Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
On Lake Michigan's southern shore, the Indiana Dunes rise as high as 180 feet above the water. The lakeshore encompasses a modest 15,000 acres, yet it is ranked seventh among national parks in native plant diversity. Visitors can explore white- and black-oak savannas, sedge meadows, tall grass prairies, swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens. And of course, let's not forget the 25 miles of white-sand beaches and wandering dunes such as Mount Baldy, where hang-glider pilots launch themselves toward the sun like modern-day Icaruses. Read More »
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Highlights
- On Lake Michigan's south shore, the Indiana Dunes rise as high as 180 feet above the water. The lakeshore encompasses a modest 15,000 acres, yet it is ranked seventh among national parks in native plant diversity.
- How many times have you heard "stay off the dunes!"? At Indiana Dunes, you can clamber up two designated dune climbs, at West Beach and Mount Baldy. Mount Baldy is the largest wandering dune in the region and a top launch site for hang gliders.
- The trails that crisscross the dunes in Indiana Dunes State Park—contained within the National Lakeshore—are a popular place to spot migrating passerines in calm winds. In the summer, watch for whippoorwills in the same area. Start at the Dune Ridge trailhead on East State Park Road off of Highway 20.
- The National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes State Park, and commercial campgrounds offer camping. Dunewood Campground in the National Lakeshore has restrooms, showers, and 54 drive-in and 25 walk-in sites.
- For a day hike showcasing the region's diversity, the three loops of the Cowles Bog trail offer up to five miles of trail through cedar stands, sand dunes, and wetlands.
- Designated swimming areas make for a great place to cool off after a long day on the trail.
- It's a short mile and a half trek across shifting sands to get up and down Mount Baldy. At 126 feet, it's the largest moving sand dune in the park. A nearby spur trail leads to the beach.
- Horseback riding, camping, and fishing are also very popular at the lakeshore.
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Travel Q&A
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What You Can Do in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
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Parks Near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
- Illinois Beach State Park,IL (67 mi.)
- Gebhard Woods State Park,IL (75 mi.)
- Silver Springs State Park,IL (77 mi.)
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