Indiana Dunes National Park

09/01/2026

The weather looks like it's going to be fantastic for our exciting Ranger Camp 3-Day Expedition outdoor adventure, September 11-13! Spots are filling up so be sure to register before it's too late. Visit go.nps.gov/rangercamp or call 219-395-1882 and press 0.

Remember, you must first make a reservation by calling or by filling out and emailing the downloadable form on our Ranger Camp page. Before calling, get familiar with what’s happening at this event. It’s not for average visitors and contains rigorous conditions, combined with thrilling ranger-led activities.

This event is part of the Outdoor Adventure Festival, September 4-20. Venture to OAF... DunesOutdoorFestival.com

Image description: The graphic is an advertisement for an event titled “Ranger Camp 3‑Day Expedition.” The text includes “Camp • Bike • Hike • Paddle” and the web address “go.nps.gov/rangercamp.” Large white text on the right displays the dates “Sept 11–13 2026.” The background features outdoor scenes including a tent in a wooded area, a close‑up of a muddy bicycle tire, a hiking boot stepping in mud, and a yellow paddle in water. On the right side of the graphic are two people standing side‑by‑side, one holding a kayak paddle and the other wearing a National Park Service uniform hat. The overall design includes bold text overlaid on nature imagery with a color band of red, black, and tan across the upper portion.

08/29/2026

🎉 Indiana Dunes National Park Welcomes Alumni to Celebrate Newly Restored Good Fellow Camp Lodge!

Restoration was made possible by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund.

After years of hard work, the Lodge is open for the first time since 1976! Partners and alumni of Good Fellow Youth Camp (1941-1975) gathered to honor its legacy and explore the time capsule found during the restoration. The capsule will be restored within the lodge’s walls, now containing items that reflect the lodge and its community today.

The reopening highlights the importance of preserving history and connecting communities. Originally built by U.S. Steel for employees’ children, the lodge is a symbol of Northwest Indiana’s industrial heritage. The Great American Outdoors Act helps keep park buildings safe, accessible, and resilient for everyone.

“This lodge tells the story of a place where thousands of children first discovered the outdoors, right here along the Little Calumet River,” said Indiana Dunes National Park Acting Superintendent Leo Lestino. “Today, this renewed space will welcome students through the Dunes Learning Center, members of communities across Porter, LaPorte, and Lake counties and visitors from across the country, carrying that legacy of learning, connection, and curiosity forward for generations to come.”

The Legacy Restoration Fund also supports work on other historic sites like the Bailly Homestead and the House of Tomorrow. With over 50 miles of trails and iconic landscapes, Indiana Dunes National Park is your gateway to adventure! In 2024, park visitors helped generate $143 million for the local economy.

Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/indu/learn/news/good-fellow-camp-alumni-celeb-2026.htm



Image credit: First image: Ted Ahrendt Collection, Duneland History Center. Second image: NPS/Wesley Butler.

08/28/2026

Save the Dunes, in collaboration with Indiana Dunes National Park, invites proposals from qualified consultants and firms to develop, deploy, validate, and evaluate a pilot system designed to provide real-time and predictive parking availability at high-demand locations within the park. The goal is to help visitors make informed parking decisions before entering congested areas, improving the visitor experience while reducing traffic impacts on neighboring communities.

The anticipated notice to proceed is January 4, 2027, with the base project performance period continuing through January 31, 2028.

We invite those with demonstrated experience designing, implementing, operating, and maintaining real-time data systems to review the full RFP and submit a proposal no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. View and download proposal here:https://savedunes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RFP_INDU_Smart_Parking.pdf

Photo Credit: National Park Service/Katrina George

08/25/2026

Happy Birthday National Park Service, 110 years old today!

For the places that inspire us. For the stories that shape us.

110 years ago, America had a pretty good idea: protect some of its most extraordinary places so all could enjoy them for generations to come. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service. Since then, parks have connected us to the landscapes, stories, and people that have shaped the nation, from towering mountains and wild rivers to battlefields, historic spaces, and sacred places.

For over a century, they’ve given us places to explore, learn, remember, and simply stand in awe. And, of course, plenty of reasons to lace up the hiking boots and say, “It’s just a little farther.”

08/24/2026

For an exciting outdoor adventure join our Ranger Camp 3-Day Expedition! Visit go.nps.gov/rangercamp for more information. Remember, you must first make a reservation by calling 219-395-1882 and pressing 0 or by filling out and emailing the downloadable form on our Ranger Camp page. Before calling, get familiar with what’s happening at this event. It’s not for average visitors and contains rigorous conditions, combined with thrilling ranger-led activities.

Image description: Promotional poster for a “Ranger Camp 3 Day Expedition,” happening September 11–13, 2026. The design includes images of a tent, bicycle tires on a trail, a boot on muddy ground, and a kayak paddle. Two individuals stand beside outdoor gear including a backpack, paddle, and bicycle. Text describes a ranger guided camping, biking, hiking, and paddling event at Indiana Dunes National Park, with limited registration and a link for more information. The poster also advertises the Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival and includes a QR code and organization logos.

08/18/2026

After the August 11th storm, we have compiled a list of storm related updates to park areas and their conditions. Please check back often if needed.

• Douglas Center – lower parking lot and trail system closed, blocked with downed trees. Building is open.
• Tolleston Dunes – parking lot and trails closed due to downed trees.

This list is subject to change without notice. Please check out our status page linked below for the most up-to-date list. Many park areas are inaccessible after the August 11th storm. Avoid swimming in the lake after heavy rain and use extra caution. Most locations are without power and are out of service.

For more information, please visit our park status page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/status.htm

Images description: A forest trail blocked by multiple large fallen and splintered trees, with a warning symbol placed over the scene.

08/15/2026

🚨 The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is closed today (08/15) due to current storm conditions. We’ll reopen tomorrow with limited services—no electricity yet, but outdoor rangers and staff will be on-site to help answer your park questions. Porta-potties are available behind the building. The Douglas Center remains closed.

⚠️ Heads up: Many park areas are inaccessible after the August 11th storm. Avoid swimming in the lake after heavy rain and use extra caution. Most locations are without power and are out of service.

Reminder: All public programs are cancelled until further notice.

For more information, please visit our beach safety page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/beach-safety.htm

08/13/2026

The Paul H Douglas Center is now open and public programs are back on schedule unless otherwise noted.
For more information, please visit our beach safety page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/beach-safety.htm

08/13/2026

If visiting the park today, West Beach is open and so are its restrooms. However, the restrooms by the picnic shelter area are inoperable.

Overall, the park and its surrounding areas are still recovering from the recent storms. Power is out at many locations, trails have fallen debris and roadblocks are still active. It is best to consider other locations to visit outside the park at this time.

08/13/2026

🚫 Water Safety Update: On Thursday, 08/13/2026, E. coli levels at Portage Lakefront were above safe swimming standards. For your health, please avoid swimming here until further notice. Due to recent storms and heavy rain, new tests will happen Monday (08/17/2026) with updates to follow. Enjoy Portage Lakefront from the shore.

🛟 Indiana Dunes National Park shares this info so you can make smart choices about Lake Michigan. Beaches stay open even if bacteria levels are high, but always check water quality, weather, and updates before you visit. Your safety comes first!

🏖️ Reminder: West Beach is the only national park beach with lifeguards. For beach hazards and other beach safety related info, check out our beach safety page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/beach-safety.htm