Indiana Dunes National Park

Introduction

Indiana Dunes National Park, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, represents a unique intersection of industrial development and ecological preservation. Designated as the 61st national park in the United States in 2019, it encompasses a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, towering dunes, wetlands, and prairies.

The park spans approximately 15,349 acres (6,212 hectares). It stretches for nearly 20 miles (32 kilometers) along the coastline, positioned between the cities of Gary and Michigan City, Indiana. While it is the sixth smallest national park in the U.S. system, its compact size contains an outsized level of biological diversity. The park is often characterized by its "patchwork" nature, as it is interspersed with residential areas and heavy industrial sites, including steel mills and power plants. The park has seen a significant surge in popularity since its redesignation. In recent years, annual visitation has consistently exceeded 2.7 million people. In 2021, the park saw a record high of approximately 3.17 million visitors. Because it is within a three-hour drive of major urban centers like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Detroit, it is the closest national park for roughly 1 in 11 Americans.

The history of Indiana Dunes is a saga of long-term conservation efforts dating back to the late 19th century. In the 1890s, botanist Henry Chandler Cowles published groundbreaking research on the dunes, establishing the foundation of modern ecology by studying plant succession.

Despite early advocacy by Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, formal protection was delayed for decades due to the demand for industrial land and the outbreak of World War I. During this time, significant landmarks like the Hoosier Slide—once the tallest dune in the region—were completely mined for sand to be used in glass manufacturing.

In 1926 the establishment of Indiana Dunes State Park, which protected a core 2,182-acre (883-hectare) area.  In 1966, after intense lobbying by the "Save the Dunes" Council and Senator Paul Douglas, the area was authorized as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. In 2019, the site was officially redesignated as a National Park, granting it higher national visibility.

Indiana Dunes ranks fourth among all U.S. national parks in total plant diversity. It serves as a transition zone where various ecosystems meet, housing species typically found in the Arctic, the Atlantic coast, and the Great Plains. The park is home to more than 1,400 species of plants. Notable examples include the federally threatened Pitcher’s thistle and the insectivorous sundew, found in the park’s bogs. Wildlife includes 46 species of mammals, 18 species of amphibians, and 23 species of reptiles. Larger mammals like white-tailed deer and coyotes are common, while the rare Karner blue butterfly is a high-priority conservation species. The park is a premier destination for birding, with over 350 recorded bird species. Its location along the Great Lakes flyway makes it a critical stopover for migratory birds, including sandhill cranes and various raptors.

Hikes

Indiana Dunes National Park features over 50 miles (80 kilometers) of hiking trails that span 14 distinct trail systems. These trails offer a variety of terrains, from easy paved paths and boardwalks to rugged climbs over shifting sand dunes. A couple of important points. First, many trails involve walking in loose sand, which is significantly more taxing than walking on solid ground. Secondly, ticks and poison ivy are common in the summer. In winter, stay off the "shelf ice" along the shore, as it is unstable and dangerous.

 Below are my favorites.

The 3 Dune Challenge: Technically located in the Indiana Dunes State Park (which is surrounded by the National Park), this is the region's most famous hike. You must climb the three highest dunes: Mt. Jackson (176 ft / 54 m), Mt. Holden (184 ft / 56 m), and Mt. Tom (192 ft / 59 m).  The distance is 1.5 miles (2.4 km)

Dune Succession Trail: This trail is the best way to see how a beach eventually turns into a forest. It features a steep wooden staircase with approximately 270 steps that provides panoramic views of Lake Michigan and, on clear days, the Chicago skyline.  The distance is a 1.0 mile (1.6 km) loop

Cowles Bog Trail: Named after the "father of ecology," this trail is a National Natural Landmark known for its incredible plant diversity. It passes through marshes, ponds, and oak savannas before reaching a secluded beach. The distance is 4.7 miles (7.6 km)

Great Marsh Trail: Ideal for birdwatchers, this flat trail overlooks the largest wetland complex in the Lake Michigan watershed.  The distance is 1.3 miles (2.1 km).

Campground

Dunewood Campground is the only camping facility within Indiana Dunes National Park, located in Beverly Shores, Indiana. It is known for its quiet, wooded atmosphere and is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the beaches of Lake Michigan.  All sites must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis.

The campground is open seasonally from April 1 through October 31. It features 66 tent only campsites and 53 RV only campsites.  In addition, there are 13 “walk to” primitive sites are dedicated to tent camping only, offering more seclusion.

Each loop contains a modern restroom building with flush toilets and hot/cold showers. Potable water is available at central collection points in each loop. There is a seasonal RV dump station located near the entrance.  Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

Restaurants

Dunes Pavilion: This historic building features the Pavilion Restaurant & Grill, which offers sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas with stunning lake views. It also houses a rooftop bar and an ice cream shop.

Jonna’s Beach Cafe & Bar: Located on the first floor of the Dunes Pavilion, this cafe serves freshly brewed coffee, house-made pastries, and a full bar in a relaxed, hiker-friendly atmosphere.

Dig the Dunes Trail Stop: Situated at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, this spot offers a menu of pizza, hummus, tamales, and ice cream, along with local craft beers and wine.

Seasonal Concessions: During the summer months, you can find food vendors at major parking areas.