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Indiana Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore

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US Hwy 12 at Kemil Road
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(219) 926-7561
www.nps.gov/indu

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 lake shore 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 lake shore 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.

Pets and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Pets are permitted at many areas of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Pets must be connected to their handler at all times by a leash no longer than six feet. Pets may not be left unattended in a vehicle or tied to an object. The national lakeshore beach east of Indiana Dunes State Park is open to pets. Pets are not permitted on the beach west of the state park (State Highway 49). Pets are permitted in parking areas and trails near the beach area, but must stay off the actual closed beach. Pets must be on a leash at all times, even when swimming in the lake. Handlers allowing pets to chase birds or otherwise harass wildlife are subject to a citation. Pet handlers are responsible for carrying waste off the beach.

Most areas of the national lakeshore are open to pets. However, to better protect sensitive resources or public safety, pets are not allowed in the following areas:

• National Lakeshore beach areas west of Indiana Dunes State Park
• Ly-co-ki-we trail
• Great Marsh Trail

During special events, some areas are temporarily closed to pets. Watch for restrictions posted on brown signs at entrances to the parking areas.

Bonfires and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Bonfires are not allowed on the beach. Fires are only allowed in established campground fire rings or in cooking areas. However, permits during smelting season are available at specific areas of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. See http://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/permits.htm for more information.

On the Duneland calendar:
Fri • May 18, 2012 • Music Heritage Series - Save the Tunes
Sat • May 19, 2012 • Douglas Center Family Day
Sun • May 20, 2012 • Kids Fun
Sat • May 26, 2012 • Douglas Center Family Day
Sun • May 27, 2012 • Kids Fun
Check out the Duneland calendar>

Related news:
Dunes Learning Center Celebrates National Get Outdoors Day (05/14/2012)
Celebrate National Park Week with Activities at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (04/18/2012)
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to Conduct Spring Prescribed Fires (03/12/2012)

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Indiana Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore
Reviews from
Overall Rating:

Laura P.
Birthday weekend trip! The Indiana Dunes State Park is booked for the rest of the summer...BTW. We arrived around 12 on Friday to find that out...but were... View Entire Review

Shayna N.
I would really only recommend this place for the walk-in sites. The sites along the lot are exposed and practically right in a traffic lane. We got there... View Entire Review

Christine M.
I'm not what you would call an expert camper, and neither was my friend I headed up there with. We were more concerned how we were going to sneak in booze... View Entire Review

View more reviews of Indiana Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore at Yelp

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