Indiana Dunes National Park has sandy beaches, wooded hiking trails, rivers full of fish, and a dark night sky full of stars. It’s the perfect place to get away from the everyday stress of life, where you can find relaxing views day and night.
Can you go to the Great Sand Dunes at night?
Half the park is after dark! Night at Great Sand Dunes can include dunes exploration under a bright full moon, viewing thousands of stars on a clear moonless night, listening for owls along the foothills, or observing migrating amphibians on a wet night.
Can you watch the sunset at Indiana Dunes?
Dig the Dunes Trail Stop
You can also pop by to watch the sunset after hiking the nearby trail. In the summer at the Portage Lakefront’s pavilion, the Indiana Dunes National Park hosts “Sunsets Around the Fire” events where you can roast marshmallows in the pavilion’s fireplace.
What time is it in Indiana Dunes?
Summer hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time (Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend). Winter hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time.
How late can you swim at Indiana Dunes?
There are several beach parking lots along the Indiana Dunes National Park. All beaches and parking lots are open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and have potable water and restrooms. Additionally, West Beach has showers and lifeguards from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
Can you see the Milky Way at Indiana dunes?
If you’re a city dweller, you’ll take solace in the quiet and wonder you will find here. On a clear night, both avid and amateur stargazers can find a number of star clusters, galaxies, meteoroid showers and constellations. One of the darkest spots along the lakeshore is Kemil Beach at the Indiana Dunes National Park.
When should I go to sand dunes?
The dunes start to get hot on later May afternoons, and could reach 150 degrees F. Always plan your dunes time for early morning or evening to avoid burning sand, high winds, or thunderstorms with lightning. The Medano Pass Primitive Road usually opens by late May.
Is Indiana Dunes worth the trip?
The park also surrounds the smaller Indiana Dunes State Park, which unlike the national park has a small entrance fee. It’s worth visiting both, as the state park is home to some of the highest dunes over the lake.
Is the Chicago skyline visible from the Indiana Dunes?
From Indiana’s shoreline you can see Chicago’s skyline in the distance – Picture of Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton.
Which is better Indiana Dunes or Warren Dunes?
The nature center at Indiana dunes is very nice. The sites are deeper and have better grass. At Warren dunes the dunes are nicer the beach is huge and a long walk from the parking lot(a LOOONG way from the campground) We drive from the campground to the beach lot and spend the day then drive back to the campground.
Why are the Indiana Dunes closed?
Douglas Center for Environmental Education is now closed due to hazard bridge conditions crossing Lake Street from the Douglas Center. Please note: Open status and hours of operation are subject to change if there is a change in the Indiana Covid 19 pandemic status.
Can you drive on the Indiana Dunes?
If you love 4×4’s, 4 wheelers, dune buggies and the like, this is a great place for a visit. The dunes are beautiful and you can drive them.
What should I bring to the Indiana Dunes?
Important essentials for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, United States of America
- A vaccine card protector. Vaccine cards often wear away.
- Travel disinfecting wipes. Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
- N95 masks to use in crowded airports.
- Kids’ KN95 masks.
- Travel insurance.
- Hand sanitizer.
Which is better Indiana Dunes or Michigan dunes?
Indiana Dunes has more diversity, but for sheer beauty and remoteness this park easily beats the Indiana Dunes in my book. I was traveling on business to South Bend, and this park is about 35 minutes away.
Can you drink alcohol at Indiana Dunes?
Alcohol. Alcohol is strictly forbidden at Indiana Dunes State Park and in all youth camps and at all beaches. Daily visitors and campers at all DNR properties are asked to be responsible when consuming alcohol.
How cold is the water at Indiana Dunes?
The average sea temperature for Indiana Dunes on August 11th over the last 10 years is 23.25° C (73.85° F), with a low temperature of 22.21° C (71.98° F) and a high of 24.82° C (76.68° F).
Where can I stargaze in Indiana?
Learn more:
- Indiana Dunes National Park. Kemil Beach. East State Park Road, Beverly Shores.
- Calumet Astronomy Center. Thomas Conway Observatory. 19100 Chase Street, Lowell.
- Challenger Learning Center. 2300 173rd Street, Hammond.
Can you see the stars in Indiana Dunes?
Kemil Beach is one of the darkest locations in the national park and is ideal for stargazing. This program is outside so please dress for the weather. While telescopes will be available, feel free to bring binoculars or your own telescope from home.
Where can you see stars in Indiana?
Stargaze at the darkest public night sky in Indiana. The Wabash Valley Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up for visitors to use. Park visitors can usually see stars, constellations, planets and the Milky Way on clear nights.
What do you wear to the dunes?
Bring a hat, gloves, wool socks, and a warm jacket for the night year round, because temperatures can drop. For sun and sand protection, pack a sun hat, sun gloves, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt with UPF sun protection, and a bandana or lightweight face and neck cover like a Buff or Discrete neck buff.
What should I wear to sand dunes?
Make sure you wear dune-appropriate attire for the activity you’re partaking in. With surface temperatures that soar to 150°F (66°C) in the summer, wearing something heavy like jeans could be miserable. Instead, wear something light and airy paired with sandals to protect your feet from the blistering sand.