Indiana Dunes: Tolleston Dunes Trail Closed for Chainsaw Clearing

If you were planning a walk on the Tolleston Dunes Trail, it's worth knowing before you make the drive: the loop is closed right now. Chainsaw crews are working the route to clear the path, and the park is projecting a reopening in the next one to two weeks. Nothing's guaranteed to the day, since this kind of job depends on trail conditions and weather, but everything points to a quick return to normal.

So what does that mean for your visit? The Tolleston Dunes area, known for its old stabilized dunes and sandy savanna plants, is off your hiking list for now. If your trip lands right in this window, don't build your day around this one trail. Keep it as a nice bonus if it works out, not a fixed point in your plans.

Why a full closure instead of a simple detour around the work? Because chainsaw clearing isn't a minor operation. Crews are felling, cutting, and moving trunks, often right next to where hikers pass. As long as the work's underway, letting the public through would be a needless risk. So the closure is a safety call, just until the crews finish up.

Here's our advice: before you head out, check the trail's status that same day, because a "one to two weeks" estimate can slip either way. And don't limit yourself to this one stretch. Indiana Dunes packs beach, forest, and wetlands into a single area, and plenty of routes stay wide open during the work. To build a solid plan B and figure out what to see first, lean on the Indiana Dunes park guide, which will help you put together a great day without Tolleston Dunes.