Indiana Dunes National Park covers 15,349 acres in Indiana. It became a national park on February 15, 2019, the 61st of today’s 64 parks to get that title. It recorded 2,629,497 recreation visits in 2025, the 13th most of the 63 parks with a 2025 count.
Today at Indiana Dunes
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Alerts: National Park Service, checked hourly. Forecast: National Weather Service, for Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center). Always confirm on the official park site before you set out.
In the park service’s words
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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Entrance fee and passes
The standard entrance pass is $25 per vehicle. Valid 1 to 7 days. Indiana Dunes State Park, inside the national park, charges its own separate fee.
The $80 America the Beautiful pass for U.S. residents covers this fee and everyone in your car. It pays for itself after 4 visits at this price, and it is accepted at every national park.
Entrance is free for U.S. residents on the 2026 fee-free days.
Best time to visit
- Best time to visit Indiana Dunes: May, September and October. The weather is at its most comfortable then, and crowds are lighter than at the peak.
- Busiest month: July, with about 477,539 visits in a typical recent year. That is 4.5 times as many as November.
- Quietest month: January (71,838 visits), when weather or closures keep most people away.
Bar height: visitors that month, compared with the busiest month. Temperatures: average daily high and low (°F); rain and snow: monthly averages. Best marks the months we suggest.
More detail: the best time to visit Indiana Dunes, month by month.
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit: crowds and weather month by month
- Itinerary: ready-made plans for 1 to 3 days
- Things to do: 2 hikes and 9 other activities
- Camping, RVs and lodging: 3 campgrounds
- Getting there: Nearest gas to Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education: Gas station (unnamed), 0.5 miles away. Closest airport Michigan City Municipal Airport (15 mi)
- Know before you go: safety, what to pack and what to leave at home
Popular hikes
- 1966 Hiking Challenge (1 to 5 Hours): 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. We will offer 19 weekly ranger led hikes every Saturday at 8:00 am starting on May 11 and culminating at the Outdoor Adventure Festival on September 14.
- Hiking Indiana Dunes: Indiana Dunes is home to one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the nation. Hiking is a great way to explore these fascinating landscape. Traverse over 50 miles of trails that lead you through shorelines, dunes, wetlands, prairies, river systems, oak savannahs, cultural sites and more.
Weather, in the park service’s words
The park service says:
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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Nearby national parks by road
- Cuyahoga Valley (Ohio): about 5 h 40 min by car (303 miles)
- Gateway Arch (Missouri): about 5 h 50 min by car (305 miles)
- Mammoth Cave (Kentucky): about 6 h 50 min by car (359 miles)
- New River Gorge (West Virginia): about 10 h 10 min by car (508 miles)
Drive times run between the closest visitor centers of each pair, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads. Link several parks with the road trip planner.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Indiana Dunes National Park?
The standard entrance pass is $25 per vehicle. Valid 1 to 7 days. Indiana Dunes State Park, inside the national park, charges its own separate fee.
What state is Indiana Dunes National Park in?
Indiana.
When did Indiana Dunes become a national park?
February 15, 2019.
How many people visit Indiana Dunes?
2,629,497 recreation visits were counted in 2025.
When is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes?
May, September and October. July is the busiest month and November the quietest while the park is fully open.
