Michigan Lake beach with green grassy dunes in the background, under a blue sky.
Central Avenue Beach at low water levels, spring 2006. NPS Photo

Indiana Dunes National Park

National Park · Indiana · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
2193951882
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Architecture and Building · Archeology · Arts · Painting · Photography · Poetry and Literature · Animals · Birds · Dunes · Fire · Lakes · Trails

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · 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

Photos

  • Sunset on Lake Michigan
    Rafi Wilkinson
  • Sunset on Lake Michigan
    Michael Gard
  • Prairie in Bloom
    Jeff Manuszak
  • Porter Beach Access Point
    Jeff Manuszak
  • Central Beach
    NPS Collection
  • Sunset at Lake View
    Jeff Manuszak
  • Peace on Lake Michigan
    Jeff Manuszak

Nearby parks

Parks of Indiana

Redbird Off-Road State Recreation AreaMounds State ParkFerdinand State ForestSelmier State ForestLincoln State ParkIndiana Dunes State ParkRavinia State ForestHardy LakeOuabache State ParkBrookville LakeMorgan-Monroe State ForestCagles Mill LakeYellowwood State ForestHarrison-Crawford State ForestPike State ForestCharlestown State ParkSpring Mill State ParkShades State ParkPatoka LakeProphetstown State ParkLincoln Boyhood National MemorialMcCormick's Creek State ParkVersailles State ParkSummit Lake State ParkFort Harrison State ParkJackson-Washington State ForestSalamonie LakeTurkey Run State ParkOwen-Putnam State ForestFalls Of The Ohio State ParkMonroe LakeTippecanoe River State ParkGeorge Rogers Clark National Historical ParkClark State ForestHarmonie State ParkMountain Tea State ForestMartin State ForestCecil M. Harden LakeShakamak State ParkWhitewater Memorial State ParkSalamonie River State ForestGreene-Sullivan State ForestPokagon State ParkChain O' Lakes State ParkInterlake Off-Road State Recreation AreaFrances Slocum State ForestO'Bannon Woods State ParkMississinewa LakePotato Creek State ParkClifty Falls State ParkBrown County State Park

52 parks mapped in Indiana

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12