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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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 26 | Rain showers | 83°F | 62°F | 9% |
| Thu 27 | Mostly clear | 75°F | 67°F | 1% |
| Fri 28 | Overcast | 79°F | 60°F | 0% |
| Sat 29 | Overcast | 77°F | 61°F | 6% |
| Sun 30 | Light drizzle | 83°F | 65°F | 11% |
| Mon 31 | Heavy drizzle | 84°F | 65°F | 15% |
| Tue 1 | Rain showers | 87°F | 70°F | 19% |
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
- $20 — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- 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
Hobart Woodland Trail Temporary Closure
Hobart Woodland is closed until further notice while park crews work to clear several downed trees that are creating hazardous conditions for visitors.
- 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 →
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 $20 (Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.).
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.