Indiana Dunes National Park
Hours
See this week's hours below.
- Entrance fee
- $25 · private vehicle
- Phone
- 2193951882
- Address
- 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304
About Indiana Dunes
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. Known for its striking plant and bird diversity, it's easy to find inspiration throughout the park’s 16,000 acres.
Hours
Indiana Dunes National Park general areas
The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.
| Monday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
West Beach
West Beach hours of operation
| Monday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
Entrance fees
| Motorcycle | $20 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | $25 | 7-Day Park Entrance Fee - Family-Size Vehicle Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase). |
| Per Person | $15 | 7-Day Per Person Entrance Fee (Organized, non-commercial groups) Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. |
| Commercial Sedan | $25 | Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate). |
| Commercial Van | $40 | Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people. |
| Commercial Mini-bus | $40 | Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people. |
| Commercial Motor Coach | $100 | Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons. |
An America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee at every site that charges one.
Getting there
Visitors can access the national park via Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90), U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Road 49, and various other local roads. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located on Indiana State Road 49, between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94 (1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304). For a driving map to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or other locations, check out our maps page.
Weather
On average, the warmest month is July and the highest recorded temperature was 105F in 1934. The coolest month is January, with the lowest recorded temperature of -25F in 1985. June sees the most precipitation with an average rainfall of 4.66 Inches.
Things to do
Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Biking, Birdwatching, Boating, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Canoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Cultural Demonstrations, Fishing, Food, Freshwater Swimming, Guided Tours, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Paddling, Park Film, Picnicking, Playground, RV Camping, Scenic Driving, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Shopping, Skiing, Snow Play, Snowshoeing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Stargazing, Swimming, Wildlife Watching.
Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Indiana Dunes ↗