The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is so much more than just 15 miles of beaches with sand dunes to climb. While it is that, it is also an intricate ecological system –- a true wonder of nature -- with 15,000 acres of dunes, wetlands, prairies, savannas and forests, all teeming with wildlife. It's a bird-watchers' and horticulturists' paradise with more than 350 different species of birds and 1,135 plant species. But, that same natural environment also makes it a great vacation spot for families, combining education about nature with fun at the beach, climbing the dunes and watersports of all kinds.
Must see and do at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
The 2,000-acre Indiana Dunes State Park is surrounded by the National Lakeshore. The state park has the three tallest dunes in the entire 15,000 acres -- Mt. Tom, Mt. Holden and Mt. Jackson.
Scuba dive the shipwreck of the J.D. Marshall, which sank in 1911. It lies half a mile off the shore of the state park.
Hike or bike any of the 70 miles of trails that wind throughout the National Lakeshore.
Take an hour-long helicopter ride to see the Lakeshore from the air.
Best and worst time to visit the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
The National Lakeshore is open year-round. More organized tours and programs are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but that's when the crowds are heaviest, too. Go early in the morning before 9 a.m. during summer months because parking spots go fast. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, don't mind the cold and love to cross-country ski, then a winter visit is for you.
Admission to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Only one of the entrance gates to the National Lakeshore charges admission – West Beach - but only between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It's between $6 and $10 per car. West Beach has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is open from sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. It is handicap accessible, has a boardwalk and covered picnic shelters and grills. The state park also charges admission.
Wildlife at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
You can expect to see a variety of birds -- 352 species have been identified. Some come seasonally during migration periods, but 113 nest at the Lakeshore. Sixty species of butterflies, including the endangered Karner blue butterfly, can be found, along with 60 species of dragonflies and damselflies. White-tailed deer and coyotes are the largest herbivores and predators, respectively, but there are plenty of smaller mammals to be seen, as well, along with reptiles, amphibians and 71 species of fish.
Insider tip for visiting the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
The South Shore train line makes daily stops at the park. Take a ride to South Bend, Chicago or any of the stops in between. In fact, if you live in South Bend or Chicago, go to the park in the first place via the South Shore and do away with all parking problems from the get go. It's a fun ride.
Author's bio: Susan Hoskins Miller is a writer who lives in metropolitan Indianapolis and works in a university library. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and exploring places in the Midwest.
