Indiana Dunes · October
Indiana Dunes in October
October is a good time to visit Indiana Dunes — quieter than September, busier than November.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 40% 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 October visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
October weather
- Avg high
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 3.3"
- Sunrise
- 6:00 AM
- Sunset
- 5:06 PM
- Daylight
- 11.1h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CRETE 2.6 E, IL US
What's open
Indiana Dunes in October: 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
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in October
FAQ
Indiana Dunes in October
How busy is Indiana Dunes in October?
October rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Indiana Dunes National Park — about 40% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 192,033.
What is the weather like at Indiana Dunes in October?
In October, Indiana Dunes averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 3.3 inches of precipitation.