Alert: Road Blocked to West Beach: The main road navigating to West Beach is now blocked due to construction at the railroad crossing near the intersection of North County Rd and Route 12 until September 19. Please use the alternative route to West Beach as described on the park's status page.

National Park

Indiana Dunes

Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky. — Central Avenue Beach at low water levels, spring 2006. NPS Photo

Overview

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.

State: IN2193951882

Hours

Sunday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
Monday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
Tuesday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
Wednesday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
Thursday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
Friday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
Saturday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM

Fees & Passes

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.

Map

Things To Do

Description

September 11–13, 2026: The Ranger Camp 3 Day Expedition is a ranger led biking, hiking, and paddling adventure designed for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Over three days, participants will explore rugged dune landscapes, travel by bike and foot across varied terrain, and complete a guided paddle along the East Branch of the Little Calumet River. This program requires self-reliance, physical readiness, and comfort with primitive camping.

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Fees

Required Passes & Fees Participants must secure required passes before arrival. Indiana Dunes National Park pass options: Walk In/Bike In 7 Day Pass: $15 Annual Pass: $45 Purchase: https://www.recreation.gov Indiana Dunes State Park: (Funded by the Friends) Walk In/Bike In Entrance Fee: $2 per person (This fee will be graciously funded by the Friends of Indiana Dunes.) Purchase: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks

Pet Friendly

Description

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.

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Fees

Indiana Dunes National Park has an entrance fee of $25 per car for a 1–7-day pass. A national park annual pass is also available for $45. For more information, visit our Fees & Passes page.

Pet FriendlyAges:18Time:1-5 Hours

A visitor about to start the Diana's Dare

Description

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

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Fees

It may even be FREE depending on what time of the year you arrive. There is a fee for every vehicle entering West Beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Central Time. The Dare is free.

Pet FriendlyTime:40-100 Minutes

Marram grass grows along side a sandy trail

Description

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.

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Fees

7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle Pass - $20.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase) 7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass - $25.00 Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase). 7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups) - $15.00 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 Tour Fee - Sedan (1-6 persons) - $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 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. For the most current information on our fee program, see our Fees and Passes page.

Pet FriendlyTime:1-4 Hours

Trees with brightly colored leaves line the trail at Chellberg Farm.

Description

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.

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