Indiana Dunes National Park

About Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park protects 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and over 15,000 acres of dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. The park is one of the most biodiverse in the entire national park system, with over 1,100 native plant species and 350 bird species recorded. The dunes continue to evolve through the process of ecological succession, making the park a living laboratory for ecological study. It became the 61st national park in 2019.

Park Highlights

• Lake Michigan beaches
• Mount Baldy
• West Beach
• Dune Succession Trail
• Cowles Bog
• Pinhook Bog

Activities

Wildlife

Visitor Information

Visitor Tips

• Beaches are stunning but can be crowded in summer
• Swimming is cold - Lake Michigan stays cool
• 3 Dune Challenge climbs 552 vertical feet
• Easy train access from Chicago

Location

Official Resources