Explore detailed info of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, or check out our expanded coverage of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area, including Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore lodging, recreational activities, and more.
Contact Info
Porter, IN 46304
- Phone:
- 219-926-7561
Basics
- Type:
- Other
Description
Experience these sightsat Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: waves crashing on sandy beaches, Karner Blue butterflies landing on wild lupines, sweaty draft horses working the Chellberg Farm fields, peaceful silence lingering along winter trails, and Bank swallows flying from their nest inside the dunes.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center
Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
The building is located near the southeast corner of U.S. Highways 49 and 20. Shared with the Porter County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Commission and Indiana Dunes State Park visitors receive information about the Indiana dunes and surrounding area.
Calumet Dune Interpretive Center
This building, located at the corner of Highway 12 and Kemil Road, served as the national lakeshore's visitor center for many years. Today, it is operated as an Interpretive Center for scheduled programs for the public and education groups.
Calumet Dune, Ly-co-ki-we, and Dunewood Trace trails and parking lot are open from 7 a.m. till dusk, daily. They have restrooms and informational signs.
West Beach Bath House
9 a.m. - dusk from Memorial Day weekend till Labor Day; a user fee is charged.
$6.00 per car per day
$1.00 bicyclists/walk-ins per day
* $30.00 per bus per day
Park Headquarters
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Visitors can access the national lakeshore via I-94, the Indiana Toll Road, I-80/90, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Highway 12, and various state roads. The Visitor Center is located off of Indiana Highway 49 between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94, Chesterton, Indiana. The majority of the national lakeshore facilities can be accessed off of U.S. Highway 12. As you travel on nearby highways, watch for the large brown signs that will direct you to the national lakeshore's different areas.
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