Parks / Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park · IN
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (7)
Water Safety Alert
After recent storms, E. coli levels are likely to reach above safe swimming standards. Entering the water after heavy rainfall is never recommended. Know before you go and always check our Beach Safety page before heading to park beaches.
Park Status and Updates
For information on weather related updates and other park conditions like beach and hiking safety visit our park status page.
Temporary Closure - Douglas Center
The Paul H Douglas Center is closed until Wednesday 8/19, and all public programs are cancelled until further notice. Several parts of the park are inaccessible due to the weather event from August 11th. It is not advisable to go in the lake after a heavy rain. Use extreme caution when visiting as most locations have no power and are out of service.
Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
Temporary closure of the Dunewood Trace trail (2.2 miles), between Kemil Rd, and the Dunewood Campground (near the recycle bins), is now in effect until further notice due to construction of the new Marquette Greenway trail.
Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Marquette Greenway construction will require closing sections of the Glenwood Dunes Trail (April–December 2026) and Little Calumet River / Mnoké Prairie Trail (May–December 2026). Closure dates may shift as work progresses. Please follow all posted closures and check the park website or NPS App for updates.
Hobart Woodland Trail Temporary Closure
Hobart Woodland is closed until further notice while park crews work to clear several downed trees that are creating hazardous conditions for visitors.
Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
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.
Entrance Fees
Indiana Dunes is home to both a national park and a state park. Both are incredible parks that offer countless recreation opportunities. However, Indiana Dunes National Park is owned by the federal government and Indiana Dunes State Park is owned by the State of Indiana. As such, each park has fees and passes that are separate and unique. None of the passes and fees work between the two parks. If you have any further questions regarding national park and state park passes, please stop by or call the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 219 395-1882.
Indiana Dunes is home to both a national park and a state park. Both are incredible parks that offer countless recreation opportunities. However, Indiana Dunes National Park is owned by the federal government and Indiana Dunes State Park is owned by the State of Indiana. As such, each park has fees and passes that are separate and unique. None of the passes and fees work between the two parks. If you have any questions regarding park passes, please stop by or call the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
Campgrounds (3)
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites
The Central Beach Walk-In Sites has 5 sites, and you will walk a distance to get to your campsite. There is a primitive toilet (porta-potty) by the Central Beach parking lot for the entire season. There is no drinkable water in the area so you must bring your own water.
Details →Dunbar Group Site
The Dunbar Group Site holds up to 30 people and is located less than 500 feet from the beach. The site overlooks the Great Marsh and Lake Michigan. Parking and restrooms are located in the Dunbar Beach parking lot, 400 feet from the site.
Details →Dunewood Campground
Campground consists of two loops containing 66 camp-sites (53 conventional drive-in sites and 13 walk/carry-in sites). Four sites are wheelchair accessible (numbers 15, 30, 41 and 55). Each loop has modern restrooms and hot/cold showers. Some sites have limited recreational vehicle length. Convenience stores and a gas station are located 1/4 mile north of the campground at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway Ave. in the town of Beverly Shores. Campground closed during winter, Nov 2 - Mar 31.
Details →Upcoming Events
Outdoor Adventure Festival
Sep 4, 2026 · Region-wide but starts at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N State Road 49 Porter, Indiana
1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park: July 17 Reschedule
Sep 5, 2026 · 1596 North 300E, Chesterton, IN 46304
Ranger Camp 3-Day Expedition
Sep 11, 2026 · You MUST register before arrival: Base Camp is located at the Chellberg Overflow Parking Lot near the Nelson House. - Coordinates: 41°37'29.74"N, 87°05'12.04"W - Participants remain parked here for the event duration. Potable water, restrooms, port-a-jons, picnic shelters, and grills are available in the Bailly/Chellberg area. Please see below for further details.
Things to Do
1966 Hiking Challenge
The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park, celebrating the park’s founding in 1966. We will offer 19 weekly ranger led hikes every Saturday at 8:00 am starting on May 11 and culminating at the Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 14.
Become an Indiana Dunes Junior Ranger
Indiana Dunes National Park has a lot to explore, both in the park and online. Check out this page for fun things to do to explore the park virtually. Become a Junior Ranger Today!
Birding at Indiana Dunes National Park
Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the national park is an important feeding and resting area for migrating birds. Lake Michigan influences the migration patterns of bird species. During the fall migration, southbound birds follow the north-south shoreline and are funneled into the Indiana Dunes. The large expanse of open water and miles of shoreline also attract large numbers of wintering birds.
Diana Dunes Dare
What is the Diana Dunes Dare? It is a hiking challenge! It is a ghost story re-told! We are daring you to be like dune advocate Alice Mabel Gray, also known as Diana of the Dunes. She hiked and lived in the dunes on her own in an abandoned shanty for over 9 years in the early 1900s and took an interest in the history, ecology, and preservation of Indiana Dunes. How to Complete the Dare. 1 - Go to West Beach. West Beach Parking Lot 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403
Explore Biological Diversity in the Park
The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.
Full Day Expeditions
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures. This list highlights some of the must-see sights in the park. This is perfect for people planning a day full of activities and possibly an overnight.
Half Day Adventures
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures. This list highlights some of the must-see sights in the park. This is perfect for people planning a day trip.
Hiking Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes is home to one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the nation. Hiking is a great way to explore these fascinating landscape. Traverse over 50 miles of trails that lead you through shorelines, dunes, wetlands, prairies, river systems, oak savannahs, cultural sites and more.
Horseback Riding at Indiana Dunes
Enjoy an equestrian ride through ancient dune formations on the Glenwood Dunes Trails system. These trails are the only horseback trails and you must bring your own horse. The trail is host to almost 15 miles of interconnected loops. Be sure to bring a map as there are 13 junctions interconnecting the loops.
One Hour Excursions
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of the Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.
Paddling Lake Michigan and Waterways at Indiana Dunes
Kayaking is increasingly popular on Lake Michigan since the inception of the Lake Michigan Water Trail and in area waterways like the Little Calumet River and Burns Waterway. Try a new challenge by kayaking or canoeing the Little Calumet River Water Trail: East Branch.
Swimming at Indiana Dunes West Beach
Fifteen miles of sandy beach along the southern shore of Lake Michigan offer a wide variety of recreational activities. Whether it's enjoying a summer sunset stroll or marveling at the arctic beauty of Lake Michigan's shelf ice, you can enjoy the beach in all seasons.
Visitor Centers
- Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)
- Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
Source: National Park Service.