Indiana Dunes State Park has again garnered national
attention, this time being chosen by USA Today as one of the nation’s “10
Best State Parks,” the Porter County Convention, Recreation, and Visitor
Commission (PCCRVC) announced in a statement released on Wednesday.
“A panel of experts nominated 20 state parks to be
considered for the 10 Best list. USA Today then encouraged the public to
vote once daily during the month of March, with the 10 Best being revealed
today,” the statement said.
Indiana Dunes State Park finished seventh, earning a spot
in the 10 Best list and being featured by USA Today.
The park will mark the honor by inviting the public to a
celebration, including free cake, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the Nature
Center. There will be no charge to enter the park or to attend the party.
Brandt Baughman, property manager at Indiana Dunes State
Park, said he was pleased with the national recognition. “We are very proud
of Indiana Dunes State Park, as all Hoosiers should be. Many people,
especially those from outside the area, don’t realize what a jewel the park
is until they see it for themselves. We hope this recognition encourages
people to come visit and experience the park for the first time. It truly is
an honor to be recognized as one of the best state parks in the nation.”
With more than 6,000 state parks nationwide, it is
excellent that experts and the public recognized the uniqueness and wonder
of the dunes, PCCRVC Executive Director Lorelei Weimer said. “To be counted
among the best state parks is great because it lets the nation know what a
great asset Indiana Dunes State Park is. We are so fortunate to have a
natural wonder in Porter County, and it’s great to see Indiana Dunes State
Park getting the national recognition it deserves.”