The small part of Lake Michigan that touches Indiana has always been a hidden gem to locals. In 2019 our little piece of beach paradise got upgraded to the nation's 61st National Park Can a national park be a hidden gem? I promise you it can. Standing on the top of a dune and looking out over the great Lake Michigan will have you second-guessing that you’re still in Indiana. This 15 miles of lakeshore must be on your weekend getaway list this year!
A long journey to National Park
In the early 1900s, the region was booming with industry. Steel mills and power plants were popping up everywhere. The Ball Brothers of Muncie, Indiana, the famous manufacturers of ball mason jars, used sand from the famous Hoosier Slide to make their jars. The sand was rich in iron which gave the jars their aqua-blue color. They were hauling sand out in railroad boxcars threatening the dunes and their ecological systems. This activity pushed locals to get the dunes protected so they could be enjoyed rather than destroyed.
The first petition was made in 1916, but saving the dunes was an uphill battle. With the First World War raging on and the onset of The Great Depression the slogan went from “Save the Dunes!” to “Save the Country, Then Save the Dunes!”. In 1926 after 10 long years, the state of Indiana opened the Indiana Dunes State Park to the public. This was a small victory but the push for a National Park continued. Unfortunately, most of the Dunes were still owned by industrial companies and they contracted to haul away 2.5 million cubic yards of sand. This devastated conservationists but they fought on to save what was left. It wasn’t until 1966 that the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore became a reality. They saved 8,330 acres of land and water and continued to expand another 15,000 acres until the national park was established in 2019.
A beach vacation in the heart of the Midwest
The beautiful sandy beaches of the Indiana Dunes are perfect for laying back with a good book and soaking up the sunshine while listening to the waves of Lake Michigan roll in. If you’re looking for more adventure check out some of these activities. You can find something for every person during any season.
A Park That Can Compete
It may not be the Grand Canyon, or seeing Old Faithful at Yellowstone, but The Dunes have fought hard for their spot as a National Park. This park is easily accessible to most of the Midwest and provides a beach vacation without having to hit a major coast. Pack your hiking boots and attempt the 1966 Hiking Challenge. 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of trails in the park, in honor of the park’s founding in 1966. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the beauty hiding in northern Indiana. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center and get your national park passport stamped!
