Indiana features three distinct National Park units, offering a variety of historical and natural experiences. Among these, the Indiana Dunes stands out as one of the 63 prestigious National Parks, while the other two units are a national memorial and a national historic park. Additionally, a National Trail also crosses the state, adding to its outdoor allure.
Read on to discover more about these captivating National Parks in Indiana.
National Parks in Indiana
Indiana is home to one of the 63 National Parks in the United States. These parks are renowned for their importance, protection, and prestige within the National Park Service.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Formerly designated as a National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes was upgraded in 2019 to become the 61st National Park. This stunning destination preserves a vast expanse of sand dunes along Lake Michigan’s shore, creating an extraordinary landscape where dunes rise impressively high. In some areas, the dunes have even encased trees, making for a surreal experience. The park is also a haven for diverse flora and fauna—one ranger from Theodore Roosevelt National Park even mentioned it boasts some of the richest biodiversity of any National Park.
The park’s layout is unique, with various disconnected sections interspersed with state parks and industrial sites, including a sizable steel plant. There are also a few ghost towns within the park boundaries, adding to its mysterious charm. Though it might feel more like a National Seashore, visiting Indiana Dunes is a rewarding experience on any trip through Indiana.
Other Indiana National Park Units
In addition to Indiana Dunes, Indiana is home to two other noteworthy National Park units. Learn more about their history and how to visit them below.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
This park sits on the banks of the Wabash River and commemorates the site of Fort Sackville. Although the precise location of the fort remains unknown, it is thought to be within the park’s boundaries. The fort was famously captured by George Rogers Clark, elder brother of William Clark, during the Revolutionary War—a feat that stands out in American military history.
After the French and Indian War, the British financed Indian war parties against settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains. Clark led a force to seize Fort Sackville in 1778, only for the British to recapture it. In 1779, Clark braved freezing waters and harsh winter conditions to retake the fort in a remarkable campaign during February of that year. Through strategic deception, Clark convinced the British his forces were larger than they truly were, leading to victory.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
This memorial preserves the site of Abraham Lincoln’s formative years, from age 7 to 21. It was here that Lincoln’s mother passed away when he was just nine years old, a pivotal event in his young life. These years are considered crucial in shaping the man who would go on to become a state senator, representative, and ultimately, President.
It’s fascinating how multiple sites linked to Lincoln, including his birthplace in Kentucky and his home in Springfield, Illinois, are part of the National Park Service.
National Trails
National Trails in the United States are historic, scientific, and nature trails that often span multiple states and can extend for thousands of miles. These trails are usually managed by a combination of agencies and private organizations.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Tracing the epic journey of the explorers Lewis and Clark, this National Historic Trail stretches approximately 4,900 miles, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Astoria, Oregon. Along this trail, you can visit numerous national and state parks that were integral to the Corps of Discovery’s journey. The trail follows the historic route of the Corps, as well as preparatory sections between Pennsylvania and Illinois.
In Indiana, the trail passes through notable sites such as Falls of the Ohio (where Lewis and Clark first met to embark on their journey), George Rogers Clark Home Site, Oak Hill Cemetery and Arboretum, Angel Mounds, among others.
Explore the National Park Sites in Nearby States
– Michigan
– Illinois
– Kentucky
– Ohio