Protected Natural Landscape Expanded: Indiana Dunes National Park Now Encompasses More Coastal Wetlands and Sand Dunes
Indiana Dunes National Park, located in northwestern Indiana, offers a wealth of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes just 50 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois. The park, which covers approximately 15,000 acres, was established as a national lakeshore in 1966 and redesignated as Indiana Dunes National Park in 2019.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Picnicking is a popular pastime at several beaches, with tables, grills, and picnic shelters available. For those seeking a more primitive camping experience, backcountry camping is available in designated areas within the park's wilderness area.
The park's diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies, support a rich diversity of bird species, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers. Some of the popular hiking trails in the park include the West Beach 3-Loop Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods), Dune Ridge Trail, Mount Baldy Trail, Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Trail, and Bailly Homestead/Chellberg Farm Trail.
Sunbathing and sunset watching are popular activities on the park's sandy beaches, with many offering expansive stretches of shoreline and prime viewing spots for the setting sun at west-facing beaches. Swimming opportunities are available at designated beaches during summer months, with lifeguards present for added safety.
For those who enjoy water sports, fishing is possible from the shore of Lake Michigan, with common catches including salmon, trout, bass, and perch. Visitors should be aware of posted warnings for water conditions and potential rip currents.
Camping options at Indiana Dunes National Park include front-country and backcountry camping, with amenities available at the Dunewood Campground. Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches in the park, and wood and charcoal fires are not permitted on all beaches, but designated grills are available at Lake View Beach and West Beach.
The closest major airport to Indiana Dunes National Park is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), located approximately 35 miles northwest of the park. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is another major airport located approximately 65 miles northwest of the park, offering numerous flight options. South Bend International Airport (SBN), located approximately an hour east of the park, is another convenient option for visitors.
Rental cars are available at these airports, which is essential for convenient travel to and around Indiana Dunes National Park due to its location and spread-out attractions. Visitors should check the weather forecast before visiting the park and plan activities accordingly.
For more information, visit the park's official website at https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm. Follow park regulations and safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Indiana Dunes National Park.
- At Indiana Dunes National Park, you can explore a rich variety of landscapes just 50 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois.
- The park's terrain ranges from sandy beaches to sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies.
- Exploring the park's diverse ecosystems is rewarding, with a rich diversity of bird species.
- Popular hiking trails in the park include West Beach 3-Loop Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, and the Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods).
- Sunbathing and sunset watching are popular activities on the park's sandy beaches, with prime spots at west-facing beaches.
- Swimming opportunities are available at designated beaches during the summer months, with lifeguards present for added safety.
- Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines from the shore of Lake Michigan, with common catches including salmon, trout, bass, and perch.
- For a more primitive camping experience, backcountry camping is available in designated areas within the park's wilderness area.
- Front-country camping is also available with amenities at the Dunewood Campground.
- Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches in the park, and wood and charcoal fires are not permitted on all beaches.
- The closest major airport to Indiana Dunes National Park is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), located approximately 35 miles northwest of the park.
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is another major airport located approximately 65 miles northwest of the park.
- South Bend International Airport (SBN), located approximately an hour east of the park, is another convenient option for visitors.
- Rental cars are essential for traveling to and around Indiana Dunes National Park due to its location and spread-out attractions.
- The park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
- Picnicking is a popular activity, with tables, grills, and picnic shelters available at several beaches.
- Campsites offer views of the lakes, forests, and trails, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow park regulations and safety guidelines, and check the weather forecast before visiting the park and planning activities accordingly.
