Indiana Dunes National Park

Designation: National Park

Location: Indiana

📘 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 park’s 16,000 acres.

🌤 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.

🚗 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

Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.

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

Mnoké 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

Snowshoeing
Horse Trekking
Boating
Arts and Culture
Scenic Driving
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Astronomy
Food
Canoeing
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Paddling
Swimming
Birdwatching
Auto and ATV
Playground
Biking
Freshwater Swimming
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Camping
Fishing
Guided Tours
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Hiking
Snow Play
RV Camping
Picnicking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Stargazing
Junior Ranger Program
Cross-Country Skiing
Kayaking
Skiing
Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Arts
Fire
Painting
Animals
Poetry and Literature
Lakes
Trails
Architecture and Building
Archeology
Birds
Photography
Dunes

Operating Hours

Sunday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Monday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Tuesday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Wednesday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Thursday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Friday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Saturday

6:00AM - 11:00PM

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Motorcycle

7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Motorcycle Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)

$20.00

Entrance - Private Vehicle

7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).

$25.00

Entrance - Per Person

7-Day Per Person Entrance Fee (Organized, non-commercial groups) Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

$15.00

Commercial Entrance - Sedan

Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate).

$25.00

Commercial Entrance - Van

Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.

$40.00

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.

$40.00

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.

$100.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park

Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park. Passes can be purchased from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, seasonally at the West Beach kiosk, or online at recreation.gov.

$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, Mar 30

Sunny

High: 81.7°F | Low: 46.9°F

Humidity: 58%

Wind: 20.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.2

Sunrise: 06:34 AM

Sunset: 07:12 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (90%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 54.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Mar 31

Moderate rain

High: 63.1°F | Low: 37.6°F

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 21.7 mph

Rain Chance: 83%

UV Index: 0.7

Sunrise: 06:33 AM

Sunset: 07:13 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 52.3°F

Cloud Cover: 83%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Apr 1

Heavy rain

High: 44.8°F | Low: 37.6°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 19.5 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 0.2

Sunrise: 06:31 AM

Sunset: 07:14 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (99%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 39.7°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Emergency Closure In Effect Until Tree Cutting Has Ended

Pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1), an emergency closure is in effect for the protection of public and employee safety in the area around the Cowles Bog project tree cutting area. All areas and trails within 100 yards of the work site are closed to public use.

I-94 Exit Ramp Westbound to 49 North Closure Until July 14 about 6:00 PM CDT Information

At IN 49 (Chesterton). The exit ramp is closed due to bridge construction work until July 14, 2025 at about 6:00PM CDT. I-94 westbound at IN 49 (Chesterton). The exit ramp 26B is closed due to bridge construction work.

Park Closure: Inclement Weather Conditions Park Closure

Due to inclement weather conditions the park will be closed today, January 14 at 1:00 pm (CST), and may be delayed opening tomorrow.

Road Closure - West Beach Information

Railroad crossing on County Line Road will be closed starting September 30th - October 10th.

Closure of Marquette Trail Park Closure

The Marquette Trail from the Paul H. Douglas Center to West Beach is closed March 19 through the year's end for a paving project. There will be no public access during this time. The Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods Trail) remains open.

More Info

High temperatures are expected.

Stay hydrated, seek or improvise shade, and use sun protection.

Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Information

Closed portion of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail along Burns Waterway due to unsafe conditions from erosional damage. This trail portion will remain closed while funding is sought for repair work. Pier access remains open on either side of closure.

Temporary Closure of Dunewood Campground Information

The Dunewood Campground will be closed May 3 through May 15, 2026, for repaving. Our alternate campsites still may have reservation spots available at the Dunbar Group Site, and the Central Avenue Walk-In Sites.

More Info

Partial Trail Closure at Bailly / Chellberg Information

The portion of the Bailly / Chellberg Trail north of the farm in the ravines will be closed from June 16, 2025, until October 3, 2025. This is for the replacement of the boardwalks and stairs in the ravines.

West Beach Closed Today Danger

West Beach is closed today due to icy travel conditions. It will reopen when conditions improve.

Central Avenue Beach is Closed Caution

Central Beach is closed due to hazardous conditions until further notice. The following beaches remain open: Lake View, Dunbar, Kemil, State Park, Porter, Portage Lakefront and West Beach.

Partial Closures of Calumet Bike Trail Caution

Due to recent re-construction efforts, partial closures of the Calumet Bike Trail will be in effect through this fall and sometime next year. Please use caution if riding on the trail (see below) and off the trail (because of the closures).

More Info

Partial Trail Closure at Bailly / Chellberg Information

Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Information

Closure of Marquette Trail Park Closure

More Info

Garden Program at Chellberg Farm on May 17, 2014

The planting will be delayed due to wet soil conditions. The Garden Program at Chellberg Farm will still continue with alternate learning activities about the garden.

Park Closure Caution

The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore leadership announced today that it will be closed due to weather conditions. We anticipate that the park will be back to normal operations on 2/25/2016 at 10am.

Swimming Advisory for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

There is a swimming advisory for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore due to an unknown substance found floating in the waters on June 17.

East Side of Lake View is Temporarily Closed

The east side of Lake View is closed temporarily due to storm damage.

Dangerous Swimming Conditions Today Danger

National Weather Service Alert: Dangerous Swimming Conditions The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for portions of Lake Michigan.

More Info

Temporary Closure: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Park Closure

The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center will be closed Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, and possibly Thursday and Friday, December 11th and 12th. Our alternate visitor center location is at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, located at 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403. This facility connects you to the natural environment through educational hands-on exhibits and more, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, please call 219-395-1882.

More Info

National Lakeshore’s Tremont Picnic Area Closed for Paving Information

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Tremont Picnic Area will be closed for a paving project. The picnic area, located at 25 East US Highway 12 will be closed starting at 7:00 a.m.Wednesday, August 3 and will reopen by 7:00 a.m.on August 31, 2016.

Partial Closures of Calumet Bike Trail Caution

More Info

West Beach is Cash ONLY Information

Sorry for the inconvenience. Our credit card reader is down. Until the problem is fixed, the Expanded Amenity fee for West Beach is Cash ONLY.

Mount Baldy Closure Park Closure

Closure: The Mount Baldy Access Site will be closed from late March through mid-June, 2026, for sand removal and shoreline stabilization work.

More Info

Central Avenue Beach Access is closed until further notice.

Last winter’s storms caused severe erosion and there is a dangerous 8-foot drop-off on the path to the beach. Heavy equipment will be brought in as soon as possible to create a safe path to the beach.

Phones are Down for Repair Information

The phones are down for repair at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Park Events

Chellberg Farm Open House

CANCELLED — Saturday, January 24, due to inclement weather conditions.

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to share the area’s history.

Except March 8 (Maple Sugar Time)

Passes are required. For more information, visit the 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

Critter Time

Stop at the Douglas Center to see what’s happening with our resident ambassador animals. Come see animals being fed, how we work on their enclosures and replicate their natural habitats, and how we add enrichment to their lives.

*These programs are 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, visit dunefriends.org.

For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, call 219-395-1882 or check the park's website.

Location: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403

Date: Dec 7, 2025 12:00am to Dec 7, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Chellberg Farm Open House

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on hand to share the area’s history.

Except March 8 (Maple Sugar Time)

Passes are required. For more information, visit the 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 7, 2025 12:00am to Dec 7, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in at the Paul H. Doulas 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 our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program, a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park, please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Location: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403 (WEEKENDS ONLY)