WaterBird Lakeside Inn
556 Indian Boundary Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304, New Chicago, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 3.9 / 5
Overview
WaterBird Lakeside Inn is a casual, 2-star lakeside hotel in the New Chicago/Chesterton area, set behind Chubb Lake. It sits at the intersection of Indiana State Road 49 and I-94, positioning it as a practical base for the Indiana Dunes region. The property holds a public rating of 3.9 from 383 reviews.
Rooms
Rooms are described as relaxed and include free Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Many rooms feature balconies with lake views, a standout for guests who enjoy the water and wildlife scenery. An upgraded room category adds a whirlpool tub.
On-site services
Complimentary parking is provided. The hotel also offers coin-operated laundry facilities, helpful for longer stays or outdoor-focused trips to the Dunes.
Location & nearby nature
The hotel is well placed for Indiana Dunes National Park access, with the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center about 2.2 km away and Chellberg Farm roughly 4.0 km away. Cowles Bog Trail and the Indiana Dunes State Park area are around 5.2 km away, with the 3 Dune Challenge about 4.9 km away. Nearby beach and trail options include Porter Beach (~5.5 km), Kemil Beach (~7.8 km), Dunbar Beach (~7.9 km), and the Great Marsh Trail (~8.1 km).
Nearby attractions beyond the Dunes
Running Vines Winery is close by at approximately 1.0 km. For a longer outing, Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa is about 16.9 km away, and Washington Park Zoo (Michigan City Zoo) is roughly 17.0 km away.
Best for
This hotel best suits budget-minded travelers who want quick access to the Indiana Dunes area and prefer a quieter lakeside setting behind Chubb Lake. It’s also a solid choice for road-trippers, given its location at SR 49 and I‑94, plus free parking and in-room basics like a microwave and mini-fridge.
Travel tips
If you’re visiting the Dunes, the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center (about 2.2 km away) is a practical first stop for current trail and beach conditions before heading to spots like Cowles Bog Trail (~5.2 km) or Porter Beach (~5.5 km). The property’s entrance can be easy to miss in bad weather, so consider using the full address (556 Indian Boundary Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304) in navigation. With the hotel near the freeway, it’s convenient to pair Dunes hikes with short drives to local dining, shopping, or Running Vines Winery (~1.0 km).
What guests say
Guests frequently highlight the convenient location for Indiana Dunes National Park and nearby restaurants and shopping, along with easy freeway access. Room comfort is often tied to practical in-room features like microwaves, small fridges, and comfortable beds. Many reviews emphasize clean rooms and courteous service, and the lakefront balcony views—often with wildlife—stand out as a memorable feature. A recurring downside is that some guests feel the value/quality does not always match the price paid, and a few mention the property can be a bit hard to find, especially in poor weather.
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