Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Steep Sand Dunes and Magnificent Lake Views

Experience these sights at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore:

Waves crashing on sandy beaches,
Karner Blue butterflies landing on wild lupines,
Sweaty draft horses working the Chellberg Farm fields,
Peaceful silence lingering along winter trails, and
Bank swallows flying from their nest inside the dunes.

		Great Marsh Water Level Study The National Park Service has entered into a two-year contract with the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS will implement a study, “Ground - and Surface -Water Levels Relative to Wetland-Restoration Activities in and North of the Great Marsh at Beverly Shores, Indiana.” This study will help map water-table elevations... more...

		The Outdoor Classroom Thousands of school children visit the dunes annually to participate in the park's curriculum-based programs. To explore the national lakeshore, the park encourages teachers to reserve one of the park's many ranger-led educational programs. To learn more about these free programs, visit the “For Teachers” section on this website. more...

two boys using magnifying lenses to examine a pan of pond water

Junior Ranger Activity Room Now Open

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will help facilitate a family`s trip to the outdoors in the new Junior Ranger Activity Room at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center. Visitors of all ages will be able to explore and interact with games, exhibits, natural objects, books and puppets in this fun orientation space. The Activity Room will be a continuing feature at the visitor center during its regular hours of operation throughout the year.
more...

bright yellow flowers on green cactus leaves

Exploring the National Lakeshore with a Park Ranger

Do sunsets from the top of Mt. Baldy, watching birds along the Little Calumet River, or smelling fresh baked cookies sound inviting? Throughout the year, activities such as these await you at Indiana Dunes. The national lakeshore publishes a schedule of ranger-led interpretive programs.
more...

Write to

1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, Indiana 46304

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(219) 926-7561 ext. 3

Beach Information
(219) 926-7561 ext. 2

Climate

The national lakeshore's weather is greatly affected by Lake Michigan and can change quickly. Summers are generally in the mid-80sºF (30C) with lows in the mid-60sºF (18C). There are about 15 days per year above 90ºF (32C). Highs in winter are usually in the low to mid 30sºF (0C) with low temperatures in the low 20sºF (-5C). There are about 15 days per year below 0ºF (-18C). Winters tend to be cloudy except for periods of extreme cold when skies are clear.