Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

When the National Park Services launched Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, as it was known then, in the 1960s, it inherited a number of historic structures, including the World’s Fair homes.

The chemical spill killed fish, forced nearby beaches to shutter and kept visitors away from the newly designated Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

It marked a 20% increase from last year, which is significant given its former designation as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore already was drawing top visitor numbers among National Park Service sites.

Named after the ecological sciences pioneer Henry Chandler Cowles , who brought much attention to this unique natural area, Cowles Bog features so much plant diversity that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1965, a year before Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established.

The bill turns Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore into the Indiana Dunes National Park, making it the nation’s 61st and the state’s first national park.