Park Status and Updates

Storm Related Updates:

• Douglas Center – lower parking lot and trail system closed, blocked with downed trees. Building is open.
• West Beach – Power Out - Picnic Area restroom closed, Bath House and Contact Station open because the lift station is on backup generator power.
• Tolleston Dunes – parking lot and trails closed due to downed trees.
• Portage Lakefront Pavilion – closed, no power
• Bailly Chellberg Contact Station – power back on, closed until water sample clears
• Tremont Restroom – power back on, closed until water sample clears
• Glenwood Dunes – power back on, closed until water sample clears
• Lakeview Beach – Power is on and working normally.
• Dunbar & Kemil Beach – Maybe no power, but restrooms are open and working.

 

Park Alerts & Conditions

Be sure to visit our Alerts page for a brief list of closures and other park related issues.

• Beach Parking Information

• Check Status of Dunewood Campground

 

Occasionally Flooded Trails:

Tolleston Dunes, Glenwood Dunes, Paul H. Douglas (Miller Woods), and Pinhook Upland hiking trails have intermittent flooding. Please take precautions. We recommend the West Beach Trails.

 

Helpful Beach Information:

We recommend West Beach and here's some reasons why:

1. Parking - 642 parking spaces! More than the entire east-side of the national park’s combined spaces are located at West Beach.
2. Trails - Three different loops and four miles of great hiking.
3. Grill/Picnic Area – Shaded grilling areas.
4. Flower lovers: Various wildflowers are in bloom, so now is the best time to grab your camera for some great nature pictures!

Please be safe and keep social distancing in mind while enjoying your stay here at the park, and be sure to take back what you bring with you.

 

Current Weather Conditions

Know your beach's weather conditions and please use caution.
View list of links to various park location's current weather conditions based on locality. Be sure to click on "Hazardous Weather" or "Outlook" near the top or bottom of the linked pages for the latest beach swimming conditions.
You can also check on water temperatures, wave conditions, and beach monitoring (E. coli results) on this page.

 

Rip Currents

Be on the lookout this summer for rip currents on Lake Michigan.

Before your next visit to the beach, learn how to spot a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one. Always check the local beach forecast for any warnings, and exercise caution.

If Caught in a Rip Current

• Don't fight the current
• Swim out of the current, then to shore
• If you can't escape, float or tread water
• If you need help, call or wave for assistance

Rip Current Safety

• Know how to swim
• Never swim alone
• If in doubt, don't go out

More information about rip currents can be found at the following websites: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov and www.usla.org.

 

Unmanned Aircraft (e.g. model airplanes, quadcopters, drones)

Launching, landing or operating unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Indiana Dunes National Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the park.

Unmanned Aircraft in National Parks Page