The park contains the highest sand dunes in the Great Lakes region, with Mt. Tom rising 192 feet above the lake level.
Botanists have identified over 1,100 native flowering plant species, a concentration of diversity that ranks among the highest in the U.S. National Park system.
The park was elevated from a National Lakeshore to a National Park in 2019, making it the 61st National Park in the United States.
The 'Blowout' dunes are dynamic landscapes constantly reshaped by prevailing winds, sometimes burying forest patches and then unearthing them years later.
The Miller Woods area contains globally rare interdunal wetlands known as pannes, which support endangered plant species like the Pitcher's Thistle.
The park includes the Century of Progress architectural district, featuring five houses relocated from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.
Its location at the southern tip of Lake Michigan acts as a funnel for migratory birds, making it a globally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA).
The park's unique microclimates allow species like the prickly pear cactus to grow alongside northern boreal plants.
Indiana Dunes National Park preserves 15,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, including sand dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests, along 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park features the '3-Dune Challenge,' a rigorous 1.5-mile trail ascending Mt. Tom, Mt. Holden, and Mt. Jackson. Visitors have access to 50 miles of hiking trails and diverse swimming beaches, most notably West Beach and Portage Lakefront. The landscape transitions from high, wind-swept dunes to protected bog habitats that host unique flora. It is a biodiversity hotspot recognized for its migratory bird populations. Geologically, the dunes were formed by retreating glaciers and shifting lake levels over thousands of years. The park serves as a transition zone between the eastern deciduous forest and the western prairies.
The summit of Mt. Tom for panoramic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Chicago skyline on clear days.
Download offline maps before arriving, as cellular service is intermittent throughout the dune complexes.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear if attempting the 3-Dune Challenge, as the loose sand makes footing difficult.
Visit during weekdays to avoid significant crowds that frequently fill parking lots at popular beaches by mid-morning on weekends.
Do not attempt to walk on dune slopes marked with 'Restoration in Progress' signs, as foot traffic destroys the root systems holding the sand in place.
Beach facilities and some parking areas operate seasonally; specific trails may close during winter months due to ice accumulation.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile dune vegetation; pets must be leashed at all times; pack out all trash to follow Leave No Trace principles.
