Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park · IN
Park Closure · Closure - Heron Rookery Trail
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.
Park Closure · Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail
Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.
Park Closure · Partial Closure - Upland Trail
The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.
Park Closure · Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
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.
More informationPark Closure · Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
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.
Park Closure · Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail
Portions of Bailly / Chellberg Trail (with stairs) will be closed through October (10/30/26), to allow completion of boardwalk replacement project.
Caution · Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
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.
Caution · Water Safety Alert
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.
More information1 noticefrom the National Park Service
Information · Other Park Conditions and Updates
For more information on storm related repairs and other park conditions like beach and hiking safety visit our park status page.
More information
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.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/indu
- Location
- Indiana Dunes National Park (41.638, -87.096)
Track your visit to Indiana Dunes National Park
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)
- Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
- Paul H. Douglas Trail through Miller Woods
Hours
Indiana Dunes National Park general areastoday: 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Sat Oct 36:00AM - 11:00PM
- Sun Oct 46:00AM - 11:00PM
- Mon Oct 56:00AM - 11:00PM
- Tue Oct 66:00AM - 11:00PM
- Wed Oct 76:00AM - 11:00PM
- Thu Oct 86:00AM - 11:00PM
- Fri Oct 96:00AM - 11:00PM
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
West Beachtoday: 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sat Oct 36:00AM - 9:00PM
Visitor centers
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- Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)today: 8:30AM - 4:30PMDirections
- Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Educationtoday: 9:00AM - 4:00PMDirections
Self-guided tours
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A Drive through the Park1–2 hours · 7 stops
See the park from your car. This tour will take you from the Visitor Center on IN-49 through the eastern portion of the park. You'll see sights of both natural and cultural significance.
Century of Progress Homes Tour10–60 minutes · 1 stop
A popular historic site at our national park are the Century of Progress Homes, built for the 1933 Chicago World Fair. There are five houses along this historical district, each demonstrating unique designs and technologies.
Sacred Sands Audio Tour1–30 minutes · 1 stop
Welcome – This Sacred Sands Audio Tour has been written by author and playwright David Hoppe, and inspired by J.Ronald Engel’s 1983 book, Sacred Sands: The Struggle for Community in the Indiana Dunes, an audio version of the play has been commissioned by the Indiana Dunes National Park for use along the Portage Riverwalk Trail. Have a seat and enjoy the audio play! Take a look around and observe the contrast and struggles to make and protect this national park.
Entrance fees
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- Motorcycle — $20.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- 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).
- 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.
- Annual Entrance - Park — $45.00
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.