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 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. 
Local Attractions

Bailly Homestead:

Bailly Homestead, a National Historic Landmark, was settled in 1820 by Joseph Bailly, a French Canadian fur trader and his family. This homestead was one of the first in Northwest Indiana. The site also includes the family cemetery. 
 
 

 Chellberg Farm:

This 80 acre, 1900 era farm, was home to three generations of a Swedish immigrant family. Established in 1874, the house was the center of a self-sufficient family farm operation typical of northwestern Indiana. Today, the farm is maintained so that visitors can experience turn-of-the-century farm life. 
 
 

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS: Maple Sugar Time Festival, held annually on the 1st two weekends of March,(March 4, 5 & 11, 12, 2000) , and the Duneland Harvest Festival, held each year during the 3rd weekend in September, (September 16 & 17,
     2000), celebrate seasonal changes and the life-style of Northwest Indiana settlers. Both festivals are held at the Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead and feature music, storytelling, craft demonstrations, and food. 

For a list of other activities and events please visit the National Park Service site. 

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