Indiana Dunes National Park


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 15,000 acres.

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.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Playground
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Architecture and Building
  • Archeology
  • Arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Poetry and Literature
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Dunes
  • Fire
  • Lakes
  • Trails

Central Avenue Beach Indiana Dunes National Park

Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.

Central Avenue Beach at low water levels, spring 2006.

Sunset at Indiana Dunes National Park

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Sunset at Indiana Dunes National Park

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Mnoké Prairie in Bloom

Prairie in Bloom

Mnoké Prairie

Porter Beach Access Point

Porter Beach Access Point

Porter Beach Access Point

Central Beach

Central Beach

Central Beach

Sunset at Lake View

Sunset at Lake View

Sunset at Lake View

Peace on Lake Michigan

Peace on Lake Michigan

Peace on Lake Michigan