Birding at Indiana Dunes National Park

Visitors taking photos and spotting birds in the Great Marsh with a ranger.

Jeff Manuszak

Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the national park is an important feeding and resting area for migrating birds. Lake Michigan influences the migration patterns of bird species. During the fall migration, southbound birds follow the north-south shoreline and are funneled into the Indiana Dunes. The large expanse of open water and miles of shoreline also attract large numbers of wintering birds.

The Indiana Dunes provides an excellent opportunity for birders to see a variety of bird species. Birders can observe hawks during migration from the top of a sand dune, watch waterfowl with a spotting scope from the shoreline, or look for wetland birds in remnant sections of the Great Marsh. Whether you have beginner or advanced identification skills, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great place for birders.

The national park plays an important role in the annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, which take place the third weekend in May. This incredible four-day event showcases dozens of birding spots around the region with expert led outings.

Additional information about birds and bird watching around the Indiana Dunes can be found here.

Details

Activity

Birdwatching

Stroll along the 1.3 mile trail for some wonderful birding or just relax at the overlook and let the birds come to you for some great bird watching. The Great Marsh is a favorite spot for wetland wildlife. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

Yes

See Fees and Passes for details. 
Fees & Passes - Indiana Dunes National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Location

Great Marsh

Great Marsh is a great place for birding and bird watching. It has a 1.3 mile trail through the wetland which is host to a variety of birds. You are sure to spot birds along the magnificient Lake Michigan watershed. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The Great Marsh has an accessible parking lot and trail that leads to an overlook.