Located in a bustling Lake Michigan industrial setting and surrounded by a huge metropolitan region, first time visitors may find the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore a big surprise. This national park features 15,000 acres of beaches, woods, marshes and a series of sand dune ridges. As Indiana's number one recreational destination, the park has four natural landmarks. Visitors may enjoy the park's diversity with a visit to the Pinhook Bog, Calumet Prairie State Nature Preserve, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, and the tallest dune in the park, Mount Baldy.
   From the shoreline, sand dunes rise in a collection of ridges, valleys and blowouts. Because of its claim as the tallest dune, foot traffic has taken its toll on Mount Baldy's vegetation. Marram grass, easily trampled, has been disappearing at an alarming rate. Mount Baldy's sands have moved inland about four feet every year, covering trees and advancing toward the parking area. A temporary fix ushers dune climbers to the southern slope of the dune. This view shows the temporary fencing in an attempt to reign in the footprints. While a permanent resolution is in development, access to the Mount Baldy Summit Trail requires visitors to be accompanied by authorized staff. There are ranger-led daytime and sunset hikes on weekends in the summer. Please heed the interpretive signs and stay within designated boundaries.

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