Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park ยท Indiana
NPS Photo
National park in Indiana, United States
Indiana Dunes National Park is a national park of the United States located in northwestern Indiana managed by the National Park Service. It was authorized by Congress in 1966 as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and was redesignated as the nation's 61st national park on February 15, 2019. The park runs for about 15 miles (24ย km) along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and covers 15,349 acres (6,212ย ha). Along the lakefront, the eastern area is roughly the lake shore south to U.S.ย 12 or U.S.ย 20 between Michigan City, Indiana, on the east and the Cleveland-Cliffs steel plant on the west. This area's conservation scheme is enhanced by the older Indiana Dunes State Park. To the west of the steel plant lies West Beach and a small extension south of the steel mill continues west along Salt Creek to Indiana 249. The western area is roughly the shoreline south to U.S. 12 between the Burns Ditch west to Broadway in downtown Gary, Indiana. In addition, there are several outlying areas, including Pinhook Bog, in LaPorte County to the east; the Heron Rookery in Porter County, the center of the park; and the Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve and the Hobart Prairie Grove, both in Lake County, the western end of the park.
About Indiana Dunes National Park
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 parkโs 16,000 acres.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Indiana Dunes National Park general areas
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00AM - 11:00PM | 6:00AM - 11:00PM | 6:00AM - 11:00PM | 6:00AM - 11:00PM | 6:00AM - 11:00PM | 6:00AM - 11:00PM | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
West Beach
West Beach hours of operation
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00AM - 9:00PM | 6:00AM - 9:00PM | 6:00AM - 9:00PM | 6:00AM - 9:00PM | 6:00AM - 9:00PM | 6:00AM - 9:00PM | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Indiana Dunes National Park?
Entrance - Motorcycle: $20.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25.00. 7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase). Entrance - Per Person: $15.00. 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. Commercial Entrance - Sedan: $25.00. Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate). Commercial Entrance - Van: $40.00. Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people. Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $40.00. Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people. Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00. Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.
What are the best activities at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Popular activities at Indiana Dunes National Park include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Boating.
What is the weather like at Indiana Dunes National Park?
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.
How do I get to Indiana Dunes National Park?
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.
Entrance Fees
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
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.
Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate).
Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.
Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.
Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.
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.
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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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Indiana
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