76°
Mostly Cloudy
14%
72
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
Great day for photography.
Swim advisory · 76°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 76°F air — ideal beach weather
- Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too
Safety
- Swim advisory — state environmental agency flagged water quality
72 /100
great
67 Sunbathe
77 Walk
84 Photo
Best for photography today
Swim advisory: Swimming advisory in effect
High bacteria levels
Sampled at Indiana Dunes State Park West Beach, 0.9 mi from this beach.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
76°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
W
Rain
14%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
7 High
High 01 PM–02 PM · burn in ~29m
Burn-free before 12 PM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
74°F
Mostly Cloudy
Water
Water Temp
—
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:22 AM
Sunset
7:09 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
74°
Mostly Cloudy
6%
75
77°
Sunny
0%
86
82°
Mostly Sunny
11%
83
77°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
77
85°
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
21%
53
78°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
41
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Skip the swim Active swim advisory from MD DOE
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