Washington to Indiana Dunes National Park

Updated: March 30, 2024 07:30 PM

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Washington to Indiana Dunes National Park

Language

The official language of the United States is English.

Currency

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar ($).

Distance

The distance from Washington, D.C. to Indiana Dunes National Park is approximately 600 miles.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Indiana Dunes National Park from Washington, D.C.

• By car: The most direct route is to take I-95 north to Baltimore, then I-83 north to Harrisburg, and finally I-80 west to Indiana Dunes National Park. The drive takes approximately 10 hours.
• By train: Amtrak offers a direct train from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, which takes approximately 12 hours. From Chicago, you can take a connecting train to Dune Park, which is located just outside of Indiana Dunes National Park.
• By plane: There are several airports in the Chicago area that are within driving distance of Indiana Dunes National Park. The closest airport is Midway International Airport (MDW), which is located approximately 45 minutes from the park. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is another option, and it is located approximately 1 hour from the park.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Indiana Dunes National Park varies depending on your travel style and budget.

• Park entrance fee: $25 per vehicle
• Camping: $20 per night
• Food: $20-$50 per day
• Gas: $50-$100 per day
• Activities: $0-$100 per day

Best time to go

The best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, the park is also beautiful in the spring and fall, when the leaves are changing color. Winter can be a good time to visit if you enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes located within Indiana Dunes National Park, as well as in the nearby towns of Chesterton and Porter.

• The Dunes Cafe: Located in the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, the Dunes Cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups.
• The Portage Inn: Located just outside of the park, the Portage Inn is a historic restaurant that serves American cuisine.
• The Lighthouse Restaurant: Located in Chesterton, the Lighthouse Restaurant offers seafood and steak dishes.

Where to Go

There are many things to see and do in Indiana Dunes National Park.

• Visit the beaches: Indiana Dunes National Park is home to 15 miles of sandy beaches. You can swim, sunbathe, or walk along the shore.
• Hike the trails: The park has over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. You can hike through the dunes, forests, and wetlands.
• Visit the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education: The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is a great place to learn about the natural history of Indiana Dunes National Park. The center offers exhibits, programs, and classes for all ages.
• Take a boat tour: You can take a boat tour of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore from the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor.

FAQ

• What is the best way to get to Indiana Dunes National Park from Washington, D.C.?
• The best way to get to Indiana Dunes National Park from Washington, D.C. is by car. The drive takes approximately 10 hours.
• How much does it cost to enter Indiana Dunes National Park?
• The entrance fee for Indiana Dunes National Park is $25 per vehicle.
• What are the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park?
• The best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park include visiting the beaches, hiking the trails, and visiting the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

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