Entrance Fee
$20.00
/ Entrance - Motorcycle
Park Hours (Today)
6:00AM - 11:00PM
Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center): 8:00AM - 6:00PM
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About the 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 park’s 16,000 acres.
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What to See & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Self-Guided Tours
Sacred Sands Audio Tour
Welcome – This Sacred Sands Audio Tour has been written by author and playwright David Hoppe, and inspired by J.Ronald Engel’s 1983 book, Sacred Sands: The Struggle for Community in the Indiana Dunes, an audio version of the play has been commissioned by the Indiana Dunes National Park for use along the Portage Riverwalk Trail. Have a seat and enjoy the audio play! Take a look around and observe the contrast and struggles to make and protect this national park.
A Drive through the Park
See the park from your car. This tour will take you from the Visitor Center on IN-49 through the eastern portion of the park. You'll see sights of both natural and cultural significance.
Century of Progress Homes Tour
A popular historic site at our national park are the Century of Progress Homes, built for the 1933 Chicago World Fair. There are five houses along this historical district, each demonstrating unique designs and technologies.
Visitor Centers
Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)
View lobby displays and pick up brochures about Porter County, Indiana, Dunes State Park, and Indiana Dunes National Park. Enjoy educational displays and watch two short orientation videos. Shop in the Eastern National bookstore. The visitor center is open everyday with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is your gateway to the stunning Paul H. Douglas Trail through Miller Woods. This facility connects you to the natural environment through educational hands-on exhibits, ranger-guided hikes, lectures, animals, crafts, and a Nature Play Zone. Open hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time and is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Where to Stay
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.
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.
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.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Central Avenue Beach
Paved parking lot with 68 parking spaces. 0 spaces are accessible. The beach is located 0.2 miles from the parking lot. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsDunbar Beach
Dunbar Beach parking lot is paved and has restroom and potable water facilities located within the parking lot. The beach is located across the street from the parking lot. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsKemil Beach
The parking lot is paved and there are restroom and potable water facilities located on site. The parking lot is located 0.2 miles from the beach. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsLake View
The parking lot of Lake View is paved and accessible. Restroom and potable water facilities as well as a shelter are also accessible. There are stairs down to the beach. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsMt. Baldy
The parking lot is paved, and restroom and potable water facilities are located on site. The beach is located 0.33 miles from the parking lot via a rustic sandy trail. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsPortage Lakefront and Riverwalk
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk has 3 separate parking lots and has an accessible pavilion with restrooms and potable water facilities. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsPorter Beach
Porter Beach has 2 parking lots. The North parking lot is closest to the Lake and has restroom and potable water facilities. The South parking lot is also paved. The North parking lot is located at the beach, and the South parking lot is located 0.15 miles from the beach. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsWest Beach
The parking lot is paved and there are accessible restroom and potable water facilities located on site. The beach is located 0.3 to 0.5 miles from the parking lot via a paved access road. There are 12 accessible picnic shelters at the parking lot and an accessible bath house at the beach with a concessionaire. An entrance pass, annual pass, or lifetime is needed to park in this lot. Visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm for more information.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Indiana Dunes National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.007-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Entrance - Per Person
$15.007-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
$25.00Entry 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
$40.00Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$45.00Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park. Passes can be purchased from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, seasonally at the West Beach kiosk, or online at recreation.gov.
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.
- Monday6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Tuesday6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Wednesday6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Thursday6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Friday6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Saturday6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Sunday6:00AM - 11:00PM
Photos
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Prairie in Bloom
Porter Beach Access Point
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Indiana Dunes
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.