Where is Indiana Dunes National Park?

Indiana Dunes National Park is on the Lake Michigan shore of Indiana.

How much time do you need at Indiana Dunes National Park?

Allow a full day to explore Indiana Dunes National Park.

Does Indiana Dunes National Park have a beach?

Yes. Indiana Dunes National Park has a Lake Michigan beach. Check local beach advisories and swim conditions before going in the water.

Can you camp at Indiana Dunes National Park?

Yes. Indiana Dunes National Park offers camping. Summer sites can book up early, so reserve through the official park system.

National Park · Lake Michigan

Indiana Dunes National Park

A mosaic of dunes, wetlands, woodland and beaches on southern Lake Michigan.

Photo: Indianadunes · CC BY 4.0

Part of the Dunes Succession Trail at West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park.jpg by Indianadunes · CC BY 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary.

Official website Plan a trip around it

On the coast

About Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes pairs a major metropolitan shoreline with unexpectedly varied habitats. Spread a visit across beach areas and inland trails to see more than the sand. The national park and neighboring state park are separately managed; review current fees, parking, alerts and beach safety information for the places you plan to visit.

LakeLake Michigan

RegionIndiana

Park typeNational Park

BeachYes

CampingYes

Live · Indiana Dunes National Park

What's going on right now.

Weather, alerts, the water, the sky and local headlines, gathered from official sources as you read.

Gathering the latest conditions…

National Weather Service Environment Canada NOAA buoy observations Aurora forecast

This place has no verified map position, so conditions are for a nearby forecast point. Live data from the U.S. National Weather Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, NOAA's National Data Buoy Center and Space Weather Prediction Center; headlines link to the publishers. Sun and moon times are calculated. Conditions change quickly—check official forecasts before going on the water. Not for navigation.

Best time

June to August for beach days; May and September–October for birding, wildflowers and quieter trails.

Time needed

A full day

Best months

Don't miss

Highlights of Indiana Dunes National Park.

Climb the Dune Succession Trail at West Beach, where stairs and boardwalk trace the shift from open sand to forest.
Walk the Cowles Bog Trail, named for botanist Henry Chandler Cowles, whose studies here helped pioneer the science of ecology.
See the Century of Progress homes from Chicago's 1933–34 World's Fair, viewed from the road along Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores.
Scan the restored wetland on the Great Marsh Trail for herons, waterfowl and other marsh birds.

Know before you go

Tips for visiting Indiana Dunes National Park.

Ride the South Shore Line from Chicago to stations near the park for a car-free day on busy summer weekends.
Swim near lifeguards where offered and heed beach flags — rip currents are a serious hazard on southern Lake Michigan.
Mount Baldy's shifting summit is typically reached only on ranger-led hikes; check the park calendar before you go.

Great for Beaches & dunes Trails, cliffs & waterfalls Birding & wildlife Camping & dark skies

Loading the map. The links and itinerary below are always available.

No verified point location is available. This is a lake overview, not this place's exact position. Precise shipwreck sites are not plotted.

Black-and-white basemap by OpenStreetMap. Great Lakes highlighted in color. Hold Ctrl (or Command) while scrolling to zoom. Use two fingers on touch screens.

Lake outlines: Natural Earth (public domain). Town centers: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Not for navigation.

Good to know

Questions about Indiana Dunes National Park

Where is Indiana Dunes National Park?: Indiana Dunes National Park is on the Lake Michigan shore of Indiana.
When is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park?: June to August for beach days; May and September–October for birding, wildflowers and quieter trails.
How much time do you need at Indiana Dunes National Park?: Allow a full day to explore Indiana Dunes National Park.
Does Indiana Dunes National Park have a beach?: Yes. Indiana Dunes National Park has a Lake Michigan beach. Check local beach advisories and swim conditions before going in the water.
Can you camp at Indiana Dunes National Park?: Yes. Indiana Dunes National Park offers camping. Summer sites can book up early, so reserve through the official park system.

Travel well

Make it a good visit.

Check access before leaving.

Opening hours, parking, permits and step-free access change by season. Confirm your needs with the official destination; a map pin is not an entrance.

Give the shoreline time.

Leave room for weather delays and a quieter side trail. Stay on marked paths, respect closures and support the local communities that make the coast special.

Travel thoughtfully

Look beyond the air forecast.

Waves and water temperatures can tell a very different story. Use marine forecasts and local beach advisories before any water activity.

Official weather resources

Road trips

Put this place on a longer route.

7–10 days

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Connect shoreline towns, beaches and cities around Lake Michigan.

View the itinerary

2-3 days

Southern Lake Michigan Dunes Weekend

Chicago, Indiana Dunes and Harbor Country without circling the whole lake.