Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes packs a startling amount of nature into a slice of the industrial Midwest, 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan beach backed by towering sand dunes, quiet woodlands, wetlands and prairie, all within sight of Chicago’s skyline and the steel mills of the lakeshore. Its improbable mix of habitats makes it one of the most biologically diverse national parks in the country.

Fast facts

• Established: national lakeshore 1966; national park in 2019
• Size: about 15,000 acres (60 km²) along 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline
• Biodiversity: among the most plant-diverse units in the park system
• Tallest dune: Mount Baldy, a moving dune near the eastern end
• Gateways: the Chesterton / Porter area of northwest Indiana
• Managed by: National Park Service

The landscape

The park layers habitats back from the water: broad sand beaches, high dunes both bare and forested, oak savanna, marsh and bog, and remnant prairie. This range of environments, compressed into a narrow band, supports over 1,100 plant species and a spectacular diversity of birds, making it a legendary spot for spring and fall migration.

Best time to go

Late spring through fall is the main season, warm beach days in summer, superb bird migration in spring and fall, and colorful woodlands in autumn. Summer weekends are busy at the beaches. Winter is cold and quiet, with wind-sculpted dunes and ice formations along the lake for those who bundle up.

Getting there and around

The park stretches along the Lake Michigan shore in northwest Indiana and is easily reached by car off US-12 and US-20, or car-free from Chicago on the South Shore Line commuter train. The units are spread along the lakeshore and interspersed with towns and the state park, so a vehicle helps for moving between beaches and trailheads.

Things to do

Swim and sunbathe on the Lake Michigan beaches, climb the strenuous dunes on the Three Dune Challenge, and hike woodland and wetland trails like the Cowles Bog and Pinhook Bog routes. Birdwatching is world-class during migration, and the paved Calumet and Prairie Duneland trails invite easy walking and cycling. Dunewood Campground offers a base for a longer stay.

Staying safe

Lake Michigan looks benign but can be deadly, cold water and dangerous rip currents form quickly, so heed beach flags and swim near guarded areas. Climbing soft-sand dunes is more strenuous than it looks, so pace yourself and carry water in the sun. Watch for ticks and poison ivy on the trails, and get off the open beach when lake storms roll in fast.

Know before you go

A park pass is required, the campground should be reserved, and note that the separate Indiana Dunes State Park sits within the boundary with its own entrance fee. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current conditions, beach status and closures with the National Park Service before your trip.

Coordinates

41.6168, -87.0860

Magnetic declination

4.6° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

Best seasons

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Access / trailheads

Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, between Gary and Michigan City; reachable by car off US-12/US-20 and by South Shore Line train from Chicago.

Water

Drinking water at developed areas; carry water on trails and the beach.

Cell / satellite coverage

Generally good cell coverage given the urban surroundings.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Contact park rangers or local dispatch; life-threatening emergencies: 911.

Permits & regulations

Per-vehicle entry fee (America the Beautiful pass accepted); Dunewood Campground is reservable. A separate Indiana Dunes State Park sits within the park boundary with its own fee.

Leave No Trace

Stay on trails to protect fragile dunes and rare plants, pack out all waste, and follow Leave No Trace.