Indiana established the first national park on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1966, known as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1966, making Indiana the first state to create a national park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Offering tourists a singular natural experience, the park preserves more than 15,000 acres of varied landscapes, including beaches, dunes, marshes, and woodlands. Due to its proximity to Chicago, it is a well-liked location for outdoor pursuits like swimming, hiking, and birdwatching. The region's ecological and recreational significance was further highlighted in 2019 when it was named a national park. Today, the Indiana Dunes National Park is an essential component of both outdoor tourism and the Great Lakes environment.