Greetings from Duneland: Indiana’s National Park

For thousands of years, the Indiana Dunes have served many purposes. For early humans, it was a place to hunt and worship. To colonizers and explorers, it was a new land of economic opportunity. For businesses, it was the future of industrialization. And for Hoosiers, the Indiana Dunes are the sacred sands of the Midwest; a representation of the natural beauty found just in their backyard.

The Indiana Historical Society’s latest exhibit highlights not only the history of the Indiana Dunes but also the people who dedicated their lives and careers to saving them. Scientists, artists, activists and politicians gathered thousands of Hoosiers and Americans alike to raise money, awareness and ultimately petition the state and Congress to intervene on behalf of the Dunes. Even now, a century after the State Park was established, Hoosiers continue to advocate and protect the landmark that has become so integral to northern Indiana’s culture.

Located along Lake Michigan in northern Indiana, the Indiana Dunes are an important historical and cultural landmark in Hoosier history. Early development in the area began in the late 19th century, primarily for recreational use. Beginning in the early 20th century, the area was redeveloped for commercial and industrial use. Environmental activists began to advocate against the encroaching destruction of the Dunes by industrialization.

The Indiana Dunes State Park, which is now within the Indiana Dunes National Park, was established in 1925. But the fight for preservation continued well after the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was created in 1966, and even past 2019 when the National Park was established.

The exhibit runs through Oct. 25, 2025.