The Binocular Site
Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park is comprised of 2,182 acres, and is located 47 miles east of Chicago, Illinois. To the northwest of the park lies Lake Michigan, and on the east, west, and south boundaries is the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
The park's beaches were formed by the winds coming off Lake Michigan, which drop sand when the wind hits hills, dunes, and plants. Dunes Nature Preserve is located in the eastern part of the park, and takes up 1,530 acres on its own. This is where most of the park's hiking trails are located.
In addition to hiking, visitors can engage in many other activities in the park. It's possible to reserve any of the 140 campsites, all of which have been reconstructed. The campgrounds now include two modern, heated restroom/showerhouses. Visitors can also fish, swim, have picnics, and take part in cross-country skiing on several trails. Ski rental is not available. There is also a Nature Center in the park.
Approximately 352 bird species have been identified in Dunes State Park, 113 of which are regular nesters. The lakeshore is a habitat for the great blue heron. Other species found in the park include the mallard, blue-winged teal, Canada goose, common loon, and double-crested cormorant. See the Indiana Dunes State Park website for more information.
The state bird of Indiana is the Northern Cardinal and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Indiana here.
Photo credit to lapstrake, used with permission under the creative commons license.
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