A day trip to Indiana Dunes State Park from Indianapolis, Indiana
More than 15 miles of beautiful beaches and stunning sand dunes stretch across northwestern Indiana along Lake Michigan. From Gary, Indiana to Michigan City, Indiana is one of the Hoosier State’s best-kept secrets: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park. The sun and sand are just a three hour drive from downtown Indianapolis, perfect for a day trip or extended vacation.
Outdoor activities in the park include hiking, swimming, horseback riding, camping, skiing, fishing, and bird watching. There really is something for everyone at the historic, educational, and fun Dunes of Indiana. The hot, lazy summer months are the most popular time to visit the Indiana Dunes, but camping and other activities are also available in the spring and fall. Winters are cold in Northwest Indiana, but beach views are beautiful in the snowy winter months. Some visitors even enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Bird watching is an important activity in the Indiana Dunes because there are more than 350 species of birds that live in the versatile atmosphere. Sand dunes, swamps, salt marshes, swamps, swamps, rivers, forests, oak savannas, and grasslands constitute the natural habitat of the Indiana Dunes. Thousands of different species of plants and animals, including several in danger of extinction, call the Indiana Dunes home. In fact, the dunes are known to have one of the most diverse species of flora and fauna in the entire Midwest. Scientists, students, vacationers, and artists can share a love for this unique Indiana attraction.
The formation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park dates back to 1899, when efforts were made to preserve these unique lands. Chicago businesses were rapidly expanding eastward and development along Lake Michigan skyrocketed. Steel mills and power plants were rapidly taking over the coasts, and a group of activists spoke out. His “Save the Dunes Council” eventually convinced politicians to take action at the state and national level. The Indiana Dunes State Park was formed in 1925, and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore emerged in 1966.
Indiana Dunes State Park offers plenty of fun for the whole family, with campground, picnic areas, shelters, hiking trails, and a free public beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In 1974, this state park was recognized as a National Natural Landmark. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is managed by the National Park Service. National Lakeshore surrounds the State Park, but several spaces throughout the lake’s 15,000 acres are privately owned. That is why maps are necessary when exploring this park.
Walking to the top of the largest “living” dune is a favorite route for many visitors. Standing 123 feet tall, Mount Baldy actually moves south at a rate of four to five feet per year. When the giant sand dune moves, it dissolves all the trees and other vegetation in its path. Trails lead through the forest to the top of Mount Baldy, where hikers can see the Chicago skyline on a clear day. It is quite a feat to reach the top of Mount Baldy, the steep sandy trails offer an athletic challenge.
Another popular sand dune is one called “Devil’s Slide”. Kids love speeding down Devil’s Slide, and the steep dune is a hot spot for bathers. It is located near the main beach of Dunes State Park. Pinhook Bog is another dune attraction. It is the only true swamp in the entire state, because groundwater cannot flow through the clay soil to access this area. Mosses line the swamp now, and many unusual plants and flowers grow in this area. In summer, Pinhook Bog is open for ranger-led hikes.
The rich history and scenic nature of the Dunes make it a great place for the whole family. It is beautiful, fun, and educational. For more information on hours of operation and admission costs, visit the website.