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).

Stay 4 Eats & Drinks 2

Decent day for photography.

50°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 47 in the afternoon. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 40. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Weather

  • 50°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
  • Sunny skies — mostly sunny
52 /100
ok
41 Sunbathe
66 Walk
68 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
50°F
Light Rain and Fog/Mist
Wind
5 to 10 mph
W
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
22 Good
Ozone · Hammond-Gary
UV Peak
2 Low
Peaks 10 AM · burn in ~100m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 11 AM
Tomorrow
56°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
—
Sunrise
6:27 AM
Sunset
4:36 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Today Nov 7
50°

Mostly Sunny

0%
52
Sun Nov 8
56°

Mostly Sunny

1%
54
Mon Nov 9
57°

Sunny

0%
59
Tue Nov 10
58°

Sunny

0%
62
Wed Nov 11
56°

Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain

15%
55
Thu Nov 12
49°

Rain Likely

55%
14
Fri Nov 13
46°

Chance Rain

37%
26

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

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

restroomsshowers (West Beach)visitor centerhiking trailscampground (state park)
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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