2-8 HoursFee applies
Half Day Adventures
Indiana Dunes National Park
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures. This list highlights some of the must-see sights in the park. This is perfect for people planning a day trip.
Ranger Recommendations Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests. Looking for a relaxing day at the beach? Check out the trails at West Beach (fee may be required) including the Dune Succession Trail and witness ecological succession. Interested in a longer hike? Check out the Bailly Homestead, Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie, and Little Calumet Trail System. Want to watch the sunset? Be sure to check out Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. Have kids? Get them involved and Become a Jr. Ranger. The following list showcases some other must-see destinations in the park. Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.
Tags
Self-Guided Tours - AutoBirdsDunesFarming and AgricultureForests and WoodlandsGeologyPrairiesLakesMigrationsScenic ViewsTrailsWetlandsIndiana DunesNational ParkIndiana Dunes National ParktrailsdrivingDriving tourScenic DriveHighlightsFeaturesSightseeingSightsswimmingLake MIchiganduneshikingsuccessionbiological diversityhalf day
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Details
Duration
2-8 Hours
Fees
7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle Pass - $20.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase) 7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass - $25.00 Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase). 7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups) - $15.00 Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour. Commercial Tour Fee - Sedan (1-6 persons) - $25.00 Entry for commercial sedans with 6 or less people. Cost is $25.00 plus $15 per person (not to exceed next highest rate). Commercial Tour Fee - Van (7-15 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial vans with 7-15 people. Commercial Tour Fee - Mini Bus (16-25 persons) - $40.00 Entry for commercial mini bus with 16-25 people. Commercial Tour Fee - Motor Coach (26+ persons) - $100.00 Entry for commercial motor coaches with 26+ persons. For the most current information on our fee program, see our Fees and Passes page.
Fees Apply
Yes
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Accessibility
Some sites are not accessible. Please visit our Accessibility Page while planning your adventures.
Pets
Yes — For details about pets in the park, including our B.A.R.K. Ranger program, see our Pets Page.
Reservations
No
Location
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center: A Great Place to Start