Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes National Park offers sweeping Lake Michigan beaches, dune climbs, wetlands and ridgetop trails within a compact, accessible landscape.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Midwest |
| Subregion | Great Lakes |
| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Porter County |
| District | Indiana Dunes |
| City | Thornton/Crawfordsville area |
| Timezone | AmericaChicago |
| Latitude | 41.6333 |
| Longitude | -87.05 |
| Maps |
1:57 PM LOCAL TIMEIndiana Dunes National Park, officially established in 2019, spans approximately 15.5 square miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park is renowned for towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, wetland ecosystems and ridgetop trails that reveal views across the lake and inland prairies. Key attractions include Mount Baldy — a dynamic dune for experienced hikers and seasonal closures; the West Beach area with swim access; and protected wetland habitats where birdlife like Great blue herons and American bitterns can be seen. Trails range from accessible lakeshore pathways to longer loop routes through forested corridors and restoration prairies. The park is a corridor of regional significance for recreation, wildlife migration and ecological restoration, linked to nearby communities, Indiana and regional trail networks.
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