Central Avenue Beach Indiana Dunes National Park. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- $25 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $45, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Depends on Location
Work out the cost for your group
About Indiana Dunes
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.
Things to do
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1966 Hiking Challenge
The 1966 Hiking Challenge is comprised of 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trail in the park, celebrating the park’s founding in 1966.
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Become an Indiana Dunes Junior Ranger
Indiana Dunes National Park has a lot to explore, both in the park and online.
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Birding at Indiana Dunes National Park
Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the national park is an important feeding and resting area for migrating birds.
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Explore Biological Diversity in the Park
The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests.
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Full Day Expeditions
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.
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Half Day Adventures
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.
Photos
Central Beach Photo: NPS Collection
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $25 | 7 days | All year |
| Per person, 16 and over | $15 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park. Passes can be purchased from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, seasonally at the West Beach kiosk, or online at recreation.gov.
A park's own annual pass is sold to U.S. citizens and residents only. A U.S. resident who holds one covers everyone in their private vehicle, including nonresident passengers.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
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.
Hours
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
Getting there
Visitors can access the national park via Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90), U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Road 49, and various other local roads. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located on Indiana State Road 49, between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94 (1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304). For a driving map to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or other locations, check out our maps page.
Campgrounds
- Central Avenue Walk-in SitesBook on Recreation.gov
- Dunbar Group SiteBook on Recreation.gov
- Dunewood CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
Visitor centers
- Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)
- Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
Alerts
- Park Closure: Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail
- Park Closure: Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
- Park Closure: Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail
- Park Closure: Partial Closure - Upland Trail
- Park Closure: Closure - Heron Rookery Trail
- Information: Other Park Conditions and Updates
- Caution: Water Safety Alert
- Park Closure: Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
