neighborhood, residents often walk to the beach from their homes. Beyond the neighborhood, residents will likely need to rely on their cars to get to shopping centers and restaurants in Portage. For those commuting into the city, the SSL train stops along Dunes Highway, which connects all the way to downtown Chicago, 40 miles away. Drivers can also take I-90, which is just a few minutes to the south in Portage. Also along I-90 is Chicago Midway International Airport, 45 miles away. Crisman Road links Ogden Dunes to the nearby communities, like Portage, 5 miles away. Northwest Health – Portage is the nearest hospital, over 6.5 miles from Ogden Dunes.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Video By
Jason Jacot
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Yanez,
an experienced agent in this area.
High above it all with views of Lake Michigan in your own Private Wooded Retreat. 1.5 Acres of natural Paradise abutting the Indiana Dunes, this is a once in a lifetime setting. Experience this Mid-Century modern home offering panoramic views, 5 tiered decks, guest home, walking trails, fire pit & just 3 min walk to the Beach. Located just outside Chicago take advantage of the beauty of Ogden
Stylish, updated, and perfectly placed in iconic Ogden Dunes, this spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bath home with a dedicated office/den that could serve as a 4th bedroom, plus a full finished basement, delivers modern living wrapped in mid-century charm. Recently updated with refreshed interiors, renovated baths, and an upgraded kitchen, this tri-level home feels bright, inviting, and truly move-in ready.
Like an eagle's nest perched high among the treetops, this stunning hilltop ranch offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan where on a clear day, the Chicago skyline appears. With over 3,000 square feet of beautifully updated living space, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home combines modern comfort with unmatched natural surroundings in the serene, sought after community of Ogden Dunes. The main level
Discover your ideal short-term retreat or fully furnished corporate rental! This exquisite modern home is conveniently located just a short stroll from the pristine beach of Lake Michigan in the charming community of Ogden Dunes! This peaceful and quiet sanctuary is nestled among trees, offering abundant natural light and picturesque views that create a serene and calming atmosphere. The home
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
