Summary
$25
Vehicle · 7 days
Historic Crowd Data
Avg. monthly visitors, 2015–2024 · National Park Service
Light
Moderate
Busy
Very Busy
Peak season is July–August, when around 34% of annual visitors arrive. For lighter crowds, aim for November–April.
Plan Your Visit
Lake Michigan & Dune SafetyRip currents▾
Mount Baldy AccessSummit closed▾
Park Entry & FeesMultiple access points▾
Beaches & Trails50+ miles of trail▾
West Beachmost developed▾
West Beach
Bathhouse, lifeguards in season, and dune-trail loops — the park's main swimming beach
Cowles Bog TrailNational Natural Landmark▾
Cowles Bog Trail
4.7-mile loop through the wetland that founded the science of ecological succession
Heron Rookery & Chellberg Farminland units▾
Heron Rookery
Spring wildflowers along the Little Calumet River, popular for birding
Chellberg Farm
Restored 1900s Swedish homestead with seasonal demonstrations
Things to Do6 categories▾
Hiking Trails5 trails▾
Glenwood Dunes TrailsModerate
Interconnected loops through wooded dune ridges — the park's largest trail network and its only trail system open to horses
6.8 mi
Mount Baldy Beach TrailMod.–Rugged
Short climb out to the beach across an active, shifting dune; the summit and dune face beyond remain closed for stabilization work
0.75 mi RT
Great Marsh TrailEasy
Path through one of the park's largest wetland restoration areas, a favorite stop for birders
1.3 mi
Tolleston Dunes TrailModerate
Loop across ancient, wooded beach ridges and remnant black oak savanna
2.9 mi loop
Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods)Moderate
Dune-and-savanna route starting at the Douglas Center for Environmental Education, also the park's winter ski/snowshoe rental hub
3.4 mi
Swimming & Beaches4 beaches▾
West BeachLifeguards Mem. Day–Labor Day, 10am–6pm
The park's most developed swimming beach, with bathhouse, showers & grills
Portage Lakefront & RiverwalkUnguarded
Beach beside the fishing pier and Riverwalk; restrooms & potable water
Central Avenue BeachUnguarded
Closest beach parking to the water; wheelchair accessible
Kemil BeachUnguarded
Restrooms, potable water & grills near the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Bird Watching2 highlights▾
Fall Migration FlywayPeak: fall migration
Lake Michigan's shoreline funnels southbound migrants along the dunes; watch for hawks from dune tops, waterfowl offshore & wetland species at the Great Marsh
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival3rd weekend in May
Annual guided birding festival based at the park, timed to spring migration
Piping Plover
Endangered, nests on the beach
Sandhill Crane
Migrates the Lake Michigan flyway
Great Blue Heron
Wades the Great Marsh wetlands
Belted Kingfisher
Fishes the shoreline waters
Prothonotary Warbler
Golden warbler of the wetlands
Biking2 options▾
Calumet Bike Trail19 mi RT
Gravel rail-trail along the historic Calumet Beach Ridge; surface is uneven in places
Regional Trail Network37 mi total
Connects into the Porter Brickyard, Prairie Duneland, Oak Savannah & Marquette trails across the park's length; some 2026 closures for Marquette Greenway construction
Winter Activities2 ways▾
Cross-Country Skiing & SnowshoeingWinter, snow-dependent
Free ski & snowshoe rentals at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, weather permitting
Ranger-Led Winter ProgramsSeasonal
Snowshoe hikes and winter ecology programs
Horseback Riding1 option▾
Glenwood Dunes Equestrian TrailMar 16–Dec 14
The park's only trail open to horses, on a designated portion of the Glenwood Dunes system
CampingDunewood▾
Dunewood CampgroundReservation▾
Sites66 sites (54 drive-in, 12 walk-in), no hookups
Fee$25/night
SeasonLate March – late October
BookingRecreation.gov, rolling 6-month window
Park Contact Information