Explore the Indiana Dunes National Park

Walk on glacial sands, pushed and pulled by time into dunes nearly 250 feet high. Paddle across a 300-mile-long lake with waves and scenery that rival the Atlantic. A place unlike anywhere else on Earth? We’re not just putting wind in your sails. It’s a haven for hikers. A beacon for birders. A tenement for tenters.

With an unparalleled position along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 50 miles of rugged trails, and a diverse ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, prairies, and old-growth forest, Indiana Dunes National Park is a destination for outdoor adventurers of all kinds. Plan your visit to the Indiana Dunes National Park today.

Why Is It a National Park?

The Indiana Dunes National Park is more than just a sandy beach. Beyond the iconic dunes are over 15,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including wetlands, prairies, oak savannas, rivers, and forests—all shaped by thousands of years of glacial activity along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. 

Jack-in-the-Pulpit at Heron Rookery

What makes the Indiana Dunes National Park worthy of the national park status is its incredible biodiversity and ecological importance. The park is home to over 1,100 plant species, making it one of the most biologically rich areas in the entire national park system. Over 350 bird species have been spotted here, making it a major birding hotspot too! Places like Pinhook Bog, Miller Woods, and Cowles Bog showcase this remarkable biodiversity, offering glimpses into rare habitats found nowhere else in the region.

Prothonotary Warbler at West Beach

The Indiana Dunes National Park also played a historic role in the birth of modern ecological science. In the late 1800s, Henry Chandler Cowles, a University of Chicago botanist, studied plant succession in the dunes, which helped establish the field of ecology and inspired early conservation efforts to protect the landscape.

Know Before You Go

Learn more about the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park entrance fees as well as how to buy daily and annual passes.

Watch Ranger Matt's Dunes 101 videos to learn everything you need to know about the Indiana Dunes, including how to have the best beach experience, where to camp, and which trail to hike.

Ready to explore one of America’s most biodiverse national parks? Start planning your visit now with our Adventure Guide to make the most of your time at Indiana Dunes National Park.

Leashed pets are allowed on most trails and beaches. The exceptions are West Beach's swimming beach, Pinhook Bog, and Glenwood Dunes.

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Sponsored

Indiana Dunes National Park Beaches

With 15 miles of protected Lake Michigan shoreline, Indiana Dunes National Park beaches offer something for every kind of beachgoer—whether you're here to swim, hike, birdwatch, or just relax in the sand.

Aerial view of the shoreline. The water is a deep blue. The sand changes to beach grass and eventually trees.

Popular spots like West Beach provide restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, hiking trails, and picnic areas—perfect for a full day of outdoor fun. For a quieter escape, visit Kemil Beach, Dunbar Beach, or Central Avenue Beach, where you’ll find stunning views and fewer crowds. Keep in mind that some beaches have limited parking, and conditions on Lake Michigan can change quickly. 

Which Indiana Dunes Beach Should You Visit? 

Places to Explore in the Indiana Dunes National Park

Conquer the Diana Dunes Dare

Hike the trail inspired by Alice Mabel Gray, the real-life Diana of the Dunes. This one-mile loop at West Beach features dune climbs, lake views, and local history.

Borrow a Naturalist Backpack

Explore the Indiana Dunes like an expert! The Backpacks for Naturalists program offers free explorer backpacks for daily use. Each backpack contains binoculars, field guides, and more.

Travel Deeply & Experience More

More than just a hiking trail, this interactive experience will weave the culture of the Miami and Potawatomi Indigenous Peoples with the natural ecology of the Indiana Dunes.

You’re invited to help be a part of preserving and protecting the Indiana Dunes by volunteering during your visit. All you have to do is show up! How’s that for easy?!

Sponsored

Sponsored