78°
Sunny
0%
85
Porter County, IN · Great Lakes
Indiana Dunes National Park
1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304
The 61st U.S. national park (redesignated from a national lakeshore in 2019) — 15 miles of southern Lake Michigan shoreline with massive dunes, the historic Century of Progress Houses (1933 Chicago World's Fair pavilions moved here), and access to West Beach (the closest national park beach to Chicago).
Today's Conditions
Ideal for a beach walk.
78°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 78. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East northeast wind 0 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
84 /100
great
82 Sunbathe
87 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
78°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
NNE
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
80°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:24 AM
Sunset
9:22 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
80°
Sunny
0%
87
85°
Sunny
0%
85
86°
Sunny
0%
83
85°
Sunny
5%
84
85°
Mostly Sunny
13%
82
85°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
27%
47
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
NPS lots; vehicle pass required at West Beach and Dunbar Beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.
Entry Fee
$25/vehicle 7-day pass.
Address
1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Indiana Dunes National Park today?
Indiana Dunes National Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Indiana Dunes National Park dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.
Is there an entry fee at Indiana Dunes National Park?
$25/vehicle 7-day pass.
Are there lifeguards at Indiana Dunes National Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Indiana Dunes National Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Amenities at Indiana Dunes National Park include restrooms, showers (West Beach), visitor center, hiking trails, campground (state park).
When is the water warmest at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Indiana Dunes National Park located?
Indiana Dunes National Park is in Porter County, IN, at 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS