"Waves, Beach, Foredune" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
![]() | Indiana DunesThe Singing Sands Guide 2023/2024 |
Official Visitor Guide of Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Indiana Dunes National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
The
SINGING SANDS
2023-24 Park Guide
THAD DONOVAN
QUICK LINKS
• MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT... 3.
• THINGS TO DO & BEACHES... 5-9.
• EVENTS & RANGER PROGRAMS... 10-11.
• BEACH PARKING & PARK MAP... 12-13.
• HIKING & TRAIL MAPS... 14-20.
• CAMPGROUND & STATE PARK MAP... 21.
• ACCESSIBILITY & VOLUNTEER... 22-23.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Two Great Parks... One Great Place, (Page 2).
Superintendent’s Welcome
Indiana Dunes National Park
emerges from winter with
Lake Michigan water levels
continuing to drop. Momentum
builds on several projects; all
designed to update and improve
your visitor experience. Within the
park boundary is the expansion of
the South Shore Line via a second set
of tracks “Double Track Project” that
will provide additional and faster
commuter rail service to Chicago.
Those service improvements will
provide quicker transit options to the
Indiana Dunes from both Chicago
and South Bend. Our trail system
is growing to coincide with these
rail improvements contributing to
reduced congestion. Our goal is to
provide alternative ways to get to
South Shore Line Train
The House of Tomorrow
Indiana Dunes State Park
NATIONAL PARK
INFORMATION
the beaches beyond driving a car
and that journey by foot or bicycle
is part of a visitor’s experience,
“getting there is half the fun.”
Several of Indiana Dunes historic
buildings beneft from funding
made available by the Great
America’s Outdoor Act. The Bailly
Homestead and The House of
Tomorrow are being stabilized
with utility modernization
that will allow them to be redeveloped and re-imagined. The
Goodfellow Lodge on the campus
of the Dunes Learning Center
also benefts from these funds and
will provide additional space for
expanded environmental education
opportunities.
Bailly Homestead
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
PARK WEBSITE
Scan QR code
or visit:
NPS.gov/INDU
Park Hours:
Open 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Central Time (CT) unless
otherwise posted.
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Indiana Dunes National Park
Superintendent, Paul Labovitz
Phone: (219) 395-1882
Hours of operation
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Fall and Winter hours
Open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Address: 1215 IN-49
Porter, IN 46304
Our partners at Indiana Landmarks
are a critical piece of these complex
projects.
Paul H. Douglas Center for
Environmental Education
The entry fee program is generating
revenues, and accelerating much
needed tune-ups of many park
facilities. Planning is underway
to renovate and reimagine the
Lakeview Plaza as well as the
Douglas Center. Park signs are
being updated and are replaced
continuously. Lake levels are going
down giving us time to strategize for
the next lake level rise and the need
for beach nourishment at both the
Portage Lakefront and
Mount Baldy.
MAILING ADDRESS:
Continued on Page 4
Phone: (219) 395-1824
Hours of operation
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fall and Winter hours
Open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Address: 100 North Lake Street
Gary, IN 46403
Indiana Dunes National Park
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
Call 1-800-PARKTIP (727-5847)
to report emergencies and
suspicious or criminal activity.
Your adventure guide to the National Park
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Paul H. Douglas Center for
Environmental Education
Scan for Visitor
Center’s website
Getting here:
AND
and the State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park’s
Nature Center
Scan for Douglas
Center’s website
Getting here:
1215 IN-49
Porter, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 395-1882
Find all of your orientation needs here. Talk to
a ranger and learn about the park’s locations,
activities, programs, and nearby attractions.
View an informative flm about the park and
the region. Spend some time in the activity
room and check out the bookstore.
Scan for State
Park’s website
Getting here:
100 North Lake Street
Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 395-1824
1600 N. 25 E.
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 926-1390
A nature center for all. Interactive nature
programs, activities, animals, and exhibits can
be found here. Hike through the beautiful
Miller Woods to the beach. Children can also
explore the outdoor Nature Play Zone. Come
on in and stop by!
A variety of hands-on exhibits serve as a
fantastic introduction to the wonders of
the Indiana Dunes and its habitats. Here
interpretive naturalists ofer experiences via
hikes, live animals, indoor programs, and
special events to a range of audiences.
National or State, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
DIFFERENCES
2
NATIONAL PARK
STATE PARK
LOCATIONS
Over 25 distinct locations to choose from, stretched
across 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake
Michigan, measuring over 15,000 acres between
Gary and Michigan City, IN.
One contiguous landscape, the State Park is
composed of a large recreation area and 1,588
acres of state designated nature preserves and
national natural landmarks.
FEES
All are seven day entry permits: $15 walk-in /
bike-in / boat-in (up to $25 family max.). $25
vehicle pass. $20 motorcycle pass. Up to $100 for
commercial bus. See page 3 for annual passes.
Daily entrance fee: $7 Indiana resident vehicle or
$12 nonresident vehicle. See page 4 for all passes.
CAMPING
Dunewood Campground: $25 per night. Beach
Backcountry Campsites: $25 per night. Dunbar
Group Campsite: $100.00 per night. See page 5.
Sites include 50 amp electrical service and access
to shower houses. $24.61 Sun-Wed.
$32.10 Thur-Sat. For reservations, visit camp.IN.gov
CONCESSIONS
Visitor Center Bookstore, West Beach Snack Bar
& Gift Shop (seasonal), Portage Lakefront and
Riverwalk Pavilion Snack Bar (seasonal).
Food service and gift shop available at beach
pavilion. Gift shop available at nature center.
Supplies, food, and gifts available at camp store.
BATHHOUSE
AND
PAVILION
West Beach Bathhouse: Seasonal restrooms,
potable water, indoor showers, and lockers.
Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion: 3,500
square foot, includes restrooms, a seasonal snack
bar and a classroom/meeting space.
Exterior showers and changing rooms, restrooms,
changing stations, and sinks available at beach
comfort station. Restrooms, food service, and gifts
available in pavilion.
BEACH PARKING
Over 1,139 spaces spread over 8 beach access sites.
For more information, turn to page 12, or this
summer, visit CongestionMonitor.com/INDU for
real-time parking availability.
Two Beach parking lots with approximately 2,000
spaces. Separate picnic area parking available
throughout park. Parking available at Nature
Center, North Orchard, and Wilson Shelter lots.
TRAILS
14 distinctly named trail systems with greater than
50 miles of diverse habitats. Maps on pages 16-21.
Network of nine numbered trails throughout the
state park with 16.35 miles. See page 21.
PICNIC AREAS
14 differently located picnic areas total,
7 are sheltered, and 2 are sheltered & reservable.
For more information, or to reserve a picnic table,
turn to page 7.
Beach picnic tables available during season at
west lot. 15 acre picnic area with playground by
Auxiliary lot. 6 reservable shelters, plus additional
picnic tables and grilling areas spread throughout
the park, 7 sheltered.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Multitude of public programs and special events.
See page 10.
Also hosts variety of programs and special events.
Visit calendar.dnr.IN.gov. or call at 219-926-1390.
CULTURAL SITES
Diana of the Dunes (West Beach), Century of
Progress Homes, Bailly Homestead and Chellberg
Farm, Sacred Sands Audio Tour (Portage Lakefront
and Riverwalk). Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
& Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental
Education (See top of page)
Nature Center, CCC Memorial Presentation
Area, JD Marshall Underwater Nature Preserve,
Wilson Shelter CCC Project Site, La Petite Fort
Revolutionary War Historic Battle Marker, Historic
Stone Gatehouses, Historic Beach Pavilion.
No matter which park, we want you to be safe and enjoy your stay!
Making the Most of Your Visit
Entrance Fees
WHERE DO I PURCHASE A PARK ENTRY PERMIT?
Entry permits can be purchased at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, West Beach fee kiosk (seasonally), Paul H. Douglas Center,
and Recreation.gov (or scan the QR Code on the right). State park entry permits can be purchased on location only.
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES
STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEES
(Beginning March 31, 2022)
7-DAY ENTRY PERMIT
1-DAY ONLY ENTRY PERMIT (Non-Commercial)
Walk-in / Bike-in / Boat-in (up to $25 family max.)
$15
Walk-in / Bike-in
$2
Vehicle Pass (Carload/Family)
$25
In-State Vehicle Fee
$7
Motorcycle
$20
Out-of-State Vehicle Fee
$12
Commercial Vehicle
Up to $100
Bus
$2 per person
Passes
WHICH PASS IS BEST FOR YOU?
The America the Beautiful Pass can be obtained at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, West Beach Kiosk (seasonally), by scanning
the QR Code on the right, or visiting nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm. Indiana Dunes State Park Passes are available at the State
Park Ofce or Gate.
America the Beautiful - The National Parks and
Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series
Indiana State Park Pass
Passes below apply to all federal lands
Passes cover Indiana State Park entrance fees
Annual Pass
$80
Expires 1 year from month of purchase
Annual Senior Pass
$20
62 years old, Expires 1 year from purchase
Lifetime Senior Pass
$80
62 years or older
Military Pass
Free
Current military or a dependent
Military Lifetime Pass
Free
Retired military, veteran or Gold Star Family
4th Grade Pass
Free
Fourth graders and family
Access Pass
Free
Permanent disability
Volunteer Pass
Free
250 hours of volunteer work
Indiana State
Park Annual Pass:
resident
$50
Calendar year pass
Indiana State Park
Annual Pass:
non-resident
$70
Calendar year pass
Golden Hoosier
Passport (GHP)
$25
(65 years old) Calendar - year pass
GHP Social Security
Disability Income
$25
Indiana residents receiving or eligible to
receive SSDI - year pass
GHP Disabled
Hoosier Veterans
$25
Indiana Veterans who possess or are
eligible to purchase a DHV license plate.
year pass
Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass $45
Expires 1 year from month of purchase and applies to Indiana Dunes National Park only,
not the State Park. The Annual Pass can be purchased at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center,
Recreation.gov and other locations. There is no fee required to enter the visitor center or the
Douglas Center.
The pass admits the pass owner(s) and accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial
vehicle. Pass owner must be present for entry. Representations of the pass are prohibited.
2023 annual pass. Photo by 2014 Artistin-Residence, Michael Gard
Purchasing this pass does not expedite entry into the park and does not guarantee you a
parking spot. Plan to arrive early with the possibility of long lines to enter the park.
Please display pass on dashboard when parking.
Scan to visit
Recreation.gov
and purchase
annual pass on
your mobile
device.
SEPARATE PASSES ARE NEEDED FOR EACH PARK
Getting Here by Public Transportation
BY TRAIN
Northern Indiana Commuter Train District:
The South Shore train has 3 stops, plus one fag stop, near park
access sites, and runs between Chicago and South Bend.
The stops near the park are:
• Miller - Paul H. Douglas Center and trails (20 minute walk)
• Ogden Dunes - Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk (24 minute walk)
• Dune Park - Indiana Dunes State Park (33 minute walk)
• Beverly Shores (Flag stop)
- Dunewood Campground (4 minute walk)
- Great Marsh (3 minute walk)
- Lakeview Beach (22 minute walk)
For a schedule, visit mysouthshoreline.com.
BY BUS
Gary Public Transportation Corporation has bus routes
in the west end of the park: Bus route 13 (Oak & County
Line Road) passes directly in front of the Paul H. Douglas Center for
Environmental Education and close to the entrance of West Beach.
The Douglas Center and West Beach are located in the park’s west end.
Visit gptcbus.com for current schedules and fares.
Paul H. Douglas Center:
East bound riders can get of the bus at the corner of 4th & Lake Street
and walk about 2 blocks north on Lake Street to the center. West
bound riders should ask the driver to stop in front of the center located
on Lake Street between Birch and 3rd Street. If the driver is unable to
stop in front of the center, then get of at the corner of 3rd and Lake
Street and walk about 1 block north.
2023-24 Park Guide
3
Superintendent’s Welcome Continued from Page 1
Traditions of partnership and collaboration
increase. Post-pandemic programming and
events are returning, and the Friends of Indiana
Dunes continue to excel at helping make much
of that happen. The Dunes Learning Center
is gearing up for their 25th Anniversary and
has directly served going on 200,000 of the
region’s students. Save the Dunes enters their
71-st year and have increased their capacity for
community engagement and advocacy. The
Shirley Heinze Land Trust continues expanding
their land protection in and around the Indiana
Dunes and their work along the East Branch
of the Little Calumet River is helping to ofer
new recreation and conservation opportunities.
Indiana Audubon’s Indiana Dunes Birding
Festival continues to grow in popularity. Our
Indiana Dunes State Park partners and friends
are enjoying the success of the opening of the
Pavilion Restaurant.
Indiana Dunes National Park is expanding
our commercial activities with food vendors
and service providers. As we understand the
demands of increasing numbers of visitors, we
strive to provide increased services to make
each visit something to enjoy and remember.
All of this is happening while we work to
protect this wonderful, rare, and close-tohome treasure. If this is your frst time visiting,
welcome. If you are repeat visitor, welcome
back. All of you might consider supporting the
many organizations we call our partners and
friends. Don’t be a stranger and don’t forget the
Indiana Dunes is a great place to visit all
year long.
by Indiana Dunes National Park
Superintendent, Paul Labovitz
Top Visitor Questions
What time does the park close?
Unless otherwise posted, all public use areas are
open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (CT).
National Park Summer Hours:
(Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Visitor Center open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Douglas Center open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
National Park Winter Hours:
(Labor Day through Memorial Day)
Visitor Center open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Douglas Center open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
State Park open 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Nature Center open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visit nps.gov/indu/learn/management/
lawsandpolicies.htm for more information on
hours throughout the park.
Where can I buy food?
The local towns outside the park have lots of
choices for restaurants and grocery stores.
Within the park, visitors can grab a bite to eat at
concession operations working at West Beach
and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk.
The Pavilion at Indiana Dunes State Park ofers
a number of options for diferent tastes.
Which trail is best to hike?
The national park has over 50 miles of trails
and the state park another 16+ miles. You can
fnd trail information and maps in this guide
on pages 16-23. You can also download the
free REI app called the Hiking Project at www.
hikingproject.com to learn about lots of trails
in both parks. This app allows visitors to add
content and photos about their favorite hikes.
Where may I climb a dune?
Long Lake Trail at West Beach has a dune
face on the marked trail, which visitors enjoy
climbing. In addition, it hosts the Diana Dare
Challenge and a set of stairs to traverse the
dune. Both dunes ofer great views.
The 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State
Park ofers guests the opportunity to reach the
summits of the three tallest dunes in the park.
Can I take public transportation to
the park?
Yes. The South Shore train has four stops
near park access sites and runs between
Chicago and South Bend. For a schedule,
visit mysouthshoreline.com. See page 3 for
transportation info.
Do you close the beach when high
waves are present or E. coli levels
are high?
No. The national park does not close its beach
due to water conditions. Risks are inherent in all
4
natural areas, and you must determine what is
safe for you. During summer months, lifeguards
are stationed at West Beach. Lifeguards are not
present at other national park beaches.
State park waters are only open when lifeguards
are on duty and conditions are appropriate
for swimming. Call the state park for water
conditions at 219-926-1390.
Call the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at
219-395-1882 for information regarding
E. coli levels.
Do you have a campground?
Yes. The national park has the Dunewood
Campground (67 sites), the Dunbar Beach
Group Site, and fve Central Beach Backcountry
sites. See page 5 for camping or call 219-3951882.
Indiana Dunes State Park also has a large
campground with electricity. They recommend
reservations most of the year. For more
information, see page 21 for state park info or
visit camp.in.gov
Are the parks accessible?
Yes. The national and state park have
a multitude of increasingly accessible
features. Turn to page 22 for the national
park or call (219) 926-1390 for the state.
Do you have a gift shop?
Yes. We invite you to visit the America’s
National Parks bookstore in the Indiana Dunes
Visitor Center (page 2). If you are unable to visit
the bookstore or want to buy something before
your national park search “Indiana Dunes” at
shop.AmericasNationalParks.org/store/
Do you have a
Junior Ranger Program?
Yes! There are several Junior Ranger books to
guide you on adventures through various park
locations. Once completed, each participant
will earn a badge, or sticker. Pick up Junior
Ranger materials at the Indiana Dunes Visitor
Center and the Douglas Center. For more
information, turn to page 7.
The State Park ofers the Explorer Pin program
for adventurers of all ages.
May I take my pet with me
for a hike?
Yes. Pets are permitted on most park trails
and beaches as long as they are leashed (6’ or
less). Pets are prohibited inside government
buildings, except for the West Beach bathhouse.
West Beach and State Park beach – From
Memorial Day through Labor Day, pets are
prohibited on the beach within the lifeguarded
areas. This area is the section of beach directly
WWW.NPS.GOV/INDU
north of the bathhouse stairs and is designated
along the beach with park signs. Pets are only
permitted to walk through the lifeguarded
area to reach the beaches on either side of the
closure area.
Pets are not allowed on the Glenwood Dunes
Trail, Pinhook Bog Trail and the designated
nature play areas. This avoids conficts with
equestrian riders, protects sensitive vegetation,
and compatible use with other visitors.
Where can I fnd the weather?
Weather conditions can mean a few diferent
things, which may also include wave conditions,
water temperatures, and beach monitoring
(E. coli testing). These factors and more can be
found on our weather page at nps.gov/indu/
planyourvisit/weather.htm
What are the fees?
Indiana Dunes is home to both a national park
and a state park. Both are incredible parks
that ofer countless recreation opportunities.
However, Indiana Dunes National Park is
owned by the federal government and Indiana
Dunes State Park is owned by the State of
Indiana. As such, each park has fees and passes
that are separate and unique. None of the
passes and fees work between the two parks.
For more information, turn back to page 3.
Can I get married in the park?
Yes. You will need a Special Park Use Permit
(SUP), which is for activities that take place
within a national park outside typical and
ordinary visitor use. These events may include
gatherings and activities such as weddings,
sporting events, and sales. You will need
written SUP authorization from the park before
the event or activity takes place. For more
information, visit NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/
permitsandreservations.htm
Can I run my business in the park?
Yes. You will need a commercial use
authorization (CUA), which is a business permit
with the National Park Service that authorizes
an individual, group, company, or other forproft entity to conduct commercial activities.
These activities provide specifc visitor services
within a national park area. The National Park
Service will only issue CUAs for commercial
activities and visitor services that are
determined to be an appropriate use of Indiana
Dunes National Park, will have minimal impact
on Indiana Dunes National Park’s resources
and values, and are consistent with Indiana
Dunes National Park’s purpose, management
plans, policies, and regulations.
For more information, visit NPS.gov/indu/
getinvolved/commercial_use_authorization.htm
Things to Do
Find Your Thing To Do
Beaches and Swimming
Oh, what a joy to fnd a six by six foot patch
of sand all to yourself! Within that square you
might fnd solitude, fun, adventure, nature, or
companionship. Whatever it is that you may
be seeking, your two sandy parks, Indiana
Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National
Park have a beach for you.
Beach-Going Tips List
If you are looking for a spot for your beach
umbrella, or if you need a place that provides
that little extra bit of safety with lifeguards,
bathrooms and showers, ample parking and
terrifc views, we have a perfect beach for that.
• Some beaches have picnic shelters.
• Bring lifejackets, sun block, lip balm,
umbrella, bug spray, and drinking water.
• Pack lunches in sand proof containers.
• Unless posted, alcohol is allowed at most
national park beaches.
• Alcohol is prohibited at the state park.
Beaches
• West Beach
• State Park
West Beach and Portage Lakefront have
seasonal food vendors on location.
• Portage Lakefront
and Riverwalk
• Dunbar Beach
• Porter Beach
• Central Ave. Beach
• Kemil Beach
• Mount Baldy Beach
Discover much more than just sand dunes as
you bike on an interconnected trail system
that spans 37 miles across the entire length of
the national park.
A wide variety of biking trails traverse the
various habitats and cultural history of
Indiana Dunes National Park. The varying
lengths make it easy to choose the trail that’s
right for you. From a short easy ride to a
challenging all-day trek, most of the trails are
open all year, and the experience will change
with each season.
Camping
Dunewood Campground
• Golf Wood Road & Dunewood Parkway,
Beverly Shores, IN 46301
• GPS Coordinates: 41.671786, -86.983985
(Decimal Degrees).
Campground consists of two loops containing
66 campsites (53 conventional drive-in sites
and 13 walk/carry-in sites). Four sites are
wheelchair accessible (numbers 15, 30, 41 and
55). Each loop has restrooms and hot/cold
showers. Some sites have limited recreational
vehicle length. No electric or sewer.
• $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded
amenity fee). 50% discount for Senior
Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access
Passholders.
DUNEWOOD MAP on Page 21.
Hiking
Discover much more than just sand dunes
as you hike through 14 distinct trail systems
covering more than 50 miles of trails.
A wide variety of hiking trails traverse the
various habitats and cultural history of Indiana
Dunes National Park. The varying lengths and
• Lake View Beach
For more information, scan
the QR code here, or visit our
Beach-Going & Swimming
page at NPS.gov/indu/
planyourvisit/swimming.htm
Popular Biking Trails:
• Calumet Bike Trail
Gravel, 19.0 miles round trip, fat.
WARNING - Rugged trail conditions
• Dunes Kankakee Bike Trail
Paved, 3.6 miles round trip, paved, fat.
• Porter Brickyard Bike Trail
Paved, 7.0 miles round trip, some hills.
• Prairie Duneland Bike Trail
Paved, 22.4 miles round trip, rail trail, fat.
• Marquette Bike Trail
Paved, 4.6 miles round trip, rail trail, fat.
• Oak Savannah Bike Trail
Paved, 17.8 miles round trip, rail trail, fat.
For more information, scan the
QR code seen here, or visit our
biking page at NPS.gov/indu/
planyourvisit/biking.htm
Central Beach Back Country Campsites
• Located of Central Avenue, Beverly Shores,
IN 46301.
• GPS Coordinates: 41.702065, -86.946963
(Decimal Degrees).
5 walk-in tent-only camp sites are located
roughly ½ mile hike form the Lake Michigan
shoreline. Each site is roughly a 0.6 mile hike
from the parking lot located on Central Ave.
These primitive sites are pack-in pack-out only,
including trash. There is no potable water at
camp sites. There is a communal fre ring with
frewood provided.
• $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded
amenity fee). 50% discount for Senior Annual,
Senior Lifetime, and Access Passholders.
Dunbar Group Campsite
• Beverly Shores, IN 46301
• GPS Coordinates: 41.682476, -87.001699
(Decimal Degrees).
The Dunbar Group Campsite is available for
groups up to 30 people. The site is located
about 600ft from Lake Michigan. Parking
and facilities are located at the Dunbar
parking lot, about 400ft from the site.
• $100.00 per night camping fee (expanded
amenity fee). There are no discounts on
the group site.
For more information on
camping and reservations, scan
the QR code seen here, or visit
Recreation.gov and search
Indiana Dunes.
difculty levels make it easy to choose the trail
that’s right for you. From a short easy stroll to
a challenging all-day trek, most of the trails are
open all year and the hiking experience will
change with each season.
BONUS TRAIL MAPS
ALL of our trail maps and hiking info can
be found on pages 16-20.
2023-24 Park Guide
PAUL KEMIEL
Biking
P.8 Arts in the Park
Fishing
Geocaching
Historic Sites
P.9 Horseback Riding
Winter Activities
Food & Services
Visit Pullman
• Do not bring glass containers.
There are plenty of places to park at Indiana
Dunes. Turn to page 12 for more detailed
information about parking.
If you are coming from Chicago or South
Bend, you can take the South Shore Line train
and leave your car at home.
P.5 Beaches
Biking
Camping
Hiking
P.6 Driving Tours
P.7 Jr. Ranger
Birding
Boat Tours
Paddling
Picnicking
For more information, scan the
QR code seen here, or visit our
Hiking page at NPS.gov/indu/
planyourvisit/hiking.htm
5
Driving Things to Do
Driving Tours
DRIVING TOUR: WEST SIDE
Approximately 1-2 Hours
15 Miles Total
West Side Driving Tour Points of Interest
1. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center - Start your trip here and get orientated
with the park. 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304, Phone: 219-395-1882.
2. Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm – Go for a short stroll and learn
about the park’s historic district and see the farm animals. 618 North
Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304.
3. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk- Enjoy a view of Lake Michigan
from the pavilion. Seasonal food services are available. Walk along the
breakwater for fshing and birdwatching. Check out the Sacred Sands
Audio Tour. 100 Riverwalk Road, Portage, IN 46368.
4. West Beach - Enjoy the bathhouse, lifeguarded beach, and earn a
sticker by hiking the new Diana Dunes Dare Trail. 376 North County
Line Road, Gary, IN 46403.
SKIP DIETZ
5. Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education- Check out
exhibits, classrooms or hike the 3.5-mile trail through Miller Woods to
the beach. 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403.
DRIVING TOUR: EAST SIDE
Approximately 1-2 Hours
14 Miles Total
East Side Driving Tour Points
1. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center - Start your
trip here and learn about the park.
1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304
Phone: 219-395-1882.
2. Dune Ridge Trail (If you have time!)
– Ofers great views of the extensive
wetlands and forests. 300E State Park Rd,
Beverly Shores, IN 46301.
3. Kemil, Dunbar, Lake View Beaches – Petfriendly beaches with access to hiking
trails and the Lake View Beach picnic
area with restrooms; also a great place to
launch your kayak. All in Beverly Shores,
IN 46304.
4. Century of Progress – Constructed for
the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair to display
the future of housing. Lake Front Drive.,
between Dunbar Ave. and Derby Ave.,
Beverly Shores, IN 46304.
5. Central Avenue – A beach where you can
enjoy a quiet walk and watch the bank
swallows come and go from their nests in
the dunes. Central Beach,
Beverly Shores, IN 46301.
6. Mount Baldy – Hike to the beach and
witness this area’s largest moving dune.
101 Rice St (US 12) Michigan City,
IN 46360.
6
WWW.NPS.GOV/INDU
More Things to Do
Become a Junior Ranger
Birding
Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan,
the national park is an important feeding and
resting area for migrating birds. Lake Michigan
infuences the migration patterns of
bird species.
During the fall migration, southbound birds
follow the north-south shoreline and are
funneled into the Indiana Dunes. The large
expanse of open water and miles of shoreline
also attract large numbers of wintering birds.
Boat Tours
Anchors Up!
Jump on board to join a park ranger for a
guided two-hour boat tour on Lake Michigan.
The tour ofers a unique perspective near
shoreline with an enlightening view of the
Indiana Dunes National and State Park, while
a park ranger expertly gives insight about
the park’s interesting and unique features,
including its historical signifcance, native
Paddling
In addition to the larger Junior Ranger Activity
Guide, Indiana Dunes has a Beachcomber
Activity Sheet for families enjoying the beach for
the day. You can pick up a Beachcomber activity
sheet the at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or
Paul H. Douglas Center.
You can also download printable versions of
these activities on our website.
Popular Birding Trails:
• Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods)
Featured hike: Moderate, 3.4 miles in length,
hike time of 2 hours.
• Cowles Bog Trail
Featured hike: Moderate to rugged, 4.7 miles
in length, hike time of 4 hours. Park at park
headquarters when Cowles Bog parking lot
is full.
• Great Marsh Trail
Featured hike: Easy, 1.3 miles in length, hike
time of 1 hour.
For more information, scan
the QR code seen here or visit
our birding page at
NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/
birdwatching.htm
ecosystems, biodiversity, and other geological
qualities such as dune succession, and how the
lake has and continues to have afected it over
the years.
The tour boats are operated by Harbor Country
Adventures and some tours feature a ranger.
Ranger led boat tours are scheduled from
Memorial Day to Labor Day.
There is a fee and reservations are required.
Visit the website for schedule and reservations.
Paddling is a very exciting, healthy, and even
challenging activity you or your family can
enjoy while visiting the park.
desires. Get ready for miles of beautiful water
routes, dune-covered shores, and enchanting
views of nearby communities. Relax in your
watercraft and begin on an excursion of scenic
lake views and bountiful forest life, or tread
hard to get some great water-themed cardio.
It has become increasingly popular as we
have a huge lake, plenty of other creeks, and
waterways to satisfy your inner paddling
With multiple access points throughout the
area, no matter where you are located, you’ll
fnd your paddling adventure nearby.
Picnicking
To download, scan the
QR code or visit NPS.gov/
indu/learn/kidsyouth/
beajuniorranger.htm
PAUL KEMIEL
The Junior Ranger Activity Guide will open
your eyes to the Indiana Dunes as they
have never been before. The guidebook can
be picked up at the Indiana Dunes Visitor
Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center
for Environmental Education. When you
complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide,
bring it back to either center to receive a
Junior Ranger badge.
For schedule and reservations,
scan the QR code seen here,
or visit...
harborcountryadventures.com
For more information, scan
the QR code, or visit our
fshing and boating page at
NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/
fshing-and-boating.htm
the desired use date. The reservation is good
for day use from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (CT).
Covered picnic shelters with tables are located
at the following locations along with modern
restrooms. Cooking fres are permitted in
the provided grills or an approved ca