Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.

National Park · Indiana

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.

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Things to do

  • 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

Weather & when to go

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.

Entrance fees

  • Entrance - Motorcycle

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

    $20.00

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle

    7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).

    $25.00

  • Entrance - Per Person

    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.

    $15.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan

    Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate).

    $25.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Van

    Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.

    $40.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

    Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.

    $40.00

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

    Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.

    $100.00

Operating hours

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.

West Beach

West Beach hours of operation

Campgrounds

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Indiana Dunes National Park?
Entrance to Indiana Dunes National Park costs $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Indiana Dunes National Park?
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
Do I need a reservation for Indiana Dunes National Park?
No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Indiana Dunes National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.

Related guides

Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Indiana Dunes National Park.

Keep exploring

More parks in Indiana.

Browse parks by state →All parks →