PHOTO COURTESY OF INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK
Starting March 31, Indiana Dunes National Park will start charging an entrance fee, a change recently approved by the National Park Service. The park has seen a large increase in visitors since its designation as a national park in 2019, and revenue from the fee will help fund the Marquette Greenway Bike Trail, parking and transportation improvements, and visitor services.
“This is a positive step to keep the park accessible, safe and vibrant for all, while allowing us to grow and meet the increased needs of our visitors,” says park Superintendent Paul Labovitz. “Out of town guests expect a fee at most places they visit and everyone can obtain an annual pass for what might be the best bargain in town. Stepping up our maintenance and public safety is needed as well as expanding our role in bringing new amenities forward. Thank you in advance for your support.”
The new fee applies to the national park and does not change the fee collected by the state for Indiana Dunes State Park. For individuals walking, biking or boating into the national park, rates will be $15 per person, with a maximum of $25 per family. Motorcycle passes will cost $20, one to seven day vehicle passes $25, annual passes $45, and the commercial fee for Motor Coaches will be up to $100.
Holders of the following federal land passes will not pay an entrance fee: Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Veterans, Military and Gold Star Family Pass, 4th Grade Pass, Access Pass (for permanent disability), and the Volunteer Pass. Annual passes will be available for purchase starting March 1, with day and annual passes available for purchase at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, the Paul H Douglas Center, and seasonally at the West Beach Entrance Station or online at recreation.gov.
