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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 15,000 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

    7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Motorcycle Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)


  • 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

Category

6 Results
    1966 Hiking Challenge Banner

    1966 Hiking Challenge

    $

    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.

    More info

    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
    Paddling at Indiana Dunes

    Paddling Lake Michigan and Waterways at Indiana Dunes

    $

    Description

    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.

    More info

    Fees

    See our Fees and Passes page for more details.

    Pet Friendly
    Person surfing the waves around sunset at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk.

    Swimming at Indiana Dunes West Beach

    $

    Description

    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.

    More info

    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:1-3 Hours
    Horseback Riding at Glenwood Dunes Trail

    Horseback Riding at Indiana Dunes

    $

    Description

    Enjoy 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.

    More info

    Fees

    See our Fees and Passes page for more details.

    Ranger talks to child while holding a Junior Ranger booklet

    Become an Indiana Dunes Junior Ranger

    $

    Description

    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!

    More info

    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:30 Minutes
    Marram grass grows along side a sandy trail

    One Hour Excursions

    $

    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.

    More info

    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

More Images

Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.
Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Prairie in Bloom
Prairie in Bloom
Porter Beach Access Point
Porter Beach Access Point
Central Beach
Central Beach
Sunset at Lake View
Sunset at Lake View
Peace on Lake Michigan
Peace on Lake Michigan