In 1925, Indiana Dunes became a state park through the efforts of the Prairie Club of Chicago. Ongoing conservation projects have helped it continue as an important ecological site, including an elevated boardwalk completed in 2020 after fluctuating marsh water levels repeatedly damaged an earlier ground-level boardwalk and hikers trampled sensitive vegetation while navigating the damaged trail. The elevated structure allows water levels to change without damaging the boardwalk. Water levels may change because of beaver dams, the death of ash trees that leaves fewer roots to absorb water, cyclical changes in Lake Michigan, and man-made structures such as ditches and culverts. This portion of the trail includes marsh marigold and red-headed woodpecker habitat, and an observation platform was made possible through support from Kenneth and Mary Hill and the Friends of Indiana Dunes.

Photo: Daniel Barriball

Beverly Shores, Indiana · USA