Wheelchair Accessibility at Indiana Dunes National Park: A Complete Guide
The year that I visited, 2019, this place had just newly become a national park. I was only able to stay one night, but I’d love to return someday and explore more. In the brief time that I was there, this is what I learned about the accessibility at Indiana Sand Dunes National Park.
In this post, I’ll give you a complete guide to visiting the park, wheelchair accessible things to do at Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, and let you know if it’s worth visiting. So, keep reading for all you need to know about this park.
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Is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes! Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is wheelchair accessible. While there are some limitations to the accessibility at Indiana Sand Dunes National Park due to the sandy terrain, the park has made efforts to make it wheelchair accessible. You can find accessible places to stay, accessible views and even adaptive wheelchairs for hiking. Keep reading for more information.
Where is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park?
Located in northwest Indiana on the shores of Lake Michigan, this once national scenic lakeshore was designated a national park in 2019. Nearby towns include Gary, Indiana. The park is easily accessed whether you are driving or flying into the state.
Getting to Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
Driving to Indiana Sand Dunes
If you are driving to the park, whether as part of a larger road trip or as the primary destination, there are two routes that travel next to the park. You can either drive on Interstate 94 or take Route 12. Both will bring you near the park for easy access.
Pro Tip: If you are making Indiana Sand Dunes National Park a stop on a larger road trip, consider adding nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.
Flying to Indiana Sand Dunes
If you are short of time and decide to fly to the park, there are three airports to choose from that are in proximity to the area. Deciding which airport is best will vary based on available flights, price, availability of rental cars and distance you want to drive.
South Bend International Airport (SBN)
Located about 43 miles away from the park, this is the closest airport available. Air carriers may be limited.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Approximately 51 miles from the park, this airport is the intermediate option.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Farthest away from the park at 64 miles, this is the closest major airport offering the best choice in flights and airlines. Rental cars should also be easy to find.
Vehicle Rentals Near Indiana Sand Dunes
If you are flying to the park, your best bet will be to use a rental car company at or near the airport you are flying into. Many of the major brand names are available.
Check Rental Car Availability for Your Trip
Accessibility at Indiana Sand Dunes National Park: Where to Stay
Camping Near Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
Dunewood Campground
Since we were camping, we stayed at the Dunewood Campground located within the park itself. This campground offers electricity and a dump station. Sites 15, 30, 41 and 55 are ADA sites. This is a convenient way to enjoy the park as you are close to all it has to offer.
Best Hotels for Visiting Indiana Sand Dunes
Comfort Inn and Suites Porter
This is a budget friendly hotel located very close to the park. Accessible rooms have a roll-in shower, king bed, microwave, and refrigerator. This property is also close to restaurants.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Portage, an IHG Hotel
This hotel has accessible rooms with the choice of a roll-in shower or accessible bathtub. Your room price includes free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, and a microwave. This is also near the park.
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do at Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
Admittedly, because I was there for only one night (and we got there late) I couldn’t try most of these activities for myself but learned of them from a friendly ranger. I would absolutely love to go back and experience these activities.
I did a mostly accessible trail that went from the campground to the beach. Part of the trail was a boardwalk and part of it was mostly compacted sandy dirt. I didn’t get to explore the beach much because it was late in the evening and packed as there was fireworks show about to happen on the 4th of July.
1. Visitor Center
This accessible center offers exhibits and displays as well as two short films. It’s a wonderful place to start your stay to get up-to-date information about the park. If you like collecting national park stamps in your national park’s passport book, then this is the place to get your stamp.
2. Portage Lakefront and River Walk
This paved trail offers the opportunity for an accessible “hike”, an accessible pavilion, and a pier. At .9 miles in length, this short and mostly accessible walk (there is a set of stairs at the southern end of the boardwalk) allows visitors to enjoy lake views.
To access the trail, use one of the three paved parking lots located at 100 Riverwalk Road, Portage, IN 46368. Using the first parking lot will give you the most hiking distance as you would have to turn around and hike back the way you came to avoid the steps.
3. Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
This is a major hub for accessible activities. There is an accessible trail here allowing you to see a marsh. Also, here is where you can sign out a variety of adaptive equipment.
Be sure to check to see what ranger lead activities are available for the day of your visit. Ranger programs are a great way to get more information on the park as well as the flora, fauna and wildlife that reside within it. Accessible restrooms are available here.
4. West Beach
Want to spend a relaxing day at the beach? Then head to West Beach in Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. There is a ramp to the sand, and you can sign out a beach wheelchair to use from the lifeguards or ask staff at the entrance gate.
The beach wheelchair is only available on a first come first serve basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
5. Lake View Picnic Area
This is an accessible picnic area with great views of the lake. Although the beach itself is not accessible here, you can still enjoy relaxing views while you picnic. Accessible parking and restrooms are also available.
Other accessible picnic areas with views are: Bailly Chellberg, Tremont, Glenwood Dunes and Tolleston Dunes Overlook.
6. Take a Ride on an Accessible Trail
By using one of the adaptive wheelchairs for hiking that Indiana Sand Dunes National Park offers, you can access more trails to explore. There are guidelines in place for which device can be taken on which trails, but all this information can be found when checking out the adaptive wheelchairs.
Accessible Trails and Bikeways in Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
The following trails and bikeways are accessible when using one of the adaptive wheelchairs for hiking and adaptive bikes offered by the park.
- Paul H. Douglas trail
- Harbor Belt
- Lake Street to the Lake Street Beach
- Marquette bike trail
- Octave Chanute bike trail
Adaptive Wheelchairs for Hiking at Indiana Sand Dunes and Other Adapted Equipment
As I mentioned earlier, the park provides a variety of adaptive wheelchairs for hiking as well as other adaptive equipment such as hand bikes. The following adaptive wheelchairs and equipment can be signed out for use at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. To reserve in advance, call (219) 395-1821.
*Freedom Trax
An all-terrain attachment that connects to your wheelchair and will allow you to go over moderate inclines. While this device connects to most manual wheelchairs, if for some reason yours is not compatible, the national park has one that you can borrow. It is not allowed on the beaches or sand dunes. Battery lasts approximately 3 hours.
*Hippocampe Blue Blazer
A youth wheelchair for rougher terrain designed for children with mobility and upper-body support issues. It comes equipped with head stabilizers and tires suitable to be used on easy to moderate trails. This chair is not motorized and requires someone to push it.
*GRIT Freedom Chair
A great wheelchair for hiking that may be pushed or operated manually by the user via propulsion handles. This trail can be used on easy to moderate trails and is capable of ascending moderate inclines. It is recommended that this chair is used by someone with reasonable upper-body strength and also requires a chaperone.
Zoom Chair
A motorized four wheeled device that has features such as forward, reverse, three speeds, headlights, and a parking brake. This awesome device can handle moderate inclines and go on the beach. For adult use only.
*HUKA Orion Twin Tandem
A two-person, side-by-side tricycle that can be operated by one or two users via pedals. It is also equipped with a three-speed assistive motor. This machine operates on wide, paved pathways such as streets and bike trails. It cannot be used on hiking trails or sand.
*Hand Tricycle
A single-person, manually powered trike that is propelled using handles. It is limited to flat surfaces such as roads and bike trails.
Is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park Worth Visiting?
While wheelchair accessibility may be limited, Indiana Sand Dunes offers beautiful views and accessible things to do. It is definitely worth a visit to enjoy what this area has to offer. Especially if you are on a mission to visit as many national parks as possible.
Indiana Sand Dunes: When to Visit
For the best weather and availability of accessible services, plan to visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day during the summer. Spring and Fall may see fewer crowds, but some items like the beach wheelchairs and wheelchairs adapted for hiking may not be available during this time.
Pro Tip: The sand gets VERY hot during the summer so plan to protect your feet by wearing appropriate shoes. In addition, if traveling with pets (which is allowed here) keep this in mind and take steps to protect their paws as well.
For more tips on planning your national park trip, check out this post!
How Much Time to Spend at Indiana Sand Dunes
You could enjoy much of what the park has to offer in a full day. If you want a little more time here for a more relaxing visit, then two days should be plenty. I’ll even give you my recommended one-day itinerary to give you an idea of how to spend your time here.
Indiana Sand Dunes 1 Day Itinerary
- Your first stop should be the visitor center to check out the exhibits, short park film, and to see if there are any ranger programs available for the day.
- Next, head to the Portage Lake Front for an easy and accessible hike along the lake. If you enjoy bird watching, the pier found here is a fantastic place to look for local birds.
- Have a picnic lunch at the Lake View picnic area. You’ll have scenic views while you enjoy your meal at an accessible table.
- Check out more of the views from accessible overlooks.
- Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at West Beach. See the lifeguards to sign out a beach wheelchair to allow you to make the most of your afternoon.
Indiana Sand Dunes 2 Day Itinerary
For day one, follow the above itinerary. Spending two days in the park will allow you to do more trails by using some of the adapted wheelchairs for hiking and other adaptive equipment. When you get tired or need a break, head back to West Beach to relax in the sun.
Accessibility at Indiana Sand Dunes: Packing List
These are my must have items when visiting Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. For a more detailed post on my list of essential items for your national park trip, check out this post.
Bug Spray
Ticks and mosquitos can quickly ruin a vacation. Protect yourself from these annoying creatures (which are found within the park) by using appropriate prevention. Off Deep Woods will help keep the biting insects away so you can enjoy your time in the park.
Sunscreen
Anytime you spend time in the sun, you should take steps to protect yourself from burns and help prevent skin cancer. When you are the beach or by the water, this can be especially important.
Water Shoes
Even if you are unable to walk, water shoes can still help to protect your feet from getting burned. For those with limited mobility, water shoes keep your feet from burning in the hot sand and can stay on your feet if you choose to get in the water. This brand is great because it’s easy to pack and doesn’t take up a lot of room in your luggage.
Final Thoughts on Wheelchair Accessibility at Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
One of America’s new national parks, Indiana Dunes has put in quite a bit of effort to make this park accessible to all. Accessible trails and adaptive equipment make for a wonderful experience. I can’t wait to go back and explore more, and now maybe it will be on your bucket list as well.
