INDIANA DUNES

Category: Midwest Region

State: Indiana

The Indiana Dunes are a critical stopover for migrating birds and a home to over 1,100 plant species, including forests that rise from the sand.

Date Created: Indiana Dunes National Park was designated a national lakeshore on November 5, 1966, and it was redesignated as a national park on February 15, 2019.

Last Visited by Susan: August 2023

Location: Southern shore of Lake Michigan in the state of Indiana, USA.

Size: Approximately 15,349 acres (6,214 hectares).

Gray skies are just clouds passing over.

— Duke Ellington

Susan's Reflections:

Beaches, beaches and more beaches. This gorgeous park protects and preserves 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. More than just dunes, swamps, prairies, lakes and rivers are found along the many available trails. The colorful wildflowers and a significant bird population make this a beautiful place to have a picnic or read a book. Our visit was quickly shortened by a massive rain cloud that burst over head drenching us to the bone. Regardless, we loved Indiana Dunes!