Indiana Dunes National Park
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About 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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Driving times from Indiana Dunes National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.007-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
Entrance - Per Person
$15.007-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.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate).
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons.
Hours
Indiana Dunes National Park general areas
- Mon
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Tue
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Wed
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Thu
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Fri
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Sat
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
- Sun
- 6:00AM - 11:00PM
West Beach
- Mon
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Tue
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Wed
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Thu
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Fri
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sat
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
- Sun
- 6:00AM - 9:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Indiana Dunes National Park?
- Entrance to Indiana Dunes National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Indiana Dunes National Park?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Biking, Birdwatching, Boating.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Indiana Dunes National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Pullman National Historical Park (42 min), Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument (3 h 27 min), Lincoln Home National Historic Site (3 h 30 min), River Raisin National Battlefield Park (3 h 34 min), Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (3 h 49 min), Ice Age National Scenic Trail (4 h 14 min).