Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park. Spanning the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is home to a diverse ecosystem. Though the 4th smallest national park, it’s the 13th most biodiverse. Just a few steps on the well-maintained trails will take you on a journey through bogs to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, up sandy dunes, through an old growth forest, and even to tall pines.
You will not run out of things to do at this park. You can spend days walking the trails in search of birds and animals. Experience the history of the Lakeshore and relax on the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes National Park Stats
When to visit
Below is a table outlining the average number of visitors and temperature for each month in Indiana Dunes National Park as of 2023.
Plants and Animals at Indiana Dunes National Park
The national park service tracks each animal species sighting in the park. The data below is a summary of the NPS Species database, updated in 2024.
What to do at Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is known for sandy beaches and diverse trails. Check out the most popular itineraries at Indiana Dunes National Park.
What to bring at Indiana Dunes National Park
Bringing the right gear is essential to explore safely and responsibly at the national park. Check out these packs other hikers brought to explore the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Indiana Dunes National Park - History
The push and pull between industry and preservation is impossible to miss. Steam billows from the nearby US Steel plant, power plant, and the network of trains fueling US industry. But they become a faint memory as you walk the immersive trails and experience the biodiversity on this beautiful shore.
This land may have been fully developed if Dr. Henry Coles hadn’t recognized the unique habitat for plants and animals. In 1910, he invited Stephen Mathers to walk the shores who became adamant this should be a protected space. However, the land wasn’t protected until 1966 as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. In 2019, the lakeshore was officially protected as a national park. Now we can all experience the ecosystem thriving alongside industry that no longer encroaches the protected land.
Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park
The park is located in Northwestern Indiana. Since the park is spread out along the lakeshore, it’s best to have a car to drive to different trailheads or beaches. The most popular time to visit the park is during summer as people take advantage of sandy beaches. But the park is open year round and visiting in the spring or fall will be less busy! You can walk the trails and witness as the flowers bloom in spring, the leaves change during fall, or the snow fall in winter.
Indiana Dunes Beaches
The most popular beaches are West Beach and Indiana Dunes State Park. Both have ample facilities for parking, restrooms, and rinsing off when you’re finished soaking up the sun. More secluded beaches, which require a short walk, include Mt. Baldy and Miller Beach. The most secluded beach I discovered was along the Cowley Bog Trail. This required a longer hike, but was a beautiful hike and well worth the time if you want to see what the park has to offer!
Indiana Dunes Trails
In October 2024, I hiked 50 miles of trails within the national park. I was able to explore most trails in the park, and even got to hike the 3 Dune Challenge in the state park. The 3 Dune Challenge is the most “Dunesy” hike of them all, with sandy steep inclines and multiple chances to run down the dunes!
I collaborated with a park ranger – Cookie – for these trail suggestions. Cookie has worked at the Indiana Dunes state/national park for 13 years.
- Underrated Trail - Tolleston Dunes, Beverly Shores trail system
- Trail less traveled - Glenwood Dunes and Glenwood Dunes extension (one of my favorites)
- Can’t miss trails - Hiking the stairs at West Beach, Portage Lake, Cowles Bog
- Best place in the park - Cowles Bog or Great Marsh Trail for bird/animal lovers
- Trails for the history lover - Century of Progress homes and Bailey/ Chellberg Trail
Indiana Dunes Camping
The park does not allow dispersed camping. If you want to stay in the park, you can reserve a spot at the Dunewood Campground, which is open to RVs or tent campers. There are also five walk-in campsites and a group camp.
Any campsite should be reserved in advance. The spots go quickly during peak season and weekends. But for a last minute trip, you can probably find a spot mid-week in the off season. Visit recreation.gov to see what spots are available. You can also book lodging nearby if the park campgrounds are full.
Other Resources:
If you’re excited to explore the diversity of the park via the trail systems, take a look at the gear I carried while hiking 50 miles of trails in the Indiana Dunes National Park. And we’ve compiled additional helpful information to plan a trip.
