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.
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.
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.
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.
Lake Michigan acts more like an ocean than a lake. Check out our Lake Michigan safety tips.
National Park Views
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.
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.
We love our outdoor spaces and many are fragile habitats that need to be protected! Learn how to visit the Indiana Dunes sustainably with these eco-friendly travel tips.
The Indiana Dunes is one of the most biodiverse national parks in the entire country. Over 1,100 flowering plant species and ferns make their homes here. How many flowers can YOU find?
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.
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?!
Learn about a few ways you can explore the outdoors responsibly while ensuring that its beauty and resources are maintained for future generations.