Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior The SINGING SANDS NPS / Jeff Manuszak 2025-26 Park Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS • FEES AND PASSES, page 3. • THINGS TO DO & BEACHES, pages 5-9. • EVENTS & RANGER PROGRAMS, pages 10-11. • BEACH PARKING & PARK MAP, pages 12-13. • HIKING & TRAIL MAPS, pages 15-20. • CAMPGROUNDS, page 21. • ACCESSIBILITY & SUPPORT, pages 22-23. Indiana Dunes National Park Two Great Parks... One Great Place (Page 2) Superintendent’s Welcome Greetings fellow adventurers! Donald Estep Welcome to your National Park and the land of sand and steel! You’ve arrived at a special and unique place. A place where nature and industry coexist, where the 5th most biodiverse national park in America sits adjacent to steel mills and communities that won world wars and still support a nation. A place where you’ll find opportunities to enjoy a day in many different ways with your friends or family, or sit quietly alone, listening to waves softly lap (or thunder and crash, depending on the season) along the shoreline of one of largest freshwater lakes on the planet—Lake Michigan. It’s a place of protection, restoration, recreation, and reconnecting... with family, community, and nature. It’s a place where all are welcome, where you are welcome. Indiana Dunes State Park Thanks to the outstanding work of park teams, partners, and volunteers you may notice a variety of things that have happened recently or are occurring around the park this summer. Habitat restoration in the Great Marsh is ongoing and has already led to sandhill cranes nesting in the park again after a 70-year absence, bald eagles are more common, and river otters have come home. On the cultural resources front, funding from the Great America Outdoors Act is being used to restore the Good Fellow Lodge, Bailly Homestead and the 1933 World’s Fair, House of Tomorrow, to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation. A new bridge was recently installed at the park’s Douglas Center, merging beauty with functionality. Walking across this bridge is a portal to wonder, to nature-based exhibits, ranger-guided hikes, lectures, live animals, arts and crafts, and a restored and fourishing black oak savanna, a globally rare ecosystem. Lastly, work is completed, continuing, or starting on various sections of the Marquette Greenway Trail. Someday, we’ll all be able to ride our bikes or walk from hotels, communities, or homes around the region (and NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION 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 Jason Taylor beyond) to most destinations in the park, and perhaps even take the South Shore train in the opposite direction. Park staf have developed a helpful shortlist of ways we can all “Be National Park Smart”. We want this place, a National Park, to be special for a very long time and to be able to serve millions of visitors each year. This will take a commitment from everyone to recreate responsibly. We would greatly appreciate your pledge to review and follow the “park smart” tips found on page four. Have fun, stay safe, protect the park. See you on the beach! 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 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Address: 1215 IN-49 Porter, IN 46304 Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education Phone: (219) 395-1824 Hours of operation Open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Address: 100 North Lake Street Gary, IN 46403 MAILING ADDRESS: Indiana Dunes National Park 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304 Call 911 to report emergencies. For suspicious or criminal activity, or to report other concerns, call 1-800-727-5847 or (1-800-PARKTIP). 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 to discover features about the park. 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. 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 STATE PARK LOCATIONS The National Park has over 25 distinct locations to choose from, stretched across 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and over 15,000 acres between Gary and Michigan City, IN. One contiguous landscape, the State Park is composed of a large recreation area, 2,200 acres and 1,588 acres of state designated nature preserves and includes national natural landmarks. ENTRANCE FEES All are seven day entry passes: $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 3 for all passes. CAMPING Dunewood Campground: $25 per night. Central Beach Backcountry Campsites: $25 per night. Dunbar Group Campsite: $100.00 per night. (p.5) Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. $24.61 Sun-Wed and $32.10 Thur-Sat. CONCESSIONS 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, snack bar, 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. Seasonal 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. Parking available at West Beach, Portage Lakefront, Porter, Kemil, Dunbar, Lake View, Central, and Mount Baldy beaches. Two beach parking lots with approximately 2,000 spaces. TRAILS 14 trail systems with more than 50 miles of trails. Maps on pages 16-21. Network of nine numbered trails throughout the state park spanning 16.35 miles. PICNIC AREAS 14 different picnic areas throughout the park, 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 throughout the park, 7 sheltered. PUBLIC PROGRAMS Multitude of public programs and special events. See page 10. Hosts variety of programs and special events. Visit calendar.dnr.IN.gov. or call at 219-926-1390. Bathhouse (West Beach), Century of Progress Homes, Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm. 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. CULTURAL SITES 2 NATIONAL PARK No matter which park, we want you to be safe and enjoy your stay! Fees and Passes SEPARATE PASSES ARE NEEDED FOR EACH PARK Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass $45 HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL PARK. The Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass is your ticket to a year of outdoor wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a frst-time visitor, this pass opens the door to breathtaking landscapes, serene beaches, and unforgettable memories. great gift idea. The Annual Pass can be purchased at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Recreation.gov, or other locations throughout the area. The pass admits the pass owner and accompanying passengers traveling in the same vehicle. Pass owner must be present for entry. Benefts of the annual pass are unlimited access, convenience, cost savings and it supports the park! It also makes a Please display the pass on dashboard when parking with the expiration date clearly visible. 2025 annual pass. Photo by NPS / Jeff Manuszak. Scan to visit Recreation.gov and purchase annual pass on your mobile device. Entrance Fees WHERE DO I PURCHASE A PARK ENTRY PASS? Entry passes 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 passes can be purchased at location only. NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEES 7-DAY ENTRY PASSES 1-DAY ONLY ENTRY PASSES (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 Dunes National Park Annual Pass Passes cover Indiana State Park entrance fees $45 Expires 1 year from month of purchase Passes below apply to all federal lands 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 Indiana State Park 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 2025-26 Park Guide 3 Be National Park Smart You are one of more than 2.5 million people who visit each year. The park is fragile. We need every visitor to help protect it. As we hope you discover, Indiana Dunes National Park is a hidden gem. While there are certainly differences in geography and uses, it’s important to recognize that you are entering a National Park like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, or Yosemite. While it may be relatively small in size, actually the ffth smallest National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park boasts an outsized impact. Its coastal landscapes encompass beaches, dunes, forests, wetlands, prairies, and more, creating a harmonious blend of nature that provides a home for many plants and animals and invites exploration and discovery. This remarkable park was designated in part to protect its astounding biological diversity, and today has the distinction of being the ffth most biodiverse park in America. With the privilege of experiencing this natural wonder comes the responsibility to preserve and protect its fragile beauty for future generations. Your actions in this unique landscape matter immensely. How you navigate the park’s fragile tapestry directly impacts its future. Each step you take matters. Help us to protect and preserve this unique National Park. Here are some tips on how to “be park smart”, how to safely enjoy your National Park while recreating responsibly. HAVE FUN STAY SAFER For more information, or to view these tips on your mobile device scan the QR code seen here or visit NPS.gov/indu/learn/tips.htm 1. Practice Water Safety – Wear a Life Jacket Why: The park’s waters can be unpredictable, making attention to safety crucial. How: Wear life jackets, especially for children and non-swimmers. Always swim with a spotter. Follow lifeguard directions. Be aware of rip currents and shifting sandbars. Monitor the weather before your arrival and often throughout your visit. Stay out of the water when larger waves are present. 2. Stay off the Dunes Why: The dunes are fragile, held together by delicate root systems and only minimal soil development. Just one footprint can start erosion and degradation of dune systems. How: Do not climb up or on or dig in the dunes. Stay on the beach, specifcally the sandy area from the water to the base of the dune. 3. Stay on Designated Trails Why: Sensitive habitats damage easily, impacting viewsheds and homes to plants and wildlife. Restoring damage caused by people choosing to leave designated trails diverts resources from other essential park projects and programs. How: Do not create shortcuts. Use park maps, signs, and/or the offcial NPS app to navigate using designated and marked trails and avoid venturing into restricted areas. 4. Carry out What You Carry in Why: Trash on the ground diminishes natural beauty, harms wildlife, and diverts resources from essential park projects and programs for cleanup. How: Practice Leave No Trace Principles - Carry out all trash and anything else you bring with you to the park. 5. Keep Your Pets on a Leash and Pick up their Waste Why: Unleashed pets can be a threat to wildlife, damage sensitive habitats, or harass people who may be afraid of animals. No one wants to hike on a trail littered with dog poop. Plus, pet waste can introduce harmful bacteria into fresh water sources or pass diseases to wildlife. How: Even a well-behaved dog can get excited when visiting our national parks. Always keep your dog on a 6-foot leash or less. Do your part to keep yourself, your animal, and other hikers safe. Pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste in trash receptables or at home. Following these tips will help you make the most of your visit to Indiana Dunes National Park while safeguarding its unique beauty. Have fun, stay safe, protect the park! Lake Michigan is Beautiful but Dangerous Killer Beauty — Although beautiful, Lake Michigan stands out as the deadliest of the fve Great Lakes. Lake Michigan has had over 250 recorded cases of swimmers caught in rip currents since 2002. That is double when compared to the other four Great Lakes when combined. Lake Michigan also has the most drownings, with an annual death toll near the total sum of the other four Great Lakes. This lake is particularly dangerous due to its shape, which features 2 opposing unbroken shorelines that span 307 miles north and south. The unique shape creates the opportunity for deadly rip currents. What is a Rip Current? — A rip current is a water current that can occur near beaches with breaking waves. A rip is a strong, localized, and narrow current of water which moves away from the shore, cutting through the lines of breaking waves like a river running out to deeper waters. A rip current is strongest and fastest nearest the surface of the water and can quickly pull swimmers out from the shore. Drowning? Flip, Float, and Follow FLIP: Flip over onto your back and foat. FLOAT: Float to keep your head above water, stay calm, and conserve energy. FOLLOW: Follow the safest course to safety. Do not fght current. Follow the current to assess which way it’s fowing. Swim perpendicular to the fow. If too tired to swim, continue foating and try to signal for help. Protect The Park — Stay Off The Dunes With so many visitors, we all have to work together to protect the dune ecosystems. Our dunes are iconic, but fragile. Just one footprint can destroy critical vegetation and trigger degradation of dune systems. Off-trail activity destroys threatened and endangered species and their habitats that the park is legally obligated to protect. IMPORTANT! Activities that destroy, deface, or disturb the natural state of the dunes are prohibited under 36 CFR 2.1. Individuals may face fnes up to $5,000 and/or up to six months in jail. 4 WWW.NPS.GOV/INDU 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 a 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 you. • 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 Biking Discover much more than 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. Campground Map on Page 21. Hiking Discover much more than sand dunes as you hike 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. P.8 Arts in the Park Fishing Geocaching Historic Sites P.9 Horseback Riding Winter Activities Food & Services Visit Pullman National Historical Park • 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 Winter Activities Paddling Picnicking • Lake View Beach Beach Hazards - Is it safe to swim? Not always, so know before you go! Rip currents, shelf ice, E. coli, and unhealthful air quality are potential dangers all beach visitors need to be aware of before jumping into Lake Michigan. To learn more about these potential dangers, scan the QR code seen here or visit our beach safety page at NPS.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/beach-safety. htm Caution SCAN FOR BEACH SAFETY 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 Avenue Walk-in 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 from 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. A fre ring is provided at each site. The Dunbar Group Campsite is available for groups up to 30 people. The site is located about 600 feet from Lake Michigan. Parking and facilities are located at the Dunbar parking lot, about 400 feet from the site. • $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). 50% discount for Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access Passholders. • $100.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). There are no discounts on the group site. Dunbar Group Campsite • Beverly Shores, IN 46301 • GPS Coordinates: 41.682476, -87.001699 (Decimal Degrees). STAY ON THE TRAILS. For more information on camping and reservations, scan the QR code seen here, or visit Recreation.gov and search Indiana Dunes. STAY OFF THE DUNES. TRAIL MAPS ALL of our trail maps and hiking info can be found on pages 16-20. 2025-26 Park Guide 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 one of the park’s historic sites and see the farm animals. 618 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304. 3. Portage Lakefront - 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 hike the Dune Succession Trail. 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403. 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 (page 19). 3. Kemil, Dunbar, Lake View Beaches – Provides the quickest access to the shoreline from the parking lots. Recommended for breathtaking sunset views that set the Chicago skyline aglow. All in Beverly Shores, IN 46304. 4. Century of Progress Historic District – 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. 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 The Junior Ranger Activity Guide will help you explore the Indiana Dunes like never 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. 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 fall migration, southbound birds follow the north-south shorelines of the lake and are funneled into the Indiana Dunes. The large expanse of open water and miles of shoreline also attract large numbers of wintering birds. 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 beach activity sheet at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or Paul H. Douglas Center. Upon completion you will receive a Junior Ranger sticker. You can also download printable versions of these activities on our website. To download, scan the QR code or visit NPS.gov/indu/ learn/kidsyouth/juniorranger.htm 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 Winter Activities Hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular in wintertime. If you need snowshoes, free rentals are available at the Paul H. Douglas Center for use on the trail, weather permitting. Visitors may bring their own snowshoes and cross-country skis at other places in the park. A 3-to-4 inch snow base is recommended. Trails are not groomed. Call 219-395-1882 for trail conditions. Paddling Paddling can be an exciting, healthy, and challenging activity for you and your family to enjoy while visiting the park. It has become increasingly popular as we have a huge lake, plenty of other creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner paddling desires. Picnicking Covered picnic shelters with tables are located at locations around the park along with modern restrooms. Cooking fres are allowed only in provided grills or approved carry-in grills at designated locations. An approved grill is a noncombustible container with an enclosed bottom and enclosed sides with a minimum depth of two inches. Charcoal must be cooled and safely disposed of in a noncombustible container or removed from the area. Hikers and visitors using snowshoes are asked to walk to the right of the cross-country ski tracks whenever possible. Sledding is permitted at two locations in the parks: just southwest of the West Beach picnic shelters on the east slope of the West Beach Trails and at the Devil’s Slide in the State Park, just east of the main parking lot. Dial 219-3951882 with any questions. Snowmobiling is not permitted anywhere in either park. Get ready for miles of water routes, dunecovered shores, and natural meandering bends of the waterways. With multiple access points along the lake and eight nearby launch sites that meet accessibility standards, paddling adventures are easily within reach. Just be sure to have the right type of kayak and safety gear for navigating the dynamic waters of Lake Michigan! For more information, scan the QR code seen here, or visit our winter activities page at NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/ winteractivities.htm For more information, scan the QR code, or visit our fshing and boating page at NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/ fshing-and-boating.htm reservable starting six months in advance of the desired use date. The reservation is good for day use, normally from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (CT). • West Beach: There are eight covered picnic shelters near the parking lot, two of which are wheelchair accessible. Shelters can be reserved up to six months in advance of the desired use date. Reservations are valid for day use, typically from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (CT). The following picnic shelters can be reserved in advance at www.recreation.gov: Shelter reservation does not waive the national park entrance fee or guarantee parking for your group. Plan to arrive early (especially weekends and holidays). • Bailly Chellberg: There are three covered picnic shelters near the parking lot with one that is wheelchair accessible. The shelters are The picnic shelters at Glenwood Dunes, Lake View, Mount Baldy, and Tremont are available on a frst come, frst served basis. 2025-26 Park Guide For reservations or more information, scan the QR code or visit our picnicking page at NPS.gov/INDU Picnic tables are also provided at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education’s picnic area and Nature Play Zone, Central Avenue Beach parking lot, Dunbar Beach parking lot, Porter Beach south parking lot, Pinhook Bog parking lot, and at the Tolleston Dunes Overlook. Cooking fres are not permitted at these locations. 7 Even More Things to Do Arts in the Park Artists Artists of all forms have been a part of the national parks since the 1800s. The famed Hudson River painters played a vital role in capturing the grand landscapes of the West. It was through their art that the public came to see these special places in America. Their surveys of the majestic landscapes motivated visitors to witness the beauty for themselves. The legacy of art continues with the Artist-inResidence program at Indiana Dunes National Park. The artwork created by the artist serve Fishing Fishing is allowed under federal, state, and local laws. You need an Indiana fshing license and a stamp if fshing for trout and salmon. Casting out your line for Chinook, Coho salmon, lake trout and Skamania steelhead is a great way to spend a day. Fishing the Little Calumet River during the steelhead run is a worthy challenge and the Geocaching Join the Fun! Geocaching is the outdoor adventure where players (called geocachers) use a Geocaching app or GPS to fnd hidden containers around the world. Indiana Dunes National Park ofers an exciting geocaching experience, blending adventure with the park’s stunning natural landscapes. as great ambassadors for the inspiration, preservation, and stewardship of the dunes. Artists who participate in this program receive residence for two weeks in exchange for a piece of art. The artists spend the days seeking their muse of choice as they explore the dunes. If you would like to be considered to carry on the heritage of arts in the park, visit the web page or scan the QR code on the right. For more information, scan the QR code seen here, or visit our Artist-in-Residence page at NPS.gov/indu/getinvolved/ supportyourpark/air.htm Portage Lakefront fshing pier ofers lakeside fshing. Spring time is wonderful for fshing salmon, trout, bass, bluegill and pumpkinseed. The summer