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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore |
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1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304-1299
Phone: 219-926-7561
Fax: 219-926-7561
Open All Year
Overview. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore comprises the southern coast of Lake Michigan, an area characterized by a unique assortment of wide beaches and lofty sand dunes. The Lakeshore's 15,000 acres feature a staggering range of ecosystems with a variety of plant and animal life; shore, dunes, forest, prairie, marsh, and bog can all be found. The unusually diverse and beautiful habitats here inspired Henry Cowles to develop the science of ecology.
Two visitor centers can acquaint you with the ecological diversity and vast recreational opportunities in the Dunes. Rangers at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center can help you plan your visit according to your interests and time constraints. Exhibits, a slide presentation, and guides for a number of trails are available. The second visitor center is at the Bailly-Chellberg historic area, which is comprised of two settlements. Chellberg is a turn-of-the-century Swedish immigrant farmstead and a living history site. Bailly is the restored 1820 homestead of a French Canadian fur trader. On weekends there are often living history demonstrations (call for details). A third resource in the area is the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, which offers programs for schools and other groups.
What to see and do.
Hiking and dune climbing are favorite visitor pastimes. One of the most popular sites is Mount Baldy, an enormous shifting sand dune over a hundred feet high. From its summit, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and its shoreline for miles. From here you can really see the creep of dune succession, with sand ridges encroaching on the surrounding forest.
The area contains many hiking trails, including the Little Calumet Trail (approximately three miles long). Traces of the Old Sauk Trail can also be found; this trail was used for centuries by Potowatami Indians and early settlers. Cowles Bog, a National Natural Landmark, has a trail that incorporates elements of several ecosystems.
Pinhook Bog, an extremely delicate ecosystem, can only be accessed by special permit. The spongy surface of this bog is rich in tannic acid and harbors orchids, insect-eating pitcher plants and other rare flora. In autumn, the bog's sumac trees turn the view to a vivid red.
Inland from the dunes, the prairie yields wildflowers ranging from lupines and wild roses to prickly pear cactus. Numerous bird species converge on the area as they migrate along the north-south flyway that passes nearby. Blue heron frequent the marshes and wildlife watchers regularly spot deer and snapping turtles.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer at West Beach (Kemil and Porter Beaches are not staffed). Swimmers are warned that north winds can create hazardous rip currents along West Beach; be sure to heed all warnings. Fishing is allowed with a valid Indiana permit.
Dunewood Campground offers sites on a first-come, first-served basis from April 1 to October 31; there are no hookups. Camping spaces can be reserved at Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton (219-926-4520). Lodging is readily available in the nearby communities of Michigan City, Pines, Chesterton, Porter, and Gary.
Visit in March and you can take part in the Maple Sugar Festival at the Bailly homestead and Chellberg farm, or stop by in September and experience the Duneland Harvest Festival. Winter visitors will find the Ly-co-ki-we Trail ready for cross-country skiing. The Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, located on Kemil Road between Routes 12 and 20, is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Summer hours are 8am to 6pm. The center is open until 5pm the remainder of the year.
Pets: Leashed pets are permitted with restrictions.
Restrictions: Alcohol is not permitted.
| Activities and Services |
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Beach |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Motor Boating |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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