- State: IN
- NPCA Region: Midwest
- Est. Date: 1966
Air & Climate Data
View the Polluted Parks ReportVisibility
Significant Concern
Health
Significant Concern
Nature
Significant Concern
Climate
Significant Concern
An urban oasis just 35 miles outside of Chicago, this park includes more than 15,000 acres of sensitive dune lands, bird-filled marshes, oak and maple forests, and remnants of once-vast prairies.
Visitors have seen more than 350 species of birds and researchers have found more than 90 endangered plant species within the park’s boundaries. Indiana Dunes National Park provides park visitors a wonderful opportunity to hike along the dunes, swim in beautiful Lake Michigan, climb Mt. Baldy or explore the wonders of Pinhook Bog, and get a taste of wilderness remarkably close to a major urban center.
Climate Impact
Warming temperatures, severe weather patterns and changes in wildlife behavior could harm valuable tourism revenue at some parks while creating dramatic overcrowding at others
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Blog Post
9 Features You May Not Know About at Indiana Dunes National Park
Get a taste of wilderness remarkably close to Chicago and other urban centers at Indiana Dunes National Park, which NPCA has been helping to preserve and enhance.
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Press Release
Great Lakes National Parks Lead in Restoration, Benefits Largest Fresh Water System on the Planet
New NPCA report highlights successful restoration efforts in and around 10 national parks and the need for increased federal funding.
More about Indiana Dunes
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Read more about Stand Up to Polluters at Indiana Dunes
NPCA at Work Stand Up to Polluters at Indiana Dunes EPA must enforce the Clean Water Act to protect this national park site from toxic chemicals.
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Read more about A Sound Investment: Restoring the Great Lakes in Our National Parks
Report A Sound Investment: Restoring the Great Lakes in Our National Parks These success stories highlight the important role our national parks play in restoring the Great Lakes – the largest source of fresh water on the planet.
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Read more about Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Fact Sheet Great Lakes Restoration Initiative The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a federal funded program that was launched in 2010 to accelerate efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes – the largest fresh water system in the world.
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Read more about Haunted Parks: 6 Ghostly Getaways
Blog Post Haunted Parks: 6 Ghostly Getaways Ghost stories might scare your campfire circle. They can also offer hyperlocal histories for travel destinations around the country. Learn about a few spectral park visitors — if you dare — including kidnapped sailors and a skinny-dipping conservationist.
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Not only does the NPS save and protect our Nation's natural treasures but also our history. We actively support a National Park for the Pullman Historic District! — Mike and Pat
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Read more about Nearby Nature: 10 Easy Getaways
Blog Post Nearby Nature: 10 Easy Getaways Need more time outdoors? You might not have to travel as far as you think.
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Read more about New Virtual Workshop Connects University Science Students With Policy to Support Indiana Dunes National Park
Press Release New Virtual Workshop Connects University Science Students With Policy to Support Indiana Dunes National Park Today's young scientists are at the forefront of informing policy that will protect Indiana Dunes and all of our national treasures.
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Read more about Sustaining Indiana Beaches
Resource Sustaining Indiana Beaches The scenic beaches of Indiana Dunes are disappearing. In order to sustain this critical asset to Indiana’s economy and quality of life, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must conduct a federal damage mitigation feasibility study.
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Read more about Urban Stargazing: See More of the Universe at Night
Blog Post Urban Stargazing: See More of the Universe at Night Longer nights and clearer skies during winter make it an ideal season for stargazing, and fortunately, some national parks offer dark skies near major urban areas.
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Read more about More Action Needed to Hold Polluters Accountable; Toxic Chemicals Continue to Spill into Waterways at Indiana Dunes National Park
Press Release More Action Needed to Hold Polluters Accountable; Toxic Chemicals Continue to Spill into Waterways at Indiana Dunes National Park Lack of enforcement opens the door for future illegal discharges, resulting in more beach closures and potential harm to visitor health and wildlife at Indiana Dunes.
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Read more about 8 Easy Adventures for Hikers of All Fitness Levels
Blog Post 8 Easy Adventures for Hikers of All Fitness Levels New independent film features a series of low-effort, high-reward hikes for finding joy in the outdoors.
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Read more about Improving America’s Water Infrastructure
Blog Post Improving America’s Water Infrastructure A quick guide to the Water Resources Development Act and why it matters for national parks.
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Read more about Proposed Legal Deal Leaves Water Quality, Protections for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Question
Press Release Proposed Legal Deal Leaves Water Quality, Protections for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Question More information and public input needed to hold polluter accountable.
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Read more about 10 National Park Trip Ideas for President Trump
Blog Post 10 National Park Trip Ideas for President Trump Would President Trump do more to protect national parks if he took time to visit them? Here are 10 inspirational places I’d put at the top of his bucket list.
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Read more about Parks Group Calls on EPA to Hold Polluter Accountable
Press Release Parks Group Calls on EPA to Hold Polluter Accountable Intent to sue filed today against U.S. Steel following chemical Spill affecting Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
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Read more about Indiana Dunes Climate Change Workshop
Report Indiana Dunes Climate Change Workshop National Parks Conservation Association and the National Park Service Climate Change Response Program are collaborating on a project focused on the development and application of sustainable strategies and tools for communicating science-based messages about climate change affecting local communities and the national parks.
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Read more about Protecting and Connecting Our Nation's Treasured Park Landscapes
Fact Sheet Protecting and Connecting Our Nation's Treasured Park Landscapes National parks are key to protecting and connecting our most revered places.
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Read more about Restoring the Great Lakes in our National Parks
Report Restoring the Great Lakes in our National Parks This report highlights the successful and critical role that the National Park Service plays in restoring the Great Lakes, safeguarding public health, creating jobs, and protecting these special places belonging to all Americans.
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Read more about The Future of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Report The Future of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore This marvel of a national park, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, visited by some 2 million people each year, was created and survives in one of the most heavily populated places in the United States.
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Read more about Center for State of the Parks: Great Lakes
Report Center for State of the Parks: Great Lakes Recognizing the significance of the Great Lakes, the Center for State of the Parks endeavored to determine the conditions of natural and cultural resources at six parks along the lakes: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Keweenaw National Historical Park.
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