Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Steep Sand Dunes and Magnificent Lake Views

Experience these sights at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore:

Waves crashing on sandy beaches
Karner Blue butterflies landing on wild lupines
Peaceful silence lingering along winter trails
Bank swallows flying from their nest inside the dunes

Summer Beach Parking

During the summer months, finding a place to park can prove to be a challenge. Parking areas closer to the beach tend to fill up first.

All of the access areas are no more than a one block walk to the beach. All access lots offer restroom facilities and a drinking fountain. All parking areas in the national lakeshore are free of charge except for the largest one at the West Beach access point offering 596 spaces. Located on County Line Road northwest of Portage, the 2009 user fees are $6.00 per vehicle and $30.00 per bus at West Beach.
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Midsummer Celebration Scheduled at National Lakeshore

Celebrate summer in traditional Scandinavian style at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Chellberg Farm. This year’s Midsummer program will be held on Sunday, June 28 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Music, dancing, and traditional costumes highlight this special event. Between noon and 1 P.M., visitors are invited to bring flowers from home to take part in the age-old custom of decorating the Maypole. Immediately following, there will be a musical procession culminating in the raising of the newly decorated pole.
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Write to

1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, Indiana 46304

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(219) 926-7561 ext. 3

Beach Information
(219) 926-7561 ext. 2

Climate

The national lakeshore's weather is greatly affected by Lake Michigan and can change quickly. Summers are generally in the mid-80sºF (30C) with lows in the mid-60sºF (18C). There are about 15 days per year above 90ºF (32C). Highs in winter are usually in the low to mid 30sºF (0C) with low temperatures in the low 20sºF (-5C). There are about 15 days per year below 0ºF (-18C). Winters tend to be cloudy except for periods of extreme cold when skies are clear.