Indiana Dunes National Park to Start Charging Fees
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The Indiana Dunes National Park is going to start charging an entrance fee starting March 31. The National Park Service says the is fee is necessary to help pay for improvements and repairs to the park, which has seen a dramatic increase in visitors since 2019.
NPS says annual attendance has increased from 1.7 million to more than 3 million over the past three years. It became a national park in 2019, having been previously a national lakeshore.
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.
“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 park superintendent Paul Labovitz. “Stepping up our maintenance and public safety is needed as well as expanding our role in bringing new amenities forward.”
The fees vary depending on how you enter the park. A biker or walker would pay $15.00. Visitors can also purchase a one-to-seven day vehicle pass for $25.00. An annual pass runs $45.00.
Click here to learn about specific fees.