Where is Indiana Dunes National Park,Porter, Indiana?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Indiana Dunes National Park is located in Indiana, USA. It lies between Lake Michigan and the town of Porter, situated in the northwestern part of Indiana, and is famous for its sandy beaches, dunes, and diverse natural habitats.

Indiana Dunes National Park Location Map,Porter, Indiana

Where is Indiana Dunes National Park Located inPorter, Indiana
About Map: The map showing location of Indiana Dunes National Park in thePorter, Indiana in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Indiana Dunes National Park

  • Mount Baldy – A massive sand dune offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding park.
  • West Beach – Popular lakeside area for swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing.
  • Dunes Nature Preserve – Protected areas with diverse plant and wildlife habitats and scenic trails.
  • Chevrolet Beach – Accessible beach with gentle shoreline and recreational opportunities.
  • Prairie and Woodland Trails – Hiking paths through prairies, wetlands, and forests, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
  • Indiana Dunes Visitor Center – Informative exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.
  • Great Marsh Boardwalk – Elevated walkway providing close-up views of wetlands and wildlife.

Indiana Dunes National Park Facts

Official NameIndiana Dunes National Park
LocationPorter, Indiana, USA
Latitude & Longitude41.6539° N, 87.0526° W (approx.)
Total Area~15,080 acres (61 km²)
EstablishedDecember 5, 2019 (as National Park; previously Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 1966)
FounderUnited States Congress
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionNorthwest Indiana / Lake Michigan Shoreline
Address1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, USA
Zip Code46304
Area Code219
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptDunes, Wetlands, Forests, Lake Michigan Shoreline, Hiking, Birdwatching, Outdoor Recreation
Sections (Areas)West Beach - East Beach - Cowles Bog - Kemil Beach - Trail Creek Beach - Bailly Homestead Area
Famous AttractionsWest Beach - East Beach - Mount Baldy Dune - Cowles Bog Nature Preserve - Bailly Homestead - Birdwatching Spots
Annual VisitorsApprox. 3 million
Entry Fee TypePaid Vehicle Entry / Free for pedestrians & cyclists
Ticket Price RangeVehicle Entry: ~$25 per vehicle per day
Ticket OptionsDay Pass - Annual Pass - Guided Nature Programs - Hiking & Birdwatching Tours
Best Time to VisitMay–September (warm weather, beach activities, bird migration)
Nearby AirportChicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – ~40 miles (64 km)
TransportationCar access via US-12 / US-20 - Parking Areas - Hiking Trails - Biking Paths - Public Transit Nearby
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/indu

Distances from Indiana Dunes National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Lake Michigan – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Indiana Dunes State Park – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Mount Baldy – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • West Beach – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Chesterton – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Marquette Park, Gary – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Dune Acres – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Burns Harbor – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Michigan City, IN – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • New Buffalo, MI – 27 km (16.8 mi)
  • Valparaiso, IN – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • Hammond, IN – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Chicago, IL – 63 km (39 mi)
  • South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Grand Calumet River – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Indiana Dunes Visitor Center – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Ogden Dunes – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Gary/Chicago International Airport – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Hoosier Prairie Nature Preserve – 10 km (6.2 mi)