Wildflowers in Gary, Indiana

Welcome to Central Avenue Walk-in Campsites, your serene getaway nestled within the stunning landscapes of Indiana Dunes National Park. Located at 45 Central Avenue in Beverly Shores, Indiana, our campground offers a unique lodging experience surrounded by the diverse natural beauty of this treasured park. Explore the enchanting 15,000 acres of Indiana Dunes National Park, which hugs 15 miles of Lake Michigan's southern shore. Whether you're a bird enthusiast scouting for rare species or someone who loves flying kites on sandy beaches, this park offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Hike through 50 miles of trails that weave across rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers, and peaceful forests.

IDNP Miller Woods is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 47-75 North Lake Street in Gary, Indiana, United States. The highlight of this institution is the Paul H. Douglas Trail, which winds through various habitats such as wetlands, black oak savanna, open dunes, and beach, offering incredible views of Lake Michigan. The native grasses and wildflowers, including lupine, thrive in the sunlight and open forest floor of the oak savanna. Visitors are advised to stay single file on the narrow trail to protect themselves from poison ivy and the fragile lupine habitat. The trail features birding, fall colors, lake views, wildflowers, and wildlife sightings. Must-see gems include the dunes and Lake Michigan. The featured hike at IDNP Miller Woods is the Paul H. Douglas Trail, a 3.4-mile out and back trail with 46 feet of elevation gain. The hike takes about 2 hours to complete and offers stunning scenery, including interdunal ponds, oak savanna covered dunes, and the shores of Lake Michigan. The trail surface is mostly sand, with some sections of packed soil, gravel, or boardwalk. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and dress in layers as the weather on the beach can be drastically different from the woods.

Welcome to the West Beach - Dune Succession Trailhead, a captivating natural oasis located in Gary, Indiana. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, this park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic landscapes of the Indiana Dunes National Park. Situated at the end of West Beach Road, our trailhead serves as the perfect gateway to adventure and discovery. Experience the beauty of the ever-changing dunes as you traverse the Dune Succession Trail, a well-maintained pathway that showcases the remarkable ecological transition from beach to forest. Witness the stunning vistas of rolling sand dunes, diverse plant life, and the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the trail provides a serene environment for all.

Welcome to Green Heron Pond, a serene oasis nestled within the Miller neighborhood of Gary, Indiana. This hidden gem, located at Gary, IN 46403, offers a unique blend of natural habitats, from interdunal wetlands to majestic high dunes. As you explore Green Heron Pond, you'll encounter a diverse landscape where black oak savanna and woodland gracefully transition into a mesic oak forest, providing a thriving home for a variety of woodland and savanna wildflowers. The centerpiece of this tranquil park is a permanent pond, teeming with life. Here, visitors may catch a glimpse of fish, frogs, turtles, muskrats, and a variety of waterfowl in their natural habitat. In addition to the main pond, several smaller seasonal ponds dot the landscape, adding to the rich biodiversity of the area.

Welcome to Marquette Greenway Trail, a picturesque park located in Gary, Indiana, offering breathtaking views of Long Lake. Nestled along Marquette Trail, our park is the perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely walk, a brisk jog, or a scenic bike ride, the trail provides a serene setting with its lush greenery and tranquil waters. Spanning several miles, the Marquette Greenway Trail is part of a larger network that connects various natural and cultural attractions in the region. As you traverse the trail, you'll encounter diverse wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, and stunning vistas of Long Lake, making it an ideal spot for photography and bird watching.

Welcome to Three Rivers County Park Trailhead Nestled in the heart of Gary, Indiana, Three Rivers County Park Trailhead is your gateway to nature's beauty and outdoor adventure. Located at 3590 East 29th Avenue, this serene park offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Welcome to Ivanhoe North Nature Preserve Nestled in the heart of Gary, Indiana, on Hobart Street, the Ivanhoe North Nature Preserve offers a rare glimpse into a globally unique natural community known as "dune and swale." This remarkable landscape, formed thousands of years ago when ancient glacial Lake Chicago receded, features a series of linear sandy beach ridges interspersed with narrow wetlands. This distinctive topography, reminiscent of the rings of a tree, can be seen extending inland from the shores of Lake Michigan in aerial photographs from the early 1930s.

Welcome to Marquette Park, a beautiful and serene oasis located at 1100 North Lake Street Chanute Trail Access Point, Gary, Indiana. Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, our park offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 240 acres, Marquette Park is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along our scenic trails, take in breathtaking views of the lake, or relax on the sandy beaches. The park is home to lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for picnics, bird watching, and photography.