83°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
20
Porter County, IN · Great Lakes
Indiana Dunes National Park
1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304
The 61st U.S. national park (redesignated from a national lakeshore in 2019) — 15 miles of southern Lake Michigan shoreline with massive dunes, the historic Century of Progress Houses (1933 Chicago World's Fair pavilions moved here), and access to West Beach (the closest national park beach to Chicago).
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
67% rain · Thunderstorms · NWS alert active
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 5pm, then patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny. High near 83, with temperatures falling to around 76 in the afternoon. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Patchy smoke and a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then areas of smoke and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- 67% rain — rain likely at some point
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- NWS alert active — beach hazards statement issued july 18 at 3:04pm cdt until july 19 at 10:00am cdt by nws chicago il
18 /100
skip
28 Sunbathe
0 Walk
23 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Beach Hazard Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 3:04PM CDT until July 19 at 10:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...High wave action and dangerous currents expected at Lake Michigan beaches. Waves 4 to 7 ft expected. * WHERE...In Illinois, Lake, Northern Cook and Central Cook Counties. In Indiana, Lake and Porter Counties. * WHEN...From 7 PM CDT this evening through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers. For information on swim advisories or bans at Chicago beaches: www. cpdbeaches. com.
Weather alert in effect
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 12:31PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 12:13AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Clear
Wind
10 to 15 mph
N
Rain
67%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
75°F
Areas Of Smoke
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · E. coli
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:29 AM
Sunset
9:19 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
75°
Areas Of Smoke
0%
79
83°
Mostly Sunny
3%
84
80°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
73%
18
71°
Sunny
2%
75
76°
Sunny
0%
85
78°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
77
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 10 to 15 mph wind
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 67% chance of rain
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
NPS lots; vehicle pass required at West Beach and Dunbar Beach.
Dogs
Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.
Entry Fee
$25/vehicle 7-day pass.
Address
1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Indiana Dunes National Park today?
Indiana Dunes National Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Indiana Dunes National Park dog-friendly?
Dogs allowed leashed on most beaches and trails.
Is there an entry fee at Indiana Dunes National Park?
$25/vehicle 7-day pass.
Are there lifeguards at Indiana Dunes National Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Indiana Dunes National Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Amenities at Indiana Dunes National Park include restrooms, showers (West Beach), visitor center, hiking trails, campground (state park).
When is the water warmest at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.
Where is Indiana Dunes National Park located?
Indiana Dunes National Park is in Porter County, IN, at 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS