AMERICA’S WIDE-OPEN WONDERS

Indiana Dunes National Park

Lake Michigan beaches & dunes
Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park · NPS Photo · Photo credits
A PLACE TO REMEMBER

Make room for the wonder.

Beaches, dunes and diverse inland habitats offer a national park experience close to Chicago. Choose a beach or trail area and make time to appreciate the changing landscape beyond the shoreline.

Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.
Central Avenue Beach at low water levels, spring 2006.
NPS Photo · Photography credit
Central Beach
Central Beach
NPS Collection · Photography credit
BUILD YOUR OWN PARK DAY

Places to consider

  • 01Lake Michigan shoreline
  • 02Dune walks
  • 03Visitor center

Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.

Before you set out

National park and state park sites have different arrangements. Check parking, beach access and water conditions; lake currents can be hazardous.

Give the day room

Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.

Bring your group

Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.

Official park visitor guide ↗Current conditions ↗

Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.