Information, Indiana Dunes National Park

Visitor Essentials

Spanning 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana Dunes National Park is a hidden Midwest gem offering a blend of towering dunes, lush forests, and rich history.

Visitor Essentials

The park is open year-round, 24/7, but seasonality matters.

Visitor Essentials

Indiana Dunes requires an entrance pass ($25 per vehicle), which grants access for seven consecutive days.

Visitor Essentials

While Indiana Dunes National Park has no on-site dining or shops, nearby towns offer plenty of options for meals, supplies, and souvenirs.

Visitor Essentials

The area around Indiana Dunes offers a range of accommodations.

Visitor Essentials

Dunes are steep and unstable, with loose sand making hiking more strenuous than it appears.

Visitor Essentials

Plan Your Visit

Indiana Dunes National Park offers something special in every season.

Plan Your Visit

The park sees the highest number of visitors during summer weekends, so arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon is the best way to enjoy popular spots without the crowds.

Plan Your Visit

The park is easily accessible from several major routes.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors can tailor their experience at Indiana Dunes depending on how much time they have.

Plan Your Visit

Indiana Dunes National Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, celebrating its natural beauty and cultural history.

Things to Do

Start your adventure at one of Indiana Dunes' visitor centers, where you can pick up maps, chat with rangers, and explore exhibits about the park's unique ecosystems.

Things to Do

With 15 miles of sandy shoreline, Indiana Dunes National Park offers some of the most picturesque beach experiences along Lake Michigan.

Things to Do

Indiana Dunes National Park boasts over 50 miles of trails, offering hikes for all skill levels.

Things to Do

Cycling enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore Indiana Dunes on two wheels.

Things to Do

Indiana Dunes National Park features several designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy an outdoor meal surrounded by nature.

Things to Do

Indiana Dunes is home to a variety of must-see landmarks and scenic stops that provide a glimpse into the area's rich natural and cultural history.

Things to Do

Indiana Dunes National Park offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the Midwest.

Things to Do

For those who prefer a structured exploration of Indiana Dunes, guided tours and ranger-led programs provide in-depth insights into the park's history, ecology, and geology.

Things to Do

Indiana Dunes is a premier birdwatching destination, drawing enthusiasts from across the country to witness its diverse avian population.

Things to Do

For equestrian enthusiasts, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a fantastic way to explore its landscapes on horseback.

History & Culture

Long before Indiana Dunes became a national park, the region was home to Indigenous peoples who relied on its diverse ecosystems for survival.

History & Culture

As industrialization surged, the Indiana Dunes became a battleground between conservationists and developers.

History & Culture

Indiana Dunes has long been a source of artistic inspiration, drawing painters, poets, and writers who sought to capture its wild beauty.

History & Culture

The fight to protect Indiana Dunes is a testament to the dedication of conservationists and activists.

History & Culture

Indiana Dunes became the setting for an ambitious aviation experiment in the 1930s when inventor George W. "Ginty" Glider attempted to launch a human-powered aircraft known as The Albatross.

History & Culture

The Indiana Dunes Museum Collection preserves a rich history through its extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs.

Nature & Wildlife

Indiana Dunes is one of the premier birdwatching destinations in the Midwest, thanks to its location along the Mississippi Flyway, a major migratory route.

Nature & Wildlife

Beyond birds, Indiana Dunes is home to an impressive variety of wildlife.

Nature & Wildlife

Indiana Dunes is among the most botanically diverse national parks, with over 1,100 plant species thriving in its unique microhabitats.

Conservation & Climate

Indiana Dunes National Park is a living laboratory for climate change, with its fragile landscapes experiencing the direct effects of rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and fluctuating lake levels.

Conservation & Climate

Fowler's Toad, a small amphibian with a mottled brown and gray appearance, is one of the species at risk in Indiana Dunes due to habitat loss and environmental changes.

Conservation & Climate

The Monarch Butterfly, one of North America's most iconic pollinators, is facing significant threats due to habitat destruction and climate change.