Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park protects a band of sand dunes, beaches, wetlands and prairies along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana. The park covers roughly 15,000 acres and preserves a wide range of coastal and inland habitats.

The landscape includes extensive dune systems and sandy beaches, as well as inland marshes, bogs and woodlands. Popular features include walkable dunes and a network of hiking trails that range from short boardwalks to longer backcountry routes.

The park is an important area for bird migration, plant diversity and coastal ecology, attracting hikers, birders, beachgoers and researchers. Notable sites within the park include Mount Baldy, West Beach and Cowles Bog.

Located along Lake Michigan between the cities of Gary and Michigan City, the park is about 50 miles southeast of downtown Chicago and is accessed from multiple trailheads and visitor areas in Porter and LaPorte counties.

Area & shoreline: Area and shoreline
Details: About 15,000 acres of protected land with roughly 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline; the park contains dunes, wetlands, prairies and woodlands and supports extensive trail systems.

What to See #

Mount Baldy: Mount Baldy - a popular, walkable sand dune that is one of the larger moving dunes on the park landscape.
Beaches and shoreline: West Beach and other Lake Michigan beaches that provide swimming, shoreline access and views along the lakeshore.
Trails and wetlands: Cowles Bog and inland trails that traverse wetlands, marshes and prairie habitats important for research and birding.

How to Get to Indiana Dunes National Park #

Indiana Dunes National Park is on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana. From downtown Chicago it’s roughly 50-60 miles by car (about 1-1.5 hours) via I‑90/I‑94 (the Borman Expressway) and I‑94/I‑80 depending on route; follow signs for Porter/Duneland and the park entrances.

Public transit: take the South Shore Line commuter rail from Millennium Station in Chicago eastbound to the Dune Park/Porter area (Dune Park station), which is the primary rail access point for the park. From the Dune Park station you can access nearby trailheads and park parking areas; exact walking distance depends on which beach or trailhead you are heading to.

Tips for Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park #

Arrive early on weekdays-parking and the most scenic dune overlooks fill quickly on summer weekends, and mornings offer calmer air and better wildlife activity.
If you want quieter beach time or hiking, use lesser‑known trailheads (for example the inland trails and nature preserves) instead of the main, lakeshore parking areas, which get crowded fast.
Pack a map of trailheads before you go-the national park is a string of separate access points, so deciding which dune, beach or bog you want to visit ahead of time saves backtracking and busy lots.

Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park #

Late spring through early fall for warm weather and full access, with shoulder months offering milder conditions and fewer crowds.

Summer (peak)

June-August · 20-30°C

Warm beach weather and full access to trails and dunes - also the busiest time with crowds on weekends and holidays.

Shoulder seasons

May, September-October · 10-22°C

Milder temperatures, fewer visitors, and good conditions for hiking, birding and photography.

Winter / Early spring

November-April · -5-8°C

Colder, quieter period with limited beach swimming; some facilities may have reduced services.

Weather & Climate near Indiana Dunes National Park #

Climate

Indiana Dunes National Park's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (963 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

29°

Warmest Month

-9°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions