National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
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.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
4.7 mi · 150 ft gain · out & back
A National Natural Landmark trail through diverse habitats — ponds, marshes, oak savannas, and sandy Lake Michigan beach.
Starts at: Cowles Bog Trailhead
0.9 mi · 75 ft gain · loop
Short loop demonstrating ecological dune succession from bare sand to jack pine forest with Lake Michigan access.
Starts at: West Beach Parking Area
3.4 mi · 100 ft gain · loop
Through wetlands and rare black oak savanna to dunes and Lake Michigan views with Chicago skyline on clear days.
Starts at: Paul H. Douglas Center
3.4 mi · 100 ft gain · loop
Historic homestead and working farm along the Little Calumet River with restored prairie.
Starts at: Bailly/Chellberg Parking Area
Upcoming Events
Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free, reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked. There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information, visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program, a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park, please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.
Join us to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay. Location:The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national park at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 20 in the Miller neighborhood of Gary (100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46304). GPS Coordinates: 41.606286, -87.267483 (Decimal Degrees).
Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in at the Paul H. Doulas Center to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free, reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked. There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information, visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program, a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park, please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: April
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
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. June sees the most precipitation with an average rainfall of 4.66 Inches.