National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is a National Park in Indiana. The NPS currently lists 9 active alerts (6 closures), 3 campgrounds and 2 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $15.
Indiana National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
9
Closures
6
Campgrounds
3
Visitor centers
2
9 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 6 closures, 0 danger, 2 caution and 1 information.
Closure
Portions of Bailly / Chellberg Trail (with stairs) will be closed through October (10/30/26), to allow completion of boardwalk replacement project.
Posted or updated Sep 21, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Closure
Partially open. Persistent flooding west of the campground currently limits access to the entire trail. Hikers may not always be able to traverse the full length.
Posted or updated Sep 3, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Closure
Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.
Posted or updated Sep 3, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Closure
The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.
Posted or updated Sep 3, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Closure
Closed. The trail is undergoing tree removal and rerouting due to riverbank collapse. It is expected to reopen in the fall, after mosquito activity decreases.
Posted or updated Sep 3, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Closure
Marquette Greenway construction will require closing sections of the Glenwood Dunes Trail (April–December 2026) and Little Calumet River / Mnoké Prairie Trail (May–December 2026). Closure dates may shift as work progresses. Please follow all posted closures and check the park website or NPS App for updates.
Posted or updated Jul 6, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
After recent storms, E. coli levels are likely to reach above safe swimming standards. Entering the water after heavy rainfall is never recommended. Know before you go and always check our Beach Safety page before heading to park beaches.
Posted or updated Aug 23, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
Closed portion of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail along Burns Waterway due to unsafe conditions from erosional damage. This trail portion will remain closed while funding is sought for repair work. Pier access remains open on either side of closure.
Posted or updated Jun 29, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
For more information on storm related repairs and other park conditions like beach and hiking safety visit our park status page.
Posted or updated Sep 3, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Indiana Dunes is home to both a national park and a state park. Both are incredible parks that offer countless recreation opportunities.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $20 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. |
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $25 | 7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase). Buy online |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | 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… Buy online |
| Commercial Entrance - Sedan | $25 | 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 | Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people. |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $40 | Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people. |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $100 | Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons. |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $45 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. Fee details on nps.gov
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.
1-5 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies Pets allowed
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!
30 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the national park is an important feeding and resting area for migrating birds. Lake Michigan influences the migration patterns of bird species.
Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
See all 11 things to do in Indiana Dunes →
Activities the NPS lists for Indiana Dunes.
Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingRV CampingFishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingHorse TrekkingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramPlaygroundSkiingCross-Country SkiingSnow PlaySnowshoeingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Sunday | 6:00AM - 11:00PM |
Weather: On average, the warmest month is July and the highest recorded temperature was 105F in 1934. The coolest month is January, with the lowest recorded temperature of -25F in 1985.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center) | Daily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM | 2193951882 | Yes |
| Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 2193951824 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Avenue Walk-in Sites | 5 | 5 | 5 | No | $25 | Recreation.gov |
| Dunbar Group Site | 1 | 1 | 0 | No | $100 | Recreation.gov |
| Dunewood Campground | 66 | 66 | 0 | Yes | $25 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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