Indiana Dunes National Park
Sand dunes, Lake Michigan beaches and marsh trails in one national park in northwest Indiana.
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Indiana Dunes National Park runs along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, on the eastern edge of the Chicago area. Sand dunes rise directly behind the beaches, and the park also protects wetlands, prairie remnants and forest. You can walk from open beach to dune to woodland in a short stretch, and the plants and ground change at each step.
The park suits day trips, weekend visits and slower trips built around hiking, birdwatching or swimming. Plan one full day to cover a beach and a couple of trails, or two days to see more of the park's different areas. Spring and fall are good for walking. Summer is the main season for swimming in Lake Michigan. Families and visitors with limited mobility should check which trails and paths suit them before they set out.
Indiana Dunes National Park in five
- Take the South Shore Line from ChicagoThe South Shore Line runs from Chicago's Millennium Station to Dune Park and Ogden Dunes, the stations nearest the park's beaches. Check its timetable before you go.Getting around
- Swim only where lifeguards are on dutyLake Michigan can have strong currents and cold water even in summer. Use the swimming beaches with lifeguards and avoid the unguarded shore.
- Fly into Midway for the shorter driveMidway (MDW) is closer to the Indiana shore than O'Hare (ORD), which handles most long-haul flights. Gary/Chicago (GYY) is closer still but has few flights.
- Download offline maps before the trailsSave the park area and your route from Chicago in your map app before you leave the parking lot.Phones and eSIM
- Book a bed in Michigan City or PorterMichigan City and Porter sit close to the park and have lodging. Chicago hotels are an option if you travel by train.Where to stay
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for visa-waiver passports; other visitors need a US visa Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- 15 to 20% at restaurants; tip drivers and bartenders
- Time
- UTC-6 (Central Time), UTC-5 in daylight saving time
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryIce, quiet
- MarchCold, windy
- AprilSpring migration
- MayBirds, mild
- JuneBeach season
- JulyPeak crowds
- AugustHot, busy
- SeptemberCalm water
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberGrey, quiet
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Indiana Dunes National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
16
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 22 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 6%
Indiana Dunes National Park
03:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today14°12°6%Monday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Tue20°14°35%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Wed21°13°72%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 72%.
- Thu13°11°18%Thursday: Drizzle. High 13°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Fri11°8°28%Friday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 28%.
- Sat10°6°14%Saturday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Sun8°5°19%Sunday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 19%.
Updated 02:56 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
What's on in Indiana Dunes National Park
Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city
Events calendarEvery year
- Jun–SepRavinia FestivalChicago, a day trip
- AugLollapaloozaChicago, a day trip
- Aug–SepChicago Jazz FestivalChicago, a day trip
- SepRiot FestChicago, a day trip
Before you go to Indiana Dunes National Park
Plan around Indiana Dunes National Park
The state, its towns and the Chicago border
Read the guideAll of USAEntry rules, money and getting around the country
Read the guideGetting around IndianaSouth Shore Line, rental cars and airports
Read the guideWhere to stayBeds in Michigan City, Porter and Chicago
Read the guidePhones and eSIMSignal on the dunes and eSIM options
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for hiking injuries and remote trails
Read the guideIndiana Dunes National Park FAQ
How do I get to Indiana Dunes from Chicago?
Take the South Shore Line from Chicago's Millennium Station to Dune Park or Ogden Dunes. A car gives more options, since the park stretches along about 15 miles of shore.
Can you swim in Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes?
Yes, at the swimming beaches. Swim where lifeguards are on duty, because currents off the shore can be strong.
How many days do I need at Indiana Dunes?
One full day covers the main beaches and a dune hike. Two days leaves time for Cowles Bog and the Dunes Learning Center.
When is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes?
May, June, September and October are the strongest months, with mild weather.
Do I need a car at Indiana Dunes?
Not for the beaches near Dune Park and Ogden Dunes. A car is needed to reach the more distant trailheads spread along the shore.