Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is a protected area along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana. The park contains sand dunes of varying heights, forested sections, wetlands, and wide beaches fronting the lake.

The area was protected in 1966 and elevated to national park status in 2019. The dunes formed over thousands of years through wind action on lake sand.

The park has several entry points and trails of varying difficulty through the dunes and along the shoreline. Bring proper footwear and water, especially if you plan to spend time on the steeper dune sections.

The area faced intense industrial development for decades before conservationists succeeded in protecting it. This struggle makes it a rare example of land reclaimed for nature amid urban and industrial growth.

Location: Porter County

Location: Lake County

Location: LaPorte County

Inception: February 15, 2019

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/indu

GPS coordinates: 41.64810,-87.10810

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:21