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Indiana Dunes · March

Indiana Dunes in March

March is one of the best times to visit Indiana Dunes — busier than February, quieter than April.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

3/10
Quiet

Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.

About 26% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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

Visitation

Typical March visits vs. the year

March (typical)123,690
Peak — June477,666
Quietest — January73,488

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

March weather

Avg high
Avg low
Precipitation
2.5"
Sunrise
5:59 AM
Sunset
5:55 PM
Daylight
11.9h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CRETE 2.6 E, IL US

What's open

Indiana Dunes in March: 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

    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

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

Context

Indiana Dunes crowds across the year

JanFeb3MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in March

FAQ

Indiana Dunes in March

How busy is Indiana Dunes in March?

March rates 3/10 for crowds (Quiet) at Indiana Dunes National Park — about 26% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 123,690.

What is the weather like at Indiana Dunes in March?

In March, Indiana Dunes averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 2.5 inches of precipitation.