Indiana Dunes National Park

National Park · Indiana

Closure Caution Information See 9 current alerts

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

Current alerts (9)

  • Closure

    Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail

    Portions of Bailly / Chellberg Trail (with stairs) will be closed through October (10/30/26), to allow completion of boardwalk replacement project.

  • Closure

    Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace

    Partially open. Persistent flooding west of the campground currently limits access to the entire trail. Hikers may not always be able to traverse the full length.

  • Closure

    Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail

    Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.

  • Closure

    Partial Closure - Upland Trail

    The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.

  • Closure

    Closure - Heron Rookery Trail

    Closed. The trail is undergoing tree removal and rerouting due to riverbank collapse. It is expected to reopen in the fall, after mosquito activity decreases.

  • Closure

    Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail

    Marquette Greenway construction will require closing sections of the Glenwood Dunes Trail (April–December 2026) and Little Calumet River / Mnoké Prairie Trail (May–December 2026). Closure dates may shift as work progresses. Please follow all posted closures and check the park website or NPS App for updates.

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  • Caution

    Water Safety Alert

    After recent storms, E. coli levels are likely to reach above safe swimming standards. Entering the water after heavy rainfall is never recommended. Know before you go and always check our Beach Safety page before heading to park beaches.

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  • Caution

    Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

    Closed portion of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail along Burns Waterway due to unsafe conditions from erosional damage. This trail portion will remain closed while funding is sought for repair work. Pier access remains open on either side of closure.

  • Information

    Other Park Conditions and Updates

    For more information on storm related repairs and other park conditions like beach and hiking safety visit our park status page.

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Hours

Indiana Dunes National Park general areas

Every day6:00AM - 11:00PM

The general areas of the park are open year-round. Please check individual areas for specific hours of operation.

West Beach
Every day6:00AM - 9:00PM

West Beach hours of operation

Visitor centers

Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center (Dorothy Buell Visitor Center)

Every day8:00AM - 6:00PM

Coming up:

  • Sep 6 – May 31: Winter Hours
  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (closed)

The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Visitor center page on nps.gov

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education

Monday – TuesdayClosed
Wednesday – Sunday9:00AM - 4:00PM

Coming up:

  • Nov 11: Veterans Day (closed)
  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (closed)

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time with the exception of Mondays, Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Veterans Day, and New Year's Day.

Visitor center page on nps.gov

Events in the next few days

About this 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 16,000 acres.