This park hugs the 15 miles of sand and shore of Lake Michigan and has so much to offer. Between flying kites or watching for rare species of birds, this park's 15,000 acres will enchant you to no end. Here you'll find over 50 miles of hiking trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and tranquil forests.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
Entrance Fees
- $20 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $25 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
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.
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.
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
Paddling Lake Michigan and Waterways at Indiana Dunes
Reservation requiredKayaking 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.
Horseback Riding at Indiana Dunes
Reservation requiredEnjoy 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.
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!
Getting There
Address: 1215 IN-49 Porter IN 46304
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites
5 sites · $25/night
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 Bea…
Dunbar Group Site
1 sites · $100/night
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…
Dunewood Campground
66 sites · $25/night
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 (nu…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Indiana Dunes National Park?
The entrance fee for Indiana Dunes National Park is $25. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Indiana Dunes National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Indiana Dunes National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Indiana Dunes National Park open?
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
What are the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park?
Popular things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park include 1966 Hiking Challenge, Diana Dunes Dare, Paddling Lake Michigan and Waterways at Indiana Dunes, Swimming at Indiana Dunes West Beach. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Indiana Dunes National Park?
Yes — Indiana Dunes National Park has 3 campgrounds, including Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, Dunbar Group Site, Dunewood Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.