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Indiana Dunes National Park

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Indiana Dunes National Park

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Welcome to the Official Indiana Dunes National Park page. Welcome to the Official Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore page.
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10/14/2026

Indiana Dunes National Park Waives Miller Woods Trails Entrance Fees (Change connects Douglas Center programs with outdoor learning opportunities) PORTER, Ind. — Indiana Dunes National Park has waived the entrance fee for the Douglas Center Loop and Paul H. Douglas Trail at Miller Woods, both accessible from the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education in Gary. This change allows visitors to connect the center’s exhibits, programs and ranger-led activities with outdoor learning and exploration without purchasing a park entrance pass.

The fee waiver applies only to the Miller Woods trails associated with the Douglas Center. Entrance fees continue to apply at other park locations where required.

“Learning at the Douglas Center can begin with an exhibit and continue with a walk into Miller Woods,” said Leo Lestino, acting superintendent. “This change gives us more ways to connect children and families with the park and help them understand why these places deserve our care.”

The Miller Woods trail complex offers two hiking options. The easy 0.9-mile Douglas Center loop circles the wetlands near the center and takes about 30 minutes. The Paul H. Douglas Trail to Lake Michigan is a moderate 3.4-mile round-trip hike through Miller Woods’ globally rare black oak savanna, wetlands and dunes to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Allow about two hours.

Both hikes begin at the Douglas Center at 100 N. Lake St. in Gary. Trail descriptions and a map are available on the park’s Paul H. Douglas Trail webpage at nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/mw16.htm.

Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails and observe posted closures to help protect sensitive habitats.

For program information, trail conditions and current fee requirements, visit nps.gov/indu or call the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at (219) 395-1882.

Photo credit: NPS / Jeff Manuszak
Image description: A line of people walks along a narrow dirt trail through a lush green meadow with scattered trees at Miller Woods Hike on Paul H. Douglas Trail.

10/13/2026

If you're looking for a beautiful fall colored walk, you may want to scurry over to Cowles Bog while the weather is nice. Parking is limited.

For more information, visit our Cowles Bog hiking page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/cb16.htm

Looking for something else to do at the park? Make your search easier by visiting our programs and events page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/programs-events.htm

Make sure to always bring tick repellant and wear proper hiking attire. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/trail-safety.htm

Image: Photo of a sunlit forest covered dune covered in dense trees and vibrant autumn foliage in shades of green, yellow, and orange, by NPS Volunteer / Joe Philbin.

10/03/2026

Celebrating Diane Bay’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence Experience — Indiana Dunes National Park is proud to celebrate the conclusion of Diane Bay’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence residency. Based in Benton, Kentucky, Diane is a self-taught pastel artist known for tonal landscapes that capture the peaceful atmosphere and changing light of the natural world.

During her residency, Diane drew inspiration from the dunes, shoreline, and the long shadows of morning and evening. Her warm, muted pastel palette and gentle handling of color reflect the serene beauty of the Indiana Dunes while honoring the influence of contemporary and historic tonalists.

Diane’s artistic accomplishments include numerous awards at regional plein air events, and her work is held in private collections throughout the Midwest and in the permanent collection of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. Her artistic development has included workshops with regional artists and study in a classical online atelier.

The park congratulates Diane on a successful residency and warmly thanks her for graciously donating her pastel artwork. Her generous contribution will help visitors and the broader community experience and appreciate the beauty, atmosphere, and lasting inspiration of Indiana Dunes National Park.

We are honored to have welcomed Diane as our 2026 Artist-in-Residence and look forward to celebrating her continued success.

For more information about this park program, visit our Artist-in-Residence page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/getinvolved/supportyourpark/air.htm

10/02/2026

Indiana Dunes National Park Releases 1600 Lab Grown Native Mussels into the Little Calumet River to Improve Water Quality — Indiana Dunes National Park recently celebrated the release of more than 1,600 native fatmucket mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) into the East Branch of the Little Calumet River. The individually tagged mussels are the first group raised from larvae to subadult size through the park’s Dunes Mussel Propagation Laboratory. Supported by funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the effort builds on nearly a decade of work to develop reliable methods for raising native mussels from larvae for reintroduction.

“This release marks an extraordinary step forward in restoring native mussels that once thrived in this watershed,” said Leo Lestino, acting superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park. “Native mussels are critical to river health, and their return signals a new chapter of ecological recovery in the Little Calumet River.”

The mussels began as larvae and developed into juveniles in controlled laboratory conditions. They then grew under natural river conditions until they reached 20 to 30 millimeters, a size considered suitable for reintroduction.

As filter feeders, native mussels help improve water quality. They also reduce pathogen levels (e.g. E. coli), stabilize sediments, cycle nutrients and support other aquatic life. By restoring species historically found in the river, the park aims to rebuild self-sustaining mussel populations and improve conditions throughout the watershed.

Each mussel’s identification tag will help resource managers track its growth, survival and movement. Surveys over the coming years will also look for evidence of reproduction. The long-term goal is to establish mussel beds that support healthy river ecosystems for generations.

“Healthy rivers need mussels,” said Dr. Charlie Morris, the Indiana Dunes National Park ecologist leading its native mussel restoration effort. “Today’s milestone moves us closer to restoring the biological integrity of one of Northwest Indiana’s most important waterways.”

Visitors can help by leaving native mussels and their shells undisturbed. Do not pick up, handle or move mussels. They are fragile and can die if handled or placed incorrectly in the riverbed.

09/08/2026

Attention: 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

09/07/2026

...end up like this! 😲 Luckily, this is NOT the National Park's beach, so let's keep it that way. Yes, it's Labor Day and we know beaches will be busy, so be prepared to pack out your trash and bring a trash bag.

On your way back to your car, if you see trash, PICK IT UP, and take it to the nearest suitable trash can. This not only keeps the park cleaner, but also it protects the environment from dangerous chemicals and other pollutants.

With an increase in park visitors since the name-change, and national parks over the years, a big increase in trash left at our beaches has become a very prevalent problem. For instance, only 2 in 5 visitors on average take their trash with them when they leave, so let’s fix this.

Do you have some extra time on your trip and would like to do your part in keeping your national park cleaner? If so, stop by our visitor center to pick up some trash collecting tools and supplies to assist you in keeping the Indiana Dunes beautiful for everyone. For more information, visit our website’s Drop-In Volunteering page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/getinvolved/drop-in-volunteering.htm

Image: Photo of a beach covered in garbage with dark banner and words on top that read "Don't let you beach..."

09/04/2026

If you haven't noticed, we have some really big park events this month! So, if you're looking for something fun to do while at the national park this September, look no more! You'll enjoy many of our ranger-led historic and nature inspired events listed here on our Facebook events page, or our web programs and events page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/programs-events.htm

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

Address

1215 N State Road 49
Porter, IN
46304

Opening Hours

Monday	6am - 11pm
Tuesday	6am - 11pm
Wednesday	6am - 11pm
Thursday	7am - 9pm
Friday	6am - 11pm
Saturday	6am - 11pm
Sunday	7am - 11pm

Telephone

+12193951882

Website

https://www.nps.gov/indu/

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