Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is located in northwestern Indiana along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. It spans over 15,000 acres and is the newest national park in the United States, designated as such in 2019. The park is known for its stunning sand dunes and diverse ecosystems, which include forests, prairies, wetlands, and freshwater lakes.

The area encompassing Indiana Dunes has a rich history. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi. European settlers arrived in the 1800s, establishing towns and industries along the lakefront. The park has several historical landmarks, such as the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, which provide insights into early American life.

Visitors to Indiana Dunes National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities. Hiking is a popular choice, with over 50 miles of trails offering breathtaking views of the dunes and lake. The park offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, camping, and picnicking as well. The beaches along Lake Michigan provide a perfect setting for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months.

In addition to the natural beauty of the dunes, Indiana Dunes National Park is surrounded by attractions that cater to diverse interests. Nearby, the Indiana Dunes State Park offers further recreational opportunities, including horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The charming town of Chesterton, located just outside the park, features unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. For those interested in history, the nearby Barker Mansion and the Westchester Township History Museum offer a glimpse into the region's past.

In conclusion, Indiana Dunes National Park is a remarkable destination that combines stunning scenery, rich history, and a variety of recreational activities. Whether visitors are interested in exploring diverse ecosystems, lounging on beautiful beaches, or immersing themselves in the area's history, this national park has something for everyone.

Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the northwestern part of the state of Indiana, bordering the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Situated just east of Gary, this national park covers an area of approximately 15,000 acres. Stretching along the coastline for about 15 miles, Indiana Dunes is characterized by its stunning sand dunes, as well as wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. This unique geographical location provides visitors with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, as well as ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, bird watching, and photography.

Address & Contact

1215 IN-49
Porter, IN 46304
Driving Directions
Phone: 2193951882
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park would be during the months of April, May, or June. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 57°F in April to 78°F in June. Additionally, these months have moderate precipitation levels, with averages ranging from 3.9 inches in April to 4.5 inches in June. These favorable conditions provide an ideal environment for outdoor activities. Furthermore, visiting in these months allows you to avoid the large crowds that tend to flock to the park during the peak tourist season of July and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Indiana Dunes National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Hiking Boating Fishing Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Snow Play Snowshoeing Swimming Self-Guided Tours - Auto RV Camping Cultural Demonstrations Stand Up Paddleboarding Freshwater Swimming Playground

Topics

Learn about these topics at Indiana Dunes National Park: Animals Birds Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Fire Trails Painting Photography Lakes Dunes Poetry and Literature

Visitor Centers

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is your gateway to the stunning Paul H. Douglas Trail through Miller Woods. This facility connects you to the natural environment through educational hands-on exhibits, ranger-guided hikes, lectures, animals, crafts, and a Nature Play Zone. Open hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time and is closed Monday and Tuesday.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education.

Campsites within or near Indiana Dunes National Park

Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

The Central Beach Walk-In Sites has 5 sites, and you will walk a distance to get to your campsite. There is a primitive toilet (porta-potty) by the Central Beach parking lot for the entire season. There is no drinkable water in the area so you must bring your own water.
Fees (US$): 25.00 (Standard Night Fee), 12.50 (Access Pass), 12.50 (Senior Pass)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Dunbar Group Site

The Dunbar Group Site holds up to 30 people and is located less than 500 feet from the beach. The site overlooks the Great Marsh and Lake Michigan. Parking and restrooms are located in the Dunbar Beach parking lot, 400 feet from the site.
Fees (US$): 100.00 (Group Site Rate)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Dunewood Campground

Campground consists of two loops containing 66 camp-sites (53 conventional drive-in sites and 13 walk/carry-in sites). Four sites are wheelchair accessible (numbers 15, 30, 41 and 55). Each loop has modern restrooms and hot/cold showers. Some sites have limited recreational vehicle length. Convenience stores and a gas station are located 1/4 mile north of the campground at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway Ave. in the town of Beverly Shores. Campground closed during winter, Nov 2 - Mar 31.
Fees (US$): 25.00 (Standard Night Fee), 12.50 (Access Pass), 12.50 (Senior Pass)
Total Campsites: 66
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Indiana Dunes National Park

SureStay Hotel by Best Western New Buffalo

A stay at SureStay Hotel by Best Western New Buffalo places you in the heart of New Buffalo, a 3-minute drive from Whittaker Woods Golf Course and 5 minutes from Galien River County Park. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11539 O'Brien Ct., New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

Baymont by Wyndham New Buffalo

With a stay at Baymont by Wyndham New Buffalo in New Buffalo, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of New Buffalo Public Beach and Lake Michigan. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 18800 Harbor Country Drive, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Buffalo, an IHG Hotel

Located in New Buffalo, Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Buffalo, an IHG Hotel is within a 5-minute drive of New Buffalo Public Beach and Whittaker Woods Golf Course. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11500 Holiday Dr, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Buffalo

Located in New Buffalo, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Buffalo is within a 5-minute drive of New Buffalo Public Beach and Whittaker Woods Golf Course. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 11400 Holiday Drive, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

Quality Inn Near Interstate I94

When you stay at Quality Inn Near Interstate I94 in New Buffalo, you'll be in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of New Buffalo Public Beach and Lake Michigan. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 18830 Laporte Rd, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

New Buffalo Inn & Spa

When you stay at New Buffalo Inn & Spa in New Buffalo, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Galien River County Park and New Buffalo Public Beach. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 231 E Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

Cool Springs Inn

Located in Michigan City, Cool Springs Inn is within a 15-minute drive of Franciscan Hospital and Sisters of St Francis Health. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 45 North U.S. Highway 421, Michigan City, Indiana 46360
Web: Link

Key West Inn Hobart

With a stay at Key West Inn Hobart in Hobart, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Westfield Southlake Mall and Turkey Creek Golf Course. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1855 Mississippi St, Hobart, Indiana 46342
Web: Link

Four Winds Casino Resort – New Buffalo

Located in New Buffalo, Four Winds Casino Resort New Buffalo is in the entertainment district, a 5-minute drive from Galien River County Park and 5 minutes from New Buffalo Public Beach. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and meeting rooms. A train station pick-up service is provided at no charge, and free valet parking is available onsite.
Address: 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117
Web: Link

Lake Michigan Beach Cottages

With a stay at Lake Michigan Beach Cottages in Michigan City, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Lake Michigan and Sheridan Beach.
Address: 1402 Lake Shore, Michigan City, Indiana 46360
Web: Link