PARK STATUS AND UPDATES (COVID-19)

Indiana Dunes National Park COVID-19 Open and Closure Status:

Masks indoors are not required

The National Park Service is no longer requiring that masks be worn inside buildings at Indiana Dunes National Park. However, it is strongly suggested that non-vaccinated individuals wear a mask inside or when social distancing is not possible. Fully vaccinated people who wish to continue wearing masks are free to do so. Everyone should also continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene like hand washing. For more information, call the park’s information line at [phone].

Please visit the CDC's community level check webpage to get the latest COVID levels within your area.

The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center (Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center), jointly managed by Porter County Tourism and the National Park Service, is now open during normal business hours and masks are not required to be worn, but suggested. The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is now closed due to hazard bridge conditions crossing Lake Street from the Douglas Center.

Please note: Open status and hours of operation are subject to change if there is a change in the Indiana Covid 19 pandemic status.

CDC COVID-19 Current Guidance at a Glance

With the continued decline in COVID-19 infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its mask-wearing and other preventive guidance. COVID-19 Community Levels are available on the CDC’s COVID-19 by County website.

As we see masking requirements lift in areas with low and medium levels of community spread, please know that you have the option to continue wearing a mask if you choose. It is important that everyone feels comfortable and supported in doing so.

Your health and safety continue a top priority. Health and medical experts stress that the best way to protect yourself and others is by being up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination. We thank those who have gotten vaccinated, and we strongly encourage all visitors to remain up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

 

 

Think Before You Beach

Crowds spread COVID-19, but you can help to fight the spread. Please get vaccinated if you can, and if you plan to visit one of the park's beaches, consider the best time to visit when it's less crowded: weekdays, early mornings and late afternoons. When in doubt, take a hike or picnic instead, or consider a virtual visit.

 

• Beach Parking Information

• West Beach Hours: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Central Time.

• Check Status of Dunewood Campground

 

Other Closures:

• Due to erosion, portions of Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores are closed.
• For public safety, the Mount Baldy's summit is permanently closed. However, the Beach Trail is open.
• Portions of Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk Trail - Portions closed due to portions of the pavement and boardwalk failing due to previous high­water levels. Closure remains in effect April 15th, 2021 until further notice.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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