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National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Park ClosureSep 22, 2026

Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail

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Park ClosureSep 4, 2026

Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace

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Park ClosureSep 4, 2026

Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail

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

Central Avenue Beach at low water levels, spring 2006.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

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.

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingRV CampingFishingFoodPicnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hiking
Horse Trekking
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Junior Ranger Program
Playground
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Snow Play
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Freshwater Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

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.

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Weather

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.

News

Indiana Dunes National Park Waives Miller Woods Trails Entrance Fees
Oct 14, 2026

Indiana Dunes National Park Waives Miller Woods Trails Entrance Fees

PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park has waived the entrance fee for the Douglas Center Loop and Paul H. Douglas Trail at Miller Woods, both accessible from the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education in Gary. This change allows visitors to connect the center’s exhibits, programs and ranger-led activities with outdoor learning and exploration without purchasing a park entrance pass.

Indiana Dunes National Park Releases 1600 Lab Grown Native Mussels into the Little Calumet River to Improve Water Quality
Oct 1, 2026

Indiana Dunes National Park Releases 1600 Lab Grown Native Mussels into the Little Calumet River to Improve Water Quality

PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park recently celebrated the release of more than 1,600 native fatmucket mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) into the East Branch of the Little Calumet River.

Aug 29, 2026

Indiana Dunes National Park Welcomes Alumni to Celebrate Newly Restored Good Fellow Camp Lodge

Restoration Made Possible by Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund - PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park today celebrated the completion of the Good Fellow Camp Lodge rehabilitation project, part of a $25.4 million effort to rehabilitate historic structures across the park.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25.00