National Park Guide

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana, US

Where towering sand dunes meet the southern shores of Lake Michigan in a stunning mosaic of prairies, wetlands, and forests.

15,349

Acres

Trails

2019

Established

3.6 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), 1 hour

Best Months

June, July, August

Highlights

West Beach and Lake Michigan shoreline
Indiana Dunes State Park trails
Mt. Baldy Living Dune
Cowles Bog Trail
Great Marsh and Pinhook Bog

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Indiana Dunes National Park

West Beach Trail

Moderate

3.5 miles loop

200 ft gain

Cowles Bog Trail

Moderate

4.7 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Dune Succession Trail

Easy

1.0 miles loop

100 ft gain

Heron Rookery Trail

Easy

2.0 miles loop

50 ft gain

Mount Baldy Trail

Moderate

1.0 miles round trip

125 ft gain

About Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring towering sand dunes rising up to 200 feet above the lake. The park protects an extraordinary variety of ecosystems including beaches, dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, and forests, making it one of the most biodiverse national parks in the country.

In-Depth Guide

Indiana Dunes National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. Top trails, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for exploring Lake Michigan's southern shore.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near Indiana Dunes National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Hilton Garden Inn Chesterton

Full-service hotel near Indiana Dunes featuring The Garden Grill & Bar, indoor pool, spa tub, 24-hour gym, and lobby fireplace.

10 min drive$140-220/night

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Best Western Indian Oak

Waterfront hotel within a 5-minute drive of Indiana Dunes featuring a 50-foot indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, complimentary hot breakfast, and free WiFi.

5 min drive$110-180/night

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Spring House Inn

Peaceful woodland retreat in Porter near Indiana Dunes featuring indoor pool, sauna, fitness center, private balconies, and complimentary breakfast.

5 min drive$120-200/night

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Compare Indiana Dunes National Park

See how Indiana Dunes National Park stacks up against other national parks

Indiana Dunes National Park vs Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Choose Indiana Dunes for sandy beaches, dune landscapes, and surprising biodiversity near Chicago. Choose Cuyahoga Valley for scenic river trails, waterfalls, and a more traditional nature escape.

See full comparison