Indiana Dunes · December
Indiana Dunes in December
December is one of the best times to visit Indiana Dunes — about as busy as November, busier than January.
Expect light crowds (3/10), about 9.2 hours of daylight, and 7 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 22% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 4% of Indiana Dunes’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 2.2"
- Sunrise
- 7:08 AM
- Sunset
- 4:18 PM
- Daylight
- 9.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CRETE 2.6 E, IL US
What's open
Indiana Dunes in December: access
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- 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 → - 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
Conditions
Current alerts
- 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 →
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Indiana Dunes crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in December
FAQ
Indiana Dunes in December
How busy is Indiana Dunes in December?
December rates 3/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Indiana Dunes National Park — about 22% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 103,380.
What is the weather like at Indiana Dunes in December?
In December, Indiana Dunes averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 2.2 inches of precipitation.
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 least crowded?
Indiana Dunes is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Indiana Dunes get in December?
In mid-December, Indiana Dunes gets about 9.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:08 AM and sunset around 4:18 PM.