National Park · Midwest · IN
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.
Current alerts
Park ClosurePartial 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 ClosureClosure - 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 ClosureClosure - Tolleston Dunes Trail
Closed. Chainsaw crews are actively working to clear the trail, with a projected reopening in the next 1-2 weeks.
Park ClosurePartial 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 ClosureClosure - 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.
InformationOther 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.
CautionWater 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.
Park ClosurePartial 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.
CautionPartial 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.
Location
41.6377, -87.0965
Key trails & viewpoints
Ranger Camp 3-Day Expedition
<h3>Event Agenda (subject to change)</h3> <h4>Day 1</h4> <ul> <li>12:00–4:00 PM: Check in and camp setup.</li> <li>4:00–4:30 PM: Safety checks.</li> <li>4:30–7:00 PM: Ranger led bike ride with interpretive stops</li> <li>7:30–8:15 PM: Campfire program – Marquette Greenway</li> <li>10:00 PM: Quiet hours</li> </ul> <h4>Day 2</h4> <ul> <li>8:30 AM: Early Bird program options (Birding with Ranger Cookie; Compass Orientation with Ranger Powers)</li> <li>10:00 AM: 8 mile ranger led hike – Follow the Glacier to Lake Michigan</li> <li>7:00–8:00 PM: Evening campfire program</li> <li>10:00 PM: Quiet hours</li> </ul> <h4>Day 3</h4> <ul> <li>10:00 AM: Ranger guided paddle on the East Branch of the Little Calumet River</li> <li>1:00 PM: Closing program and camp teardown</li> </ul>
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.
1966 Hiking Challenge
Trail lengths and hiking duration will vary from week to week. Each estimated trail time will be posted weekly.
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.
Diana Dunes Dare
The Diana's Dare is located on one portion, or loop, of the West Beach Trail system. It will take about 40 minutes to walk and read the waysides on the loop. If you should try the other two loops of the trail system add 60 more minutes to your hike.
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
Hiking Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes is home to one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the nation. Hiking is a great way to explore these fascinating landscape. Traverse over 50 miles of trails that lead you through shorelines, dunes, wetlands, prairies, river systems, oak savannahs, cultural sites and more.
Hours & fees
Indiana Dunes National Park general areas
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
| 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 |
West Beach
West Beach hours of operation
| Monday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Thursday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Friday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Saturday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
| Sunday | 6:00AM - 9:00PM |
- 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.
Activities
- Arts and Culture
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Playground
- Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snow Play
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Freshwater Swimming
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store