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Indiana Dunes National Park

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Indiana Dunes National Park
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Places in Indiana Dunes

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Cowles Bog, Indiana Dunes National ParkCowles BogDiverse wetland-to-dune loop ending at a quiet Lake Michigan beachTrailhead · ParkingDorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center), Indiana Dunes National ParkDorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Indiana Dunes Visitor Center)One-stop hub for exhibits, films, maps, and trip planningRestroom · ExhibitDunes Succession Trail Boardwalk, Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Succession Trail BoardwalkShort loop with big dune climb and Lake Michigan viewsTrailhead · RestroomLake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National ParkLake MichiganDunes‑backed beach with clear water, sunsets, and room to roamParking · RestroomPaul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, Indiana Dunes National ParkPaul H. Douglas Center for Environmental EducationInteractive nature hub and trail gateway into oak savanna and wetlandsTrailhead · RestroomMount Baldy Beach, Indiana Dunes National ParkMount Baldy BeachShifting dune beach with big‑lake views and a sandy approachTrailhead · RestroomWest Beach Overlook, Indiana Dunes National ParkWest Beach OverlookStair climb to sweeping dune and lake views above West BeachTrailhead · RestroomWest Beach, Indiana Dunes National ParkWest BeachBig, amenity-rich stretch of Lake Michigan with dune viewsTrailhead · Restroom

Trails in Indiana Dunes

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Indiana Dunes Trail 9, Indiana Dunes National ParkChallengingIndiana Dunes Trail 9Rugged dune loop with big Lake Michigan views and blowouts3.8 mi · 1.3 hrCowles Bog Trail, Indiana Dunes National ParkModerateCowles Bog TrailWetlands to dunes loop with a quiet beach and one steep sand climb.4.7 mi · 3.5 hrDune Succession Trail, Indiana Dunes National ParkModerateDune Succession TrailShort loop of dunes, stairs, and big Lake Michigan views1 mi · 22 minWest Beach - Dune Succession Trail, Indiana Dunes National ParkModerateWest Beach - Dune Succession TrailShort dune loop with stairs, skyline views, and a beach finish1 mi · 22 minWest Beach Trail, Indiana Dunes National ParkModerateWest Beach TrailStairs, sand, and skyline views over classic Great Lakes dunes3.5 mi · 1.8 hrPinhook Bog Boardwalk, Indiana Dunes National ParkEasyPinhook Bog BoardwalkRanger-led walk over a true floating bog with rare carnivorous plants1 mi · 1 hrIndiana Dunes State Park Trail 7, Indiana Dunes National ParkModerateIndiana Dunes State Park Trail 7Shady dune walk from Nature Center to a big Lake Michigan beach1.1 mi · 1.3 hrPaul H. Douglas Trail, Indiana Dunes National ParkEasyPaul H. Douglas TrailWetlands-to-dunes stroll ending at a quiet Lake Michigan beach3.4 mi · 2 hr

Find wildlife in Indiana Dunes

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Bald Eagle in Indiana Dunes National ParkBald EagleReports peak in the early morning, around 8 AM83 sightingsSandhill Crane in Indiana Dunes National ParkSandhill CraneReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM48 sightingsWhite-tailed Deer in Indiana Dunes National ParkWhite-tailed DeerReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM113 sightingsCoyote in Indiana Dunes National ParkCoyoteReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM23 sightingsBeaver in Indiana Dunes National ParkBeaverReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM48 sightingsBarred Owl in Indiana Dunes National ParkBarred OwlReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM13 sightingsLoon in Indiana Dunes National ParkLoonReports peak in the early morning, around 8 AM19 sightingsPileated Woodpecker in Indiana Dunes National ParkPileated WoodpeckerReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM48 sightings

Before you go

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CAUTION

Flooding limits several hiking trails

Intermittent flooding affects hiking trails at Tolleston Dunes, Glenwood Dunes, Paul H. Douglas (Miller Woods), and Pinhook Upland. - Dunewood Trace is partially open, but persistent flooding west of the campground currently limits access to the entire trail; hikers may not be able to traverse its full length. - Take precautions on intermittently flooded trails; the park recommends the West Beach Trails as an alternative. Check current park status and updates before traveling.

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CAUTION

Lake Michigan water-safety alert after recent storms

Avoid entering Lake Michigan after heavy rainfall: the park says E. coli levels are likely to rise above safe swimming standards after recent storms. - Do not enter the water when a health-hazard warning or high-bacteria sign is posted; the park says contaminated water can cause intestinal illness, skin rash, or eye, ear, or respiratory infections. - Stay out of the water when rip-current warnings are posted or large, crashing waves are present; strong currents can carry swimmers away from shore. Check current park conditions and beach-safety guidance before swimming.

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CLOSURE

Storm-damage closures at five park areas

Do not enter the storm-damage closures at Paul H. Douglas, Tolleston Dunes, Hobart Prairie Grove’s Woodland Trail, Pinhook Upland, or Heron Rookery. - Douglas Center (Miller Woods): the lower parking lot and trail system are closed because downed trees block them; the building is open. - Tolleston Dunes Trail: closed while chainsaw crews clear it; reopening is projected in 1–2 weeks. - Hobart Prairie Grove’s Woodland Trail: closed indefinitely with no reopening date; the paved Oak Savannah Trail remains open. - Pinhook Upland Trail: partially open, but the middle boardwalk was lost due to a tree strike, making the full loop inaccessible; there is no replacement timeline. - Heron Rookery Trail: closed for tree removal and rerouting due to riverbank collapse; reopening is expected in the fall, after mosquito activity decreases. Check current park status and updates before traveling.

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The whole park

41.6533, -87.0524
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