Nature Preserves - IDNR Location and Access From U.S. 41 go east on Main St. toward Griffith. The parking lot is on your right after crossing Kennedy Ave. Prairie plants with savanna in background Description Hoosier Prairie is a large remnant of the prairie landscape that was once common in northwest Indiana. This tract preserves the topographic and biotic diversity of the sand plains north of the Valparaiso Moraine. Plant diversity is exceptionally high here due to a wide range of moisture conditions.
Sand rises support dry black oak savannas.
Mesic sand prairie openings can be found on slopes between the rises and swales. Wet prairies, sedge meadows and marshes are scattered throughout the preserve in depressions and flats. Its size and plant diversity make Hoosier Prairie an excellent place to see native birds and other animals in their natural surroundings. Many of these animals are now rare in Indiana due to the disappearance of their native habitats. Prior to European settlement, fire was a normal part of prairie ecosystems.