– Looking to avoid crowds? Enjoy the national lakeshore in spring and fall to avoid the summer crowds. Check out the spring wildflowers on the Heron Rookery Trail or the fall colors on the Glenwood Dunes Trail. There are usually fewer visitors mid-week during any time of the year.
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.
Where is the best place to see Indiana Dunes?
Indiana Dunes State Park Beach
The state park beach is one of the most popular in the Indiana Dunes. When you see a picture of the Indiana Dunes online with a large pavilion building near the shore, that’s the Indiana Dunes State Park. The entrance is at the north end of State Road 49, which makes it easy to find.
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.
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.
Are there bears in Indiana Dunes?
Extirpated mammals include the common porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), the gray wolf (Canis lupus), the red wolf (Canis rufus), the black bear (Ursus americanus), the fisher (Pekania pennanti), the cougar (Puma concolor), the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), the bobcat (Lynx rufus), the elk (Cervus canadensis), and the
Is Warren Dunes or Indiana Dunes better?
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.
Which Indiana Dunes Beach is least crowded?
That is, all but one. West Beach, part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, rarely fills up. The National Park Service wants to remind visitors that they can often find a parking spot at West Beach when other lots are full.
What is the least crowded beach at Indiana Dunes?
Hidden Beach in the Middle of Indiana Dunes. Great beach which is not crowded like the official Dunes Beaches or those in Michigan City. The west end (tamarack beach) is better than the east, but the closest you can park without a residents pass is up the hill on Diana.
How do I spend a day at Indiana Dunes National Park?
How to spend 1 day at Indiana Dunes National Park
- Start at the visitor center. They don’t yet have a permanent national park sign.
- Hiking in the dunes. Sunset atop a sand dune.
- Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk.
- Go for a swim.
- See the Century of Progress Homes.
- Watch a beachy sunset.
Is Sand Dunes National Park worth it?
The Sand Dunes are a bit off the beaten track, and not easy to just “drop by”, but totally worth it. Rent a sand sled from the Oasis shop, about 4 miles prior to the entrance. Not much else is nearby so bring food, snacks, and anything else you might need – plan ahead and you’ll enjoy the day!
How do you dress for the sand 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 shoes should I wear with sand dunes?
Sand surface temperatures can reach over 150° F on summer afternoons; plan to hike early morning or evening in summer months to avoid burned feet and potential heat exhaustion. If you must walk on the dunes on a summer afternoon, be sure to take boots or tennis shoes (sandals are not adequate) .
What town is Indiana Dunes near?
Porter. The “Gateway to the Dunes,” Porter offers a sandy beach, beautiful parks, famous local restaurants, and premier access to the Indiana Dunes National Park’s most iconic and historic sites.
What is special about Indiana Dunes National Park?
Hiking Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes is home to one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the nation. Hiking is a great way to explore these fascinating landscape. Traverse over 50 miles of trails that lead you through shorelines, dunes, wetlands, prairies, river systems, oak savannahs, cultural sites and more.
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.
Are there grizzly bears in Indiana?
There aren’t any Grizzly Bears but the last reported Black Bear sighting was in 2018 near New Albany in southern Indiana.
Are there any mountain lions in Indiana?
Indiana has no breeding population of mountain lions. However, data collected by the Cougar Network and other states over the past decade suggest mountain lions are appearing outside their traditional Western range. This may be the result of an increase in mountain lion numbers in Western states.
Are there moose in Indiana?
The last time a moose was documented in the state was about 5 years ago in Northern Indiana. In this case, a trail camera captured four shots of the animal in the Southern Indiana private park. IDNR says the animal walked past the camera on December 26th.
How much does it cost to enter Warren Dunes?
$9 per car
Yes, $9 per car for non-residents. They only take cash at the entrance but you can drive over a bit to the ranger’s office and pay credit there. over a year ago. Yes, the entrance fee is per car, not per person.
Can you swim in the Indiana Dunes?
The only beach with lifeguards is West Beach. Parents and guardians must keep a constant watch of children in the water. Stay out of the water when there are high, breaking waves and rip currents.