Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park, in the northwestern part of Indiana, is the only national park in the state. It is popular for its towering sand dunes and plentiful beaches on Lake Michigan, and for its easily accessible location near Chicago. The park is also home to a variety of ecosystems including swamps and forests, with diverse plants and wildlife. Designated as a national park in 2019 (previously a national lakeshore since 1966), it protects approximately 15,000 acres of duneland, wetlands, and lakefront along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

The dunes themselves are a relatively recent product of sand deposition, wave erosion, and wind erosion. During the warming process that ended the last Ice Age, Lake Michigan at several periods rose to levels much higher than today and laid down sandy shorelines that are now inland from the current coastline. The park contains numerous ecosystem types that can be readily recognized by amateurs: sand dunes with marram grass and prickly pear, wetlands with marsh marigold and skunk cabbage, prairies with black-eyed susan and goldenrod, savannas, dry woods, and wet woods. The most common large tree is the black oak, with plenty of cottonwoods and groves of sugar maples.

The park experiences a temperate Great Lakes climate with relatively even precipitation year-round but wide temperature swings. Summers (June–August) are warm with highs around 78–82°F (26–28°C), perfect for beach-going. Winters (December–February) can bring pack ice along the shoreline and temperatures well below freezing. Spring and fall offer moderate weather ideal for hiking. The park is busiest during summer weekends; spring and fall are quieter and excellent for birding during migration.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), approximately 35 miles northwest. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 50 miles northwest. Rental cars are available at both airports. Taxi fare from Midway to the dunes area is approximately $60–80.

By Train

The South Shore Line provides service from Chicago, Michigan City, and South Bend. There are approximately 12 trains through the park each way on weekends, with 9 trains each way on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Key stations include Dune Park (closest to Indiana Dunes State Park, about a 20-minute walk to the main entrance) and Portage/Ogden Dunes (closest to Ogden Dunes and a walk to West Beach). Bikes are allowed on some South Shore Line trains but with restrictions; check current policies before traveling.

By Car / Road

The Indiana Dunes area is accessible from Chicago by Interstates 80, 90, and 94; from Indianapolis by Interstate 65; from Detroit by Interstate 94; and from Cleveland and the East Coast by Interstates 80 and 90. U.S. Highways 12 and 20 go directly through the park. Entrance passes are required: $25 per car, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person (bicycle, boat, or foot). The pass is valid for 7 days. An annual pass is available for $45. The America the Beautiful Pass is accepted. Indiana Dunes State Park charges separate admission: $12 per vehicle with out-of-state plates.

Most of the hiking trails are closed to bikes, but the Calumet Trail runs parallel to Dunes Highway and can be used to transit between some parts of the park. A car is recommended for visiting multiple areas of the park, as the parcels are spread out along the lakefront. Shuttle services are not available within the park. There is limited parking at beach access areas; arrive early on summer weekends.

• Lake Michigan Beaches — Accessible via a short walk from any of the beach access parking areas. West Beach is the largest swimming beach. From Lakefront Drive through Beverly Shores or the Dunbar Ave parking lot, visitors with limited mobility can view the lake. At Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, on clear days you can see the Chicago skyline to the northwest.

• Mount Baldy — The largest living dune in the National Lakeshore, at 126 feet above Lake Michigan. Hiking to the top is a challenge but rewarding. The dune's south face moves visibly in windy years. Access via a marked trail from the parking lot off US-12.

• Century of Progress Homes — Five buildings from the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago, originally intended to display the future of housing. They are now private residences with nearby informational plaques.

• Inland Marsh Overlook — A unique boardwalk trail that is fully wheelchair accessible. Walk across a bridge between two tree-covered dunes to an overlook of a vast inland marsh. During migration, the area hosts flocks of arctic wanderers and summer residents from the tropics.

• Hiking — The park offers numerous trails ranging from easy boardwalks to rugged dune climbs. The Cowles Bog Trail features a grove of paper birches said to be the farthest-south naturally reproducing population in the Great Lakes area. The Bailly/Chellberg farm offers a maple-syrup boil in early spring.

• Beach Activities — Swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking at West Beach, Porter Beach, and other access points along Lake Michigan.

• Birding — The diverse ecosystems attract a wide variety of bird species, especially during spring and fall migration. The Inland Marsh is a prime birding spot.

• Cross-Country Skiing — In winter, some trails are groomed for cross-country skiing when conditions permit.

• Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education — 100 North Lake Street, Gary. Open 9AM–5PM (summer) or 9AM–4PM (winter). Offers scheduled programs and access to the Miller Woods Trail. Closed on federal holidays.

• Limited dining options exist within the park boundaries. The nearby communities of Porter, Chesterton, and Ogden Dunes have local restaurants. Picnicking is the most common dining option within the park.

Tap water in the surrounding communities is safe to drink. Within the park, there are no commercial beverage vendors; bring your own water and snacks. Drinking water fountains are available at the Visitor Center and some beach areas.

• Budget: Camping is available at the Dunewood Campground within the national park. Sites cost approximately $25 per night. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov.
• Mid-range: The Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton, located near the park entrance in Chesterton, offers comfortable rooms from approximately $120–160 per night.
• Upscale / heritage: The Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing is about 30 miles south and offers upscale accommodations from approximately $150–200 per night. For a unique stay, Beverly Shores has vacation rental options near the park.

• Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Bookshop — Eastern National bookstore at the Dorothy Buell Visitor Center, 1215 North State Road 49, Porter. Maps, guidebooks, nature guides, and park souvenirs.

• Indiana Dunes State Park (within the national park boundaries) — Separate admission; features a 3-mile beach, nature center, and 16 miles of trails including the challenging 3 Dune Challenge.
• Chicago, IL (35 miles northwest, ~45 min) — World-class city with museums, dining, architecture, and Lake Michigan waterfront.
• Michigan City, IN (15 miles east, ~20 min) — Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Blue Chip Casino, and Washington Park Zoo.
• South Bend, IN (45 miles east, ~50 min) — Home of the University of Notre Dame and the Studebaker National Museum.
• Gary, IN (10 miles west, ~15 min) — Frank Lloyd Wright houses, Marquette Park, and the Chanute Aquatorium.