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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/30/2026Indiana Dunes NP--Long Lake1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/27/2026Indiana Dunes SP1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/26/202630 East 67th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana, US (41.497, -87.334)1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/26/2026Pine Station Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

15/29/2026

Caspian Tern

15/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/27/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/25/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

15/25/2026

American Redstart

15/25/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

15/25/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/25/2026

Wild Turkey

45/25/2026

Common Gallinule

15/23/2026

Sandhill Crane

45/22/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/22/2026

Northern Flicker

15/22/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/22/2026

Tree Swallow

25/22/2026

Northern House Wren

15/22/2026

European Starling

25/22/2026

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.