Indiana Dunes National Park
Designation: National Park
Location: Indiana
š Park Overview
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. Known for its striking plant and bird diversity, it's easy to find inspiration throughout the parkās 16,000 acres.
š¤ Weather Information
On average, the warmest month is July and the highest recorded temperature was 105F in 1934. The coolest month is January, with the lowest recorded temperature of -25F in 1985. June sees the most precipitation with an average rainfall of 4.66 Inches.
š Directions
Visitors can access the national park via Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90), U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Road 49, and various other local roads. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located on Indiana State Road 49, between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94 (1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304). For a driving map to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or other locations, check out our maps page.
Images
Central Avenue Beach at low water levels, spring 2006.
Credit: NPS Photo
Sunset at Indiana Dunes National Park
Credit: Rafi Wilkinson
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Credit: Michael Gard
MnokƩ Prairie
Credit: Jeff Manuszak
Porter Beach Access Point
Credit: Jeff Manuszak
Central Beach
Credit: NPS Collection
Sunset at Lake View
Credit: Jeff Manuszak
Peace on Lake Michigan
Credit: Jeff Manuszak
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Sep 10
Overcast
High: 76.3Ā°F | Low: 62.1Ā°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 8.7 mph
Rain Chance: 22%
UV Index: 5.3
Sunrise: 06:23 AM
Sunset: 07:07 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 65.4Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 22%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Sep 11
Sunny
High: 74.1Ā°F | Low: 56.7Ā°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 7.8 mph
Rain Chance: 6%
UV Index: 6.7
Sunrise: 06:24 AM
Sunset: 07:05 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 59.5Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 6%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Sep 12
Sunny
High: 80.2Ā°F | Low: 60.8Ā°F
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 11%
UV Index: 6.6
Sunrise: 06:25 AM
Sunset: 07:03 PM
Moon: New Moon (3%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 65.2Ā°F
Cloud Cover: 11%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Dunes After Dark
Join us for our Ranger Choice Night Hikes, where you can explore the beauty of the park after hours and learn fascinating facts about local wildlife and habitats.
Passes are required. For more information, visit theĀ Fees & Passes page.
For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, contact us or call (219) 395-1882.
Location: The Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm parking lot is located at 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.
Date: Dec 5, 2025 12:00am to Dec 5, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Chellberg Farm Open House
Stop by the historic Chellberg FarmĀ to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to share the areaās history.
Except March 8 (Maple Sugar Time)
Passes are required. For more information, visit theĀ Fees & Passes page.
For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, contact us or call (219) 395-1882.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes, a non-profit group that is dedicated to enhancing and foster understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Indiana Dunes through the sponsorship of special educational programs and events throughout the park. For more information on how to get become a member, the Friends of Indiana Dunes' website.
Location: The Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm parking lot is located at 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.
Date: Dec 6, 2025 12:00am to Dec 6, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Chellberg Farm Open House
Stop by the historic Chellberg FarmĀ to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to share the areaās history.
Except March 8 (Maple Sugar Time)
Passes are required. For more information, visit theĀ Fees & Passes page.
For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, contact us or call (219) 395-1882.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes, a non-profit group that is dedicated to enhancing and foster understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Indiana Dunes through the sponsorship of special educational programs and events throughout the park. For more information on how to get become a member, the Friends of Indiana Dunes' website.
Location: The Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm parking lot is located at 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.
Date: Dec 7, 2025 12:00am to Dec 7, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Artist-in-Residence Art Display
Join us to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay.
Location:
The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national park at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 20 in the Miller neighborhood of Gary (100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46304). GPS Coordinates: 41.606286, -87.267483 (Decimal Degrees).
Location: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403
Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Dec 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Trash Trekkers: Douglas Center
Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check inĀ at the Paul H. Doulas CenterĀ to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free, reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.
There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information, visit ourĀ Fees & Passes page. Ā This is part our drop-in program, a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. Ā For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park, please visitĀ The Park Connection volunteer page.Location: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403 (WEEKENDS ONLY)
Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Dec 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Trash Trekkers: Visitor Center
Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check inĀ at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free, reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.
There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information, visit ourĀ Fees & Passes page. Ā This is part our drop-in program, a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. Ā For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park, please visitĀ The Park Connection volunteer page.Location: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304
Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Dec 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Music Heritage Series Concert
CALL 219-395-1882 FOR LOCATION
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and melody with The Save the Tunes Council, a dedicated collective of local musicians, is passionate about keeping folk songs alive with an array of traditional instruments. Donāt miss this chance to experience the rich sounds and stories of our musical heritage!
For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, call (219) 395-1882 or visit ourĀ website.
Date: Dec 19, 2025 12:00am to Dec 19, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Chellberg Farm Care
Work with a ranger and fellow volunteers to help care for the parkās historic farm. Dress comfortably and get ready to roll up your sleevesāwork gloves and equipment will be provided.
For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park, please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.
Location: Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm, 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304
Date: Dec 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Winter Maritime Wanderers
Join Dunes-Calment Audubon expert birders to look for and identify water birds visiting Lake Michigan. Bring your binoculars and chairs to view numerous bird species in the water or over the lake. Be prepared for a variety of winter weather.*
*If there is significant snowfall the program will be cancelled.
Passes are required. For more information, visit theĀ Fees & Passes page.Ā
Location: Portage Lakefront Parking Lot, 100 Riverwalk Road, Portage, IN 46368 ā Directions starting from the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and Indiana State Route 249: Follow State Road 249 north and take the bridge over U.S. Highway 12 towards the U.S. Steel and Precoat Metals businesses. Turn left at the stop sign and cross over Burns Waterway. Once over the waterway, immediately turn right and head north, towards the lake, passing the entrance sign. Park only in public designated parking spots to help protect the fragile dune ecosystem along the roadside.
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders with the movie Martin Luther King āI Have a Dream.ā
ĀLocation: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education: 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46304.
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
š Physical Address:
1215 IN-49
Porter, IN 46304
š¤ Mailing Address:
1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
š Voice Phone: 2193951882
āļø Email: indu_communications@nps.gov