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Full Day Expeditions - Indiana Dunes National Park

Surfer rides the waves at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk at the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Full Day Expeditions

Indiana Dunes National Park
6-24 Hours
Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter
Pets: Yes
Fees: Yes

Visitor Dashboard

Current Alerts

13 active alerts
View current park alerts

Access Requirements

Unknown
View official access requirements

Weather forecast

61°F 16°C · Sunny
More weather details

Best Time to Visit

Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter
Based on official activity seasons

More Things To Do

Indiana Dunes National Park
Discover more activities

Current park status

13 active alerts
Park Closure

Partial Trail Closures on Bailly / Chellberg Trail

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Portions of Bailly / Chellberg Trail (with stairs) will be closed through October (10/30/26), to allow completion of boardwalk replacement project.
Caution

Road Blocked to West Beach

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The main road navigating to West Beach is now blocked due to construction at the railroad crossing near the intersection of North County Rd and Route 12 until September 19. Please use the alternative route to West Beach as described on the park's status page.
View official alert
Park Closure

Closure - Heron Rookery Trail

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Closed. The trail is undergoing tree removal and rerouting due to riverbank collapse. It is expected to reopen in the fall, after mosquito activity decreases.
Park Closure

Partial Closure - Upland Trail

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The middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible. At this time, there is no timeline for replacement.
Park Closure

Closure - Tolleston Dunes Trail

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Closed. Chainsaw crews are actively working to clear the trail, with a projected reopening in the next 1-2 weeks.
Information

Other Park Conditions and Updates

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For more information on storm related repairs and other park conditions like beach and hiking safety visit our park status page.
View official alert
Park Closure

Closure - Hobart Woodland Trail

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Closed. The Woodland Trail is closed indefinitely, and no reopening date is available. However, the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open.
Park Closure

Partial Trail Closure - Dunewood Trace

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Partially open. Persistent flooding west of the campground currently limits access to the entire trail. Hikers may not always be able to traverse the full length.
Caution

Water Safety Alert

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After recent storms, E. coli levels are likely to reach above safe swimming standards. Entering the water after heavy rainfall is never recommended. Know before you go and always check our Beach Safety page before heading to park beaches.
View official alert
Park Closure

Temporary Closure - Douglas Center

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The Paul H Douglas Center is closed until Wednesday 8/19, and all public programs are cancelled until further notice. Several parts of the park are inaccessible due to the weather event from August 11th. It is not advisable to go in the lake after a heavy rain. Use extreme caution when visiting as most locations have no power and are out of service.
View official alert
Park Closure

Visitor Center - Temporary Closure

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Attention: The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center building will be closed but will have outdoor limited staffing and restrooms available August 10, 11, and 12, due to construction efforts. Expect long lines and waiting outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to visit other locations throughout the park to purchase park passes. Passes, Jr Ranger books, badges and other activities are available at the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education.
View official alert
Park Closure

Partial Closures to Little Calumet River Trail and Glenwood Dunes Trail

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Marquette Greenway construction will require closing sections of the Glenwood Dunes Trail (April–December 2026) and Little Calumet River / Mnoké Prairie Trail (May–December 2026). Closure dates may shift as work progresses. Please follow all posted closures and check the park website or NPS App for updates.
View official alert
Caution

Partial Trail Closure at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk

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Closed portion of Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Trail along Burns Waterway due to unsafe conditions from erosional damage. This trail portion will remain closed while funding is sought for repair work. Pier access remains open on either side of closure.

About this activity

Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures. This list highlights some of the must-see sights in the park. This is perfect for people planning a day full of activities and possibly an overnight.

Ranger Recommendations

Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
The following list showcases some other must-see destinations in the park. Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.
Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures. This list highlights some of the must-see sights in the park. This is perfect for people planning a full day of activities and possibly even an overnight.

Activity details

Location
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center: A Great Place to Start
Duration
6-24 Hours
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Pets
Yes
Fees
Yes
Accessibility

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Access requirement information

Not available

No additional access requirement details are available from the provider.

Official website

Official access information supplied by the provider for this activity. Requirements and availability may change, so always verify the latest details on the official website.
Visit official website

Weather forecast

Check the weather forecast before planning this activity.
Today
61°F16°C
Sunny
SSW 13 mph20 km/h
Tonight
43°F6°C
Mostly Clear
S 8 mph12 km/h
Monday
66°F19°C
Sunny
SSE 3 mph4 km/h
Monday Night
45°F7°C
Mostly Clear
0 mph0 km/h
Tuesday
66°F19°C
Sunny
ENE 3 mph4 km/h
Tuesday Night
48°F9°C
Mostly Clear
E 5 mph8 km/h
Forecast data provided by the National Weather Service.
Last updated: Oct 18, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Official forecast
Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.

More weather details

Today
61°F16°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 61. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

SSW 13 mph20 km/h
Tonight
43°F6°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear. Low around 43, with temperatures rising to around 45 overnight. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

S 8 mph12 km/h
Monday
66°F19°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 66. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.

SSE 3 mph4 km/h
Monday Night
45°F7°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 45. East wind around 0 mph.

0 mph0 km/h
Tuesday
66°F19°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 66. East northeast wind 0 to 5 mph.

ENE 3 mph4 km/h
Tuesday Night
48°F9°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

E 5 mph8 km/h
Wednesday
70°F21°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 70.

SSE 3 mph4 km/h
Wednesday Night
52°F11°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

0 mph0 km/h Rain: 2%
Thursday
69°F21°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 69.

E 3 mph4 km/h Rain: 2%
Thursday Night
52°F11°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

ENE 3 mph4 km/h
Friday
69°F21°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 69.

SE 5 mph8 km/h
Friday Night
51°F11°C
Mostly Clear

Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

SE 5 mph8 km/h
Saturday
69°F21°C
Sunny

Sunny, with a high near 69.

SSE 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 1%
Saturday Night
53°F12°C
Partly Cloudy

Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

S 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 1%

Disclaimer

Check the weather forecast before planning this activity.

Weather, wind, precipitation and temperature can vary by location and time. Prepare appropriate clothing and equipment and check official alerts and park guidance.

Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.

Location and map

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More Things To Do at Indiana Dunes National Park

Explore Things To Do at Indiana Dunes National Park
Trees with brightly colored leaves line the trail at Chellberg Farm.
Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Half Day Adventures

Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures...
2-8 Hours
Source: NPS
Marram grass grows along side a sandy trail
Self-Guided Tours - Auto

One Hour Excursions

Whether you have an hour, a half day, or a full day, the beaches, dunes, and trails of the Indiana Dunes offer relaxation, inspiration, and fun adventures.
1-4 Hours
Source: NPS
More Things To Do at Indiana Dunes National Park

Information & Disclaimer

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