About Indiana Dunes National 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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
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.
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.
Operating Hours
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
Activities
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Indiana 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.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
1966 Hiking Challenge
The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park, celebrating the…
The 19 hikes will range in length from 1.1 to 7.1 miles and take place in different areas of the…
Diana Dunes Dare
What is the Diana Dunes Dare? It is a hiking challenge! It is a ghost story re-told! We are daring…
Learn as you hike. This trail has two learning components. The waysides will discuss the life of Diana of the…
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…
Paddling the waterways of Lake Michigan in and around Indiana Dunes
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…
Prohibited Activities on the Beach The removal of natural items such as rocks, shells, and fossils. Wood and charcoal fires…
Horseback Riding at Indiana Dunes
Enjoy an equestrian ride through ancient dune formations on the Glenwood Dunes Trails system. These trails are the only horseback…
Enjoy an equestrian ride through ancient dune formations on the Glenwood Dunes Trails system. These trails are the only horseback…
Become an Indiana Dunes Junior Ranger
Indiana Dunes National Park has a lot to explore, both in the park and online. Check out this page for…
Visitor Centers
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center (Dorothy Buell Memorial 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…
Hours: The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is open daily 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…
Hours: The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time with the exception of Mondays, Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Veterans Day, and New Year's Day.
Campgrounds
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)…
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…
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…
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