The park is around 15 to 20 miles to the southern shore of Lake Michigan that leads to preserving various natural habitats. 50 miles of hiking trails, interesting birds, and thousands of native plant species make this 15,000-acre park one of the best places to visit.
Attractions:
1. Sand and Solitude: This 15 miles Indiana Dunes National Park has much to offer. Visitors can enjoy exploring rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach. Adventure lovers can go for a hiking trail that is about 50 miles and adore the fascinating landscapes. The trails will lead you to the wetlands, cultural sites, and dunes.
2. Educational Visit: If you are coming here for an educational trip or with your kids then let me tell you there are enough things to collect information and expand the knowledge of kids. Paul h. Douglas center is the residential environmental learning center for environmental education. It connects you to the natural environment through field-based learning experiences via educational hands-on exhibits, ranger-guided hikes, lectures, crafts, and a Nature Play Zone. It has its specific timing: in summer, hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and in winter, hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Wildlife and Nature: Come and watch the alluring 369 species of flowering plants and 54 traditional native species with the ability to multiply. The national park features a variety of wildlife and more than 1,100 native plants. Witness the exotic plant species which are not native to this area and be a special kind of visitor. Don’t forget to analyze the rugged dunes, quiet forests, and tranquil wetlands of this area.
Activities: Other than roaming around this place there are various activities in which you can indulge to spend some quality time. It includes biking, picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, and photography. You can also make a reservation for special events like weddings. Each season offers visitors a unique way of experiencing this place. In summer they can enjoy swimming and sunbathing while in winter snowshoeing is the best option.
Facts:
- The park is owned by the federal government.
- The presence of several rare types of flora-fauna makes it one of the most biologically rich areas.
Plan your visit: You can plan your visit all around the year. July is the warmest month and January is the coolest month. So, plan according to your preferences of weather. In June you can expect the rainfall here.
What to expect: Each area has its specific hours of operation so you have to confirm it from the website. Generally, it is open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. The park is closed on national holidays. Entry to this park is free but you may have to purchase the passes to enter and use other areas like the campground and west beach.
