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USA Today picks Dunes State Park as seventh best in nation

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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.”

Call 219-926-192 or visit www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm for more information about Indiana Dunes State Park.

USA Today previously chose Indiana Dunes State Park as the best place to hike in Indiana and one of the top 51 places to hike in the nation.

The Indiana dunes area was also featured by CNN in a “50 States, 50 Spots” feature about natural wonders. Parents magazine picked Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s West Beach as one of the Top 10 Best Family Beaches in the nation. And National Geographic has picked Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as one of the Top 10 Urban Escapes in the country.

 

 

Posted 4/2/2015

 
 

 

 

 

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