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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026US-IN-Chesterton-1193 Morningside Dr - 41.6259x-87.06222 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/17/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/17/2026Indiana Dunes SP--Observation Tower1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

224/18/2026

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

164/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/18/2026

Killdeer

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

Tree Swallow

24/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/18/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/18/2026

American Robin

24/18/2026

American Goldfinch

44/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/18/2026

Common Grackle

24/18/2026

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.