Congressman Pete Visclosky (D-IN-1), Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2), and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) are pleased to announce that the 61st National Park in the United States and the first National Park for the state of Indiana is the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Included in the signed law for the Fiscal Year 2019 Omnibus Appropriations legislation is a provision that retitles the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Congressman Visclosky stated, “I am heartened that because of the support of our U.S. Senators, the entire Indiana Congressional delegation, and numerous Northwest Indiana organizations, we have successfully titled the first National Park in our state. This action provides our shoreline with the recognition it deserves, and I hope further builds momentum to improve open and public access to all of our region’s environmental wonders.”
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski stated, “I’m thrilled that the Indiana Dunes will be our state’s first National Park. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has long been a treasured place for Hoosiers to relax, explore, and enjoy all that nature has to offer, as well as a strong driver of our local economy. The Indiana Dunes National Park will draw even more visitors from across the country, strengthening Indiana’s economy and boosting the outdoor recreation industry that is so vital to our region.”
“This designation certifies what we Hoosiers have known all along -- Indiana Dunes is not just a state treasure, but a national treasure as well. I commend Representative Visclosky for his perseverance on this important Hoosier priority. Without his tireless advocacy, this goal would not have been accomplished. I look forward to visiting Indiana's first National Park very soon,” said Senator Young.