Indiana Dunes National Park guide · 1 min read
Getting There: Visitor Center, Route 49, US 12
Coming from Interstate 94, take exit 26 north. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center sits on Indiana State Road 49, between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94, at 1215 Indiana State Road 49 in Porter.
The park lies about 50 miles southeast of Chicago.
Drivers on the Indiana Toll Road, which also carries Interstate 80 and Interstate 90, should take exit 31 north. Most of the park's facilities can be reached from U.S. Highway 12. Large brown signs along nearby highways guide you to the park's separate areas, so keep watch on the roadside as you approach.
Stop at the visitor center first to get your bearings. A ranger can explain where things are, what there is to do, which programs are running, and what sights sit nearby. Grab brochures on the park, Porter County, and Indiana Dunes State Park, then settle in for the two short orientation videos. An activity room and artist exhibits are also inside.
America the Beautiful recreation passes are available here, including annual, access, active military, and senior versions. You can also get a National Parks Passport cancellation stamp, and the Eastern National bookstore is inside. Parking is handled by a 100-vehicle lot, with room set aside for buses and RVs.
