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Indiana Dunes National Park

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Overview

Indiana Dunes National Park was established in 1966 to preserve certain portions of the Indiana Dunes and other areas of historic, scientific and scenic interest and recreational value in the state of Indiana. Established for the educational, inspirational, and recreational use of the public, the park annually hosts about two million visitors. The park's 15 miles of freshwater beach hugs the southern shore of Lake Michigan from Gary to Michigan City. Come and enjoy the park's 15,000 acres of prairies, sand dunes, wetlands, forests, oak savannas, and historic sites.

To learn more about Indiana Dunes National Park, visit the Indiana Dunes NPS website.

Local Info

There are two bike trails within the park. Bicycles are allowed on the Marquette Rail Trail and the Oak Savannah Trail. Additionally, the multi-use Calumet Bike Trail is a good option and is maintained by the park in conjunction with the Porter Country Parks Department. Bike are not allowed on the other trails. Visit the park's website to learn more about biking in the park.

Visitor Centers:
Unless otherwise posted, all public use areas are open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. Check the park's website for current operating hours and alerts.

Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center:
Open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
8:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Time, from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Central Time, for the remainder of the year.

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education:
Open daily, except for federal holidays.
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time, from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
8:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time, for the remainder of the year.

Visiting Tips

Indiana Dunes National Park is open year round. Unless otherwise posted, all public use areas are open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The national park's weather is greatly affected by Lake Michigan and can change quickly. Summers are warm and humid with abundant sunshine. Winters tend to be cloudy except for periods of extreme cold when skies are clear.

Fees & Passes:
All areas in the park are free with the following exceptions:

West Beach collects an expanded amenity fee daily for every vehicle from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend from 8:00 am to as late as 7:00 pm Central Time. $6.00 per vehicle or motorcycle per day, $30.00 per bus per day. 50% discount for Senior Lifetime, Senior Annual and Access Passes.

Dunewood Campground is open from April 1 through November 1. $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). Sites 1 - 34 are reservable at recreation.gov starting six months in advance of the check-in date. Sites 35 - 67 are first come, first served. No advance registration. Sites are paid for at the campground entrance automated kiosk. 50% discount for Senior and Access Passes.

To learn more about the park fees, click here.
Purchase an annual pass for all national park service sites and federal lands, $80

Camping & Lodging

- Campground open from April 1 through November 1.
- $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee).
- Sites 1 - 34 are reservable at recreation.gov starting six months in advance of the check-in date.
- Sites 35 - 67 are first come, first served. No advance registration. Sites are paid for at the campground entrance automated kiosk.
- 50% discount for Senior and Access Passes.
- Credit, debit and gift cards (MasterCard, Visa and Discover) accepted.
- No electrical or water hook-ups at individual sites. Potable water is available at several locations.
- Shower and restroom facilities are located at the center of each loop.
- Allowed to stay 14 nights per 30 day period.
- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual (non-senior), Volunteer and Military Passes are not accepted.

Food & Drink

Indiana Dunes is located in a highly developed area with services and goods available at several locations. Nearby large shopping areas can be found in Michigan City along Highways 421 and 20 and in Chesterton just south of I-94 on Indiana 49.

Other Activities

Enjoy the outdoors year round at Indiana Dunes National Park. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, to swimming, sunbathing, camping, and fishing in the summer, every season offers visitors a unique way to experience the park. With the many trails in the area, hiking is a great year-round activity. Visit the National Park's website for more information on the park's many activities.

Indiana Dunes National Park Biking

  • 21 Miles 33 Kilometers of Trail
  • 0 Recommended Routes
  • 3 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 0 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 0 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park - 3

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2.3 mi 3.7 km #1Marquette Rail Trail
Easy Easy
Ogden Dunes, IN
Easy Easy
Ogden Dunes, IN
8.9 mi 14.3 km #2Oak Savannah Trail
Easy Easy
Hobart, IN
Easy Easy
Hobart, IN
9.5 mi 15.4 km #3Calumet Bike Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Porter, IN
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Porter, IN

Photos of Indiana Dunes National Park - 2

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

A few puddles.
Jul 22, 2019 near Beverly…, IN
Crushed stone.
Jul 22, 2019 near Beverly…, IN
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