Entrance fees are coming to Indiana Dunes National Park on March 31/NPS file

A name change has brought nearly twice as many visitors to Indiana Dunes National Park, and that increase has led to an entrance fee being charged for the park, beginning at the end of March.

The fee, which ranges from $15 for walking into the park to $45 for an annual pass, is viewed as a way to fund the Marquette Greenway Bike Trail, parking and transportation improvements, and visitor services for Indiana Dunes.

As far as visitation, attendance to the park has jumped from 1.7 million visitors to more than 3 million since its name change in February of 2019. This new fee only affects the national park and does not change the fee collected by the state for entrance into the Indiana Dunes State Park.   

The fees vary depending on the method used to enter the national park. The per person/walk-in/bike-in/boat-in rate: $15 (up to a maximum of $25 per family), Motorcycle Pass: $20, One to Seven-Day Vehicle Pass: $25, Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass: $45 and Commercial Fee for a Motor Coach (Bus): 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.   
  
The Indiana Dunes National Park Entrance Pass (1-7 days) and the Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass will be available for purchase at the following locations: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, the Paul H Douglas Center, and seasonally at the West Beach Entrance Station or online at www.recreation.gov. The park’s Annual Pass will be available for purchase beginning March 1 and the Entrance Pass will be available on the first day fees are collected; March 31. 
  
“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,” said 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.”