National Park · IN
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
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.
2.7M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Indiana Dunes
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 62°F | 42°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 62°F | 45°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Clear | 68°F | 48°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Overcast | 69°F | 52°F | 1% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 70°F | 53°F | 0% |
| Sat 24 | Overcast | 70°F | 53°F | 0% |
| Sun 25 | Overcast | 64°F | 54°F | 2% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | 2.5" |
| February | — | — | 2.5" |
| March | — | — | 2.5" |
| April | — | — | 3.9" |
| May | — | — | 4.2" |
| June | — | — | 4.7" |
| July | — | — | 4.5" |
| August | — | — | 3.6" |
| September | — | — | 3.8" |
| October | — | — | 3.3" |
| November | — | — | 2.8" |
| December | — | — | 2.2" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CRETE 2.6 E, IL US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $25 — 7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).
- Hours
- The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
Closed portion of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail along Burns Waterway due to unsafe conditions from erosional damage. This trail portion will remain closed while funding is sought for repair work. Pier access remains open on either side of closure.
- Park Closure
Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail
Marquette Greenway construction will require closing sections of the Glenwood Dunes Trail (April–December 2026) and Little Calumet River / Mnoké Prairie Trail (May–December 2026). Closure dates may shift as work progresses. Please follow all posted closures and check the park website or NPS App for updates.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Water Safety Alert
After recent storms, E. coli levels are likely to reach above safe swimming standards. Entering the water after heavy rainfall is never recommended. Know before you go and always check our Beach Safety page before heading to park beaches.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Closure - Heron Rookery Trail
Closed. The trail is undergoing tree removal and rerouting due to riverbank collapse. It is expected to reopen in the fall, after mosquito activity decreases.
- Park Closure
Partial Closure - Upland Trail
The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.
- Park Closure
Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail
Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.
- Park Closure
Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace
Partially open. Persistent flooding west of the campground currently limits access to the entire trail. Hikers may not always be able to traverse the full length.
- Park Closure
Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail
Portions of Bailly / Chellberg Trail (with stairs) will be closed through October (10/30/26), to allow completion of boardwalk replacement project.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Indiana Dunes questions
When is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes?
Indiana Dunes is least crowded in January, February, and March. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Indiana Dunes?
Entrance to Indiana Dunes costs $25 (7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).).
When is Indiana Dunes busiest?
Indiana Dunes is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Indiana Dunes during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Indiana Dunes. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.