Sand dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline at Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

May

Entrance Fee

$25 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Hours

Open 24 hours; visitor center 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About This Location

Indiana Dunes National Park on the southern shore of Lake Michigan hosts remarkable biodiversity in a compact area, with over 350 bird species recorded. The diverse habitats include beaches, dunes, bogs, forests, and wetlands that attract migrating songbirds and waterbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Oak Savannah Trail Tail1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/13/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

4/12/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Smith's Longspur

Calcarius pictus

4/12/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower2 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/11/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Picnic Area1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

4/11/2026SR-49 S, Valparaiso US-IN (41.5537,-87.0469)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/9/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/7/2026334 East Beam Street, Porter, Indiana, US (41.619, -87.073)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/4/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/4/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/16/2026

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Mallard

24/16/2026

Northern Pintail

14/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

34/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

24/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/16/2026

European Starling

14/16/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/16/2026

American Robin

54/16/2026

Song Sparrow

34/16/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

194/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/16/2026

Mute Swan

14/16/2026

Gadwall

44/16/2026

Virginia Rail

14/16/2026

American Coot

54/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Hike the Heron Rookery trail for breeding warblers

  2. 2

    Check the lakefront in fall for migrating raptors and waterbirds

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park for birding?
The best months to visit Indiana Dunes National Park for birding are May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Notable species at Indiana Dunes National Park include Connecticut Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Cerulean Warbler, Common Gallinule, Caspian Tern, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Crow, Northern Shoveler, Canada Goose. The area supports coastal, forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Birding at Indiana Dunes National Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Indiana Dunes National Park?
The entrance fee at Indiana Dunes National Park is $25 per vehicle (7-day pass). Hours: Open 24 hours; visitor center 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Indiana Dunes National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.