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
Peaceful silence lingering along winter trails
Bank swallows flying from their nest inside the dunes

America's Best Idea Documentary Viewing

Come see the first episode of Ken Burn’s documentary film, The National Parks: America’s Best Ideas, at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center on October 4, 2009 from1:00pm to 3:00pm. The National Parks: America’s Best Ideas is a six-episode documentary, each episode while be shown in succession at the visitor center on Sundays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

A Great Place to Start

The visitor center is wonderful place to begin your Indiana Dunes experience. At the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, you can find amenities and other services such as maps, trail guides, a short orientation video, bookstore, and hands-on activities. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, a park ranger will be happy to assist you and help you have a safe adventure. The visitor center is located at 1420 Munson Road, Porter IN 46304.

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.