Travel Guide Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

The park was created in 1966 by the U.S. Congress, after many environmental battles. The dunes occupy the entire southern part of Lake Michigan, and at both ends stand the smokestacks of the Gary and Michigan City metallurgical plants to the east. The dunes, partly covered by a protected forest, sometimes reach impressive heights. The highest point is Mount Tom, a simple sand dune, but higher than all the others. To get there, head east on Highway 12 and, at Tremont, turn off toward the lake (north). At the end of the trail, there is a large parking lot, and you can walk to the top of the dune or take a walk along the beach. The dunes stretch over 40 km of shoreline, so it's easy to find secluded spots if you're looking for quiet. But even on beaches with parking lots, when you go more than 1 km away from the cars, there are already far fewer people. Swimming is allowed. In winter, the shoreline is completely frozen, and the wind brings back layers of ice that pile up to form a bluish mound. It is very cold near Lake Michigan in the winter, and few walkers will be brave enough to stop the north wind after it has blown across Lake Michigan.