Park Status and Updates

Storm Related Repair Updates:

• Dunewood Trace Trail: 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.
• Pinhook Upland Trail: Partially open. The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.
• Hobart Prairie Grove: Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.
• 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.

Warning: Other Trail systems that are open may have damage to boardwalk handrails or other infrastructure. Please exercise caution when hiking.

 

Alternate Route to West Beach

The main road navigating to West Beach is now blocked due to construction at the railroad crossing near the intersection of North County Rd and Route 12 until September 19. Please use the alternative route to West Beach as described below.

Directions to West Beach (376 N County Line Rd, Gary, IN 46403)

1. Take US Hwy 12/20 to Lake St (McDonald’s is on the southeastern corner)

2. Travel North on Lake St to Miller Ave (2nd stop light)

3. East (right) on Miller Ave to Grand Blvd (1st stop light)

4. North (left) on Grand Blvd to Forest Ave (2nd stop light)

5. East (right) on Forest Ave to Montgomery St (1st stop sign)

6. North (left) on Montgomery St to Oak Ave (slight right)

7. East (slight right) on Oak Ave to County Line Rd (T intersection)

8. South (right) on County Line Rd to West Beach (just before the bridge)

9. West (right) into West Beach

 

Park Alerts & Conditions

Be sure to visit our Alerts page for a brief list of closures and other park related issues.

• Beach Parking Information

• Check Status of Dunewood Campground

 

Occasionally Flooded Trails:

Tolleston Dunes, Glenwood Dunes, Paul H. Douglas (Miller Woods), and Pinhook Upland hiking trails have intermittent flooding. Please take precautions. We recommend the West Beach Trails.

 

Helpful Beach Information:

We recommend West Beach and here's some reasons why:

1. Parking - 642 parking spaces! More than the entire east-side of the national park’s combined spaces are located at West Beach.
2. Trails - Three different loops and four miles of great hiking.
3. Grill/Picnic Area – Shaded grilling areas.
4. Flower lovers: Various wildflowers are in bloom, so now is the best time to grab your camera for some great nature pictures!

Please be safe and keep social distancing in mind while enjoying your stay here at the park, and be sure to take back what you bring with you.

 

Current Weather Conditions

Know your beach's weather conditions and please use caution.
View list of links to various park location's current weather conditions based on locality. Be sure to click on "Hazardous Weather" or "Outlook" near the top or bottom of the linked pages for the latest beach swimming conditions.
You can also check on water temperatures, wave conditions, and beach monitoring (E. coli results) on this page.

 

Rip Currents

Be on the lookout this summer for rip currents on Lake Michigan.

Before your next visit to the beach, learn how to spot a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one. Always check the local beach forecast for any warnings, and exercise caution.

If Caught in a Rip Current

• Don't fight the current
• Swim out of the current, then to shore
• If you can't escape, float or tread water
• If you need help, call or wave for assistance

Rip Current Safety

• Know how to swim
• Never swim alone
• If in doubt, don't go out

More information about rip currents can be found at the following websites: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov and www.usla.org.

 

Unmanned Aircraft (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones)

Launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the park.

Unmanned Aircraft in National Parks Page