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Drone Rules for Indiana Dunes National Park

Porter, Indiana (IN) • United States
Porter, IN 46304, USA
Lat: 41.6533 • Lng: -87.0524
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Indiana Dunes National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park's proximity to Chicago makes it the most visited NPS unit in the Midwest per unit area, and it lies directly under Chicago's complex Class B airspace.

Drone Rules - Indiana Dunes National Park

All drone operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Chicago O'Hare Class B airspace creates an additional hard ceiling on any drone operations in this area.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Gary/Chicago International Airport (KGYY) Class D lies adjacent to the park boundary
  • Chicago O'Hare (KORD) Class B shelf descends over the Indiana Dunes area
  • Chicago Midway (KMDW) Class C lies ~20 miles west across Lake Michigan
  • Park spans 15,349 acres along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline

Key Rules

  • No drone launches or operations within park boundaries
  • Gary LAANC required for airspace compliance; O'Hare Class B may require additional authorization
  • Piping Plover (ESA threatened) beaches are posted and patrolled May-August
  • Indiana state law prohibits UAS over state and national park units

Source

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