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
Indiana Related Maps and Info
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 Name | Indiana Dunes National Park |
| Location | Porter, Indiana, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 41.6539° N, 87.0526° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | 15,080 acres (61 km²) |
| Established | December 5, 2019 (as National Park; previously Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 1966) |
| Founder | United States Congress |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Northwest Indiana / Lake Michigan Shoreline |
| Address | 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, USA |
| Zip Code | 46304 |
| Area Code | 219 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Dunes, 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 Attractions | West Beach - East Beach - Mount Baldy Dune - Cowles Bog Nature Preserve - Bailly Homestead - Birdwatching Spots |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 3 million |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Vehicle Entry / Free for pedestrians & cyclists |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle Entry: $25 per vehicle per day |
| Ticket Options | Day Pass - Annual Pass - Guided Nature Programs - Hiking & Birdwatching Tours |
| Best Time to Visit | May–September (warm weather, beach activities, bird migration) |
| Nearby Airport | Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 40 miles (64 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via US-12 / US-20 - Parking Areas - Hiking Trails - Biking Paths - Public Transit Nearby |
| Official Website | https://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)
Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.