Bailly Homestead - American Indians and Fur Traders
Place, Bailly Homestead - American Indians and Fur Traders
11 min walk
Indiana Dunes State Park
Place, Indiana Dunes State Park
4 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Chesterton
Indiana Dunes National Park is a short stroll from this apartment, and other popular attractions like Lake Michigan are within a few miles (5 km). The apartment includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
Indiana Dunes National Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Bailly Homestead - American Indians and Fur Traders - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center - 4 min drive - 2.7 miles
Indiana Dunes State Park - 4 min drive - 3.1 miles
Dune Acres Beach - 13 min drive - 3.7 miles
Getting around
Portage - Ogden Dunes Train to Chicago - 9 min drive
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) - 65 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 4 min drive
TravelCenters of America - 16 min walk
Wagner's Ribs - 14 min walk
Leroy's "Hot Stuff - 2 min drive
Val's Famous Pizza & Grinders - 4 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The "Pool Barn" w/Pool, Hot Tub, Billiards & more near Indiana Dunes
More than a place to sleep! Only 5 minutes to beaches of Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan. Dunes National Park & hiking along the Little Calumet River only 1 block away. Plenty to do at our space too! Air hockey, billiards, ping-pong, darts, basketball shot, foosball, & board games! Comfy beds & full kitchen! Enjoy the campfire, grill, & playground too. The pool opens Memorial Day weekend. Sun, swim, play, relax & volleyball. Please read House Rules prior to booking.
The space We have been hosting this listing for over 3 years on another popular platform with over 500 reviews averaging 4.85 stars. We are excited to now offer the Pool Barn on many platforms. We are glad you found us!
***We are taking the extra precaution to sanitize everything between every stay***
Please read this full description and 'House Rules" prior to booking.
IndianaDunes website is a great resource for why visit our area. The Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park have over 3.5 million visitors each year!
The Pool Barn We built a 35x70 pole barn and finished half as additional garage space and the other half as a recreation space. Then we added a 20x40 in-ground heated pool, hot tub, gas grill, shaded picnic area, swings, slide, treehouse, and campfire area. We also have cornhole bag toss for outside. Our Camper is also in the driveway. It is listed separately as "The Pool Barn Camper". Outside spaces are shared with our family and the Camper guests.
The Pool Barn inside is ONE BIG SPACE of about 1200 sq ft. It includes a full bath/shower. There is a full-size kitchen with stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and Keurig. The kitchen is stocked with cookware, dinnerware, and silverware. We have 5 regular queen size beds, 5 of which are set up all the time and 1 spare. It is all one big open space that in addition to the kitchen and beds also includes 2 large couches and TV, movies, stereo speakers, wifi, darts, ping pong, pool table, air hockey, foosbal, golf putting, and basketball pop a shot. The inside of the Pool Barn is all yours. It is private during your stay. Our home is a separate building on property.
The pool has several loungers. It is only 5 foot at the deepest so not suited for diving, but great for children, water volleyball and just relaxing throughout. We have floaties, goggles, and snorkels too. The pool area has night lighting while enjoying an evening swim. The Hot Tub is open and enjoyable 365 days a year! We provide bath towels. It is a good idea to bring your own towel for the pool, hot tub, and beach.
The campfire area has plenty of seating space and abundant firewood available at no additional charge. If we are home we'll even get it started for you. As a matter of respect for our family, neighbors, and Camper guests, all must remain inside during outside quiet hours of 10pm to 8am.
Bring your bikes! We are on the Duneland Prairie Bike Trail. Great trails next door in the Indiana Dunes National Park for hiking or running too.
Guest access The Pool Barn is separate from our home with keypad lock so you have private access to come and go as you please. The Pool Barn driveway is at 210 Howe Rd, Porter IN 46304. It will be ready and unlocked for you at time of check-in. The inside is all yours. Remember that all outside amenities are shared with our family and guests and the guests in the Pool Barn Camper. Outside amenities are open from 8am to 10pm.
Other things to note This is our home and we live in a residential area. We strictly enforce outside quiet hours. Outside amenities are closed 10pm to 8am out of respect and consideration for our family and neighbors. All must remain inside during quiet hours. Inside you can play music, games, talk and laugh and stay up all night if you'd like as long all remain inside and doors and windows remain closed.
We charge for each person on property and charge no cleaning fee regardless of how many stay overnight. We are just asking you to cover our costs. We wash the bed linens, towels, and make sure everything is clean and sanitized between every stay. We want you to enjoy the same cleanliness (or better) that you expect in a nice hotel. Our large space and recreational amenities are the primary attraction. More people means more expense for upkeep, wear and tear, and amenity replacement both inside and out.
We have another listing, the "Pool Barn Camper" The camper is parked in the driveway of the Pool Barn. Guests staying in the camper share the use of the outside amenities such as the pool, hot tub, grill, and campfire. They will have no access to inside your space in the Pool Barn.
We have a dog. He stays in our house which is separate from the Pool Barn. Remington is a black German Shepherd. His bark can be a bit scary but he loves people. He gets let out on occasion and may bark for a minute, but he is friendly if you are too. If you don't like dogs, the Pool area is fenced and you can shut the gates to keep him away from you.
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a coffee maker, an ironing board, and a fenced pool.
Similar properties
Cabin 53 steps from Porter Beach on Lake Michigan: Family & Pet-Friendly
Cabin 53 steps from Porter Beach on Lake Michigan: Family & Pet-Friendly
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
- Only registered number of guests permitted on property
- To respect our neighbors, quiet hours 10pm - 8am. All should
remain inside with doors and windows closed
- No glass in or around hot tub or pool
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Property is also known as
Vrbo Property
The "pool Barn" Near Indiana Dunes Lake Michigan
The "pool Barn" Near Indiana Dunes & Lake Michigan Porter
Frequently asked questions
What can I see within easy reach of this apartment?
This apartment is located in Chesterton, a short 9-minute walk from Indiana Dunes National Park and also 10 minutes on foot from Bailly Homestead - American Indians and Fur Traders. You'll also find Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes State Park within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this apartment?
No, there isn't parking at this apartment.
Is this apartment associated with a casino?
No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?
No, this apartment doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.
What amenities will couples enjoy at The "Pool Barn" w/Pool, Hot Tub, Billiards & more near Indiana Dunes?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside apartment include a kitchen, a meal delivery service, and a smart TV.
Are there hot tubs at The "Pool Barn" w/Pool, Hot Tub, Billiards & more near Indiana Dunes?
Yes, this apartment has a spa tub.
Does this apartment offer breakfast?
No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this apartment allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.
Are there rooms with balconies at The "Pool Barn" w/Pool, Hot Tub, Billiards & more near Indiana Dunes?
Yes, every apartment at The "Pool Barn" w/Pool, Hot Tub, Billiards & more near Indiana Dunes comes with a deck.
The "Pool Barn" w/Pool, Hot Tub, Billiards & more near Indiana Dunes Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 16 reviews
10 - Excellent
12
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 16 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 16 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 16 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 16 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
9.0/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jane H.
Aug 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay with kids.
Jane H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
4/10 Poor
Kyla W.
Jul 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Upon arrival, we were a little taken aback because the photos made it look as if the property was outside of town, closer to beach access. Unfortunately, the entrance to the beach is an 11-mile walk... but the beach itself is an hour and 15-minute walk. The driveway is tiny due to the camper, and if you are staying in the "Pool Barn," you have to park on the right side of the driveway, while the camper parking is on the left side. This makes it a tight squeeze, and you have to maneuver your way out. The camper smells of sewage and it lingers in the air. The inside was clean, which we were thankful for.
Kyla W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jane H.
Jul 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas experience gift
We loved it. We had our five grandkids with us and they were entertained the entire time we were there. We all enjoyed the pool, hot tub and the game room. It's a short drive to Indiana dunes. Would highly recommend this place. Hoping to return next year. Kim and Don were great hosts.
Jane H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Benjamin D.
Jun 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Unique & Fun Time
Place was nice with pool & hot tub access. Neighborhood rules are to be inside by 10pm which was kind of a buzz-kill since night swimming, hot tub or fire pit sitting are all enjoyable night-time activities. But it sounds like this isn't the hosts' rules but imposed upon them. If you want a private getaway this isn't it since the pool is shared with the house & camper. But it is just a couple minutes from the dunes & there is a pizza place literally around the corner.
Benjamin D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer T.
Jun 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Quick getaway
Good location to towns and restaurants. Quiet neighborhood. Close to beach and hiking trails. Host was very helpful and kind.
Jennifer T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
2/10 Terrible
Kate D.
May 29, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
Disgusting
We booked this place after reading nothing but great reviews. However, the last review was a year ago and a lot can change. We arrived and there was a run down camper in the driveway that they also rent out, a bunch of raised garden beds and mini greenhouses surround the driveway making it next to impossible to park. There was a rusty exercise bike on the porch. We go inside and upon first look it was clean and looked like a neat place to stay. We unloaded and quickly spent some time in the pool. When it was time to cook dinner there were mouse droppings in the skillet and the utensil drawer. We washed everything and didn’t let it ruin our evening. The next morning there were mouse droppings on top of a covered pan of brownies, the cover was pulled back and a chunk was missing out of them with mouse droppings on them as well. We contacted the host to which he replied basically that we should expect this in a wooded area. The rental is in a subdivision, we were not camping. We packed out things and left. That combined with a shower curtain that had about 6 inches of orange mildew stained on the bottom, a hand soap that had visible mold in the pump and toothpaste splatter on the outside was enough. The host also advertises safety bands for kids that alarm if they fall in the pool since the pool is so close. The host said he would try to find them. We didn’t hear back from him. We have now had to contact vrbo in an effort to at least get refunded part of our stay.
Kate D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany S.
Jun 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fun and convenient
Clean property, manager was available for any questions, the pool and games were fun. Would recommend. We will most likely be back in the future and bring the grandparents next time.
Tiffany S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Greg K., Lebanon
Jun 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly what we wanted
Great overnight with Boy Scouts traveling back from a log camp. The Pool barn was a very welcome change of pace for the kids and adults alike. Wonderful facility and host.
Greg K.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mary A.
May 31, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Great property. Close to the dunes and an amazing amount of hospitality from the owners, who are local enough to assist with any issues.
Definitely would stay again!
Mary A.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
6/10 Okay
Caleb G.
May 30, 2023
Great barn and amenities if everything works
Owners are nice, but failed to let us know that one of the major amenities, the hot tub, was not working due to a pump leak the day prior so we didn’t have that for our weekend stay. Barn had lots of game tables but found trash upon our arrival under the beds and stained sheets on a mattress. Make sure if going on the kayak trip that the river has been cleared because it was not for us and had debris and blockages/dams all along it. Overall we had fun just a few amenities weren’t available for a duration of our stay.
Caleb G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
8/10 Good
Paul P.
May 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for family visiting Beaches and State Park
Quiet..Secure...LOCATION IS AWSOME TO Dunes State Park and the Town of Chesterton, IN. Restaurants and everything you need.
Paul P.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lisa M.
Mar 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Very Communicative and Helpful
Property was clean and exactly what we expected when we rented it out for the night. I contacted the property owners several times to ask questions and they responded very quickly. Though it was small, the place was suited to our needs for the night. Overall, we were very happy with everything!
Lisa M.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tim F.
Mar 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Game night
We stayed for the games. It was a blast.
Tim F.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Abbie R.
Mar 9, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
It’s cute
It was cute! And nice it is just one huge room tho
Abbie R.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Wendy F.
Dec 22, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Hang Out for Yeen Party
Our son and his high school friends enjoyed a night of birthday festivities and winding down after winter break in Dec. 2022, Don & Kim were available to answer all of our questions (many as this was our first vrbo) and kept everything so well stocked and accessible. The boys had an amazing time playing games (there were even boars games in the event the tired of the tables!), hot tubbing in the snowfall and hanging out for the night! Thank you so much, we would definitely recommend and I'm sure we'll be back!
Wendy F.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Sarah W.
Oct 18, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Had a lovely time
Well stocked, tidy spot. The owners were responsive and helpful. We would recommend to any visitors to the area.