Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, authorized by Congress in 1966, is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois in the counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte in Northwest Indiana. The national lakeshore runs for nearly 25 miles along southern Lake Michigan, bordered by Michigan City, Indiana on the east, and Gary on the west. The park contains approximately 15,000 acres, 2,182 of which are located in Indiana Dunes State Park and managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Miles of beaches, sand dunes, bog, wetlands, woodland forests, an 1830's French Canadian homestead, and a working 1900 era farm combine to make the national lakeshore a unique setting for studying humans and their impact on the environment. Dr. Henry Cowles conducted his landmark ecological studies in the Indiana Dunes. Indiana Dunes is ranked 7th among national parks in native plant diversity. Research conducted over the last two decades has revealed 1,418 vascular plant species within park boundaries, of which over 90 are on the state of Indiana's threatened or endangered list.

1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
219-926-7561 x225 - Visitor Information

By Plane
The surrounding communities are serviced by the Gary Regional Airport, South Bend Airport, and Chicago's Midway and O'Hare Airports.

By Car
Visitors can access the national lakeshore via Interstate Highway I-94, the Indiana Toll Road, I-80/90 U.S. 20, or Indiana State Hwy 12 and various state roads.

By Plane
The Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad stops at several stations throughout the park.

Getting Around
Visitors can travel through the park in personal vehicles. Bicycles are permitted on the main roads but are prohibited on all trails except Calumet Bike Trail, Long Lake Trail, Marquette Trail, and the Lake Michigan shore line from Lake Front Drive to Central Avenue Beach, on the flat portion of the beach only.

The national lakeshore's weather is greatly affected by Lake Michigan and can be unpredictable. Summers are warm and humid with high temperatures generally in the mid-80s (30c) and low temperatures in the mid-60s (18c). There are about 15 days per year above 90 (32c).Warm periods are occasionally interrupted by frontal action descending from Canada. This generally brings days of pleasant, dry weather. Sunshine is abundant in the summer. Highs in the winter are usually in the low to mid 30s (0c) with low temperatures in the low 20s (-5c). There are about 15 days per year below 0 (-18c). Winters tend to be cloudy except for periods of extreme cold.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Cross Country Skiing

Recommended Activities
Public programs are listed in the Singing Sands Almanac and on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore home page. Pick up an Almanac at the Dorothy Buell Visistor Center or call the visitor center to have one mailed to you. To schedule an environmental education program call the scheduling office at (219)926-7561 extension 245.