The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-05-27
IND|ANA'S DUNES.
EARN WIDE FAME.
Known as the "Fairyland of
Middle West"

with pride to its woodlands. spar
king lakes. and, most significant OF
all. tho sand dunes. Called tho
''fairyiand OF the Middle West" the
sand dunes are situated at the ex-
trems northern part OF the State.
The dunes are a range Of sand
hills, with greatest attitudes OF from
1sA to I33 feet, extending back froCa
the shore Of the southern end Of
Lake Michigan for an average dis
tance Of one and one-half miie.A
Gary. Ind, is at tho western END OF
the Dunes.
Known AN Over We~lA
The famei of Indiana's. dunes is
world. wide. even though dunes are
plentiful in. other countries and
ether parts OF the United States. Be
ent from Others they receive this
Unusual recognition. 1890.
Dunes OF the Atlantic coast are
depressing in appearances and harm
rtI to :. vegetation. Indiana Dunes
vary in aspect. giving the tourist
upon each visit a new thrill and en-
thustasm.
: Perhaps a towering dune covered
with flowers and vegetation today
will be a deep excavation tomorrow.
A miniature forest one day may be
gone and a sandy hill in its stead the
next. The picture is changing con-
dnually.
Nature Runs Riot
~ Trees of all varieties occupy promi-
nent positions in the dunes. The
pine is the prevailing type. You
viii find the black oak. the tama-
rack. jumpers. alders. cottonwoods.
poplars, sour gums, red naples. paw
paws and willows The charm and
beauty of the foliage is beyond de
scription.
Lovers of flowers and plant life
can roam for hours among these
gifts of nature. You will find gol
denrod and asters in the swamps,
and vioiets. varieties Of orchids, and
pitcher plants. Cat-tails. sedges.
reeds and ferns all vie for import
ance
In May and June the wild lupine
or wild pea, with, its beauty Of strik-
ing purple, enchants the tourist.
Tho Japanese iris appeals to all.
Lake Adds Charm
;. The lover of birds has a splendid
opportunity to observe all varieties
Nowhere during the period OF migra-
tons are more kinds to be found.
Adding to the magnetic charm or
tina dunes is Lake Michigan. At all
hours this body OF water Is found in
different moods. The waters sweep
the slopes Of the dunes. making an
ideal bathing beach.
At present the dunes are owned by
private interests. Tho widespread
interest which has been manifested
during the past years has prompted
many persons to seek their preserva
don as q State OF national park.
The seEenty-third General Assem-
bly, made it possible to purchase for
the State a park in the Sand Dunes.
The maximum purchase is not to
exceed three miles OF lake front
age. or 2, 900 acres. Indiana thus Is
now assured that this natural play
ground and wonderland. with its
historical background. shall be SGT
aside for the enjoyment OF thou
saids.
History Made Here
The State department Of conserva-
ton plans to erect hugs pier. INTO
tho lake, provide adequate bath
houses for tbs three miles Of bath
Ing beach. build restaurant and
shelter house and prepare camping
sites. Ill with the attendant water
supply and sanitary provisions. In
tho course Of Ave years this park
win be the mecca OF more than q
million people annually.
{ Hotel accommodations may be had
at Michigan city.
Old Indian trails i'm tho dunes
eth are pointed out II wsz through
tho dunes that the pioneer French
found their way from Detroit to tha
present site OF Chicago. In the
spring of 1917 a pageant was given
in q great natural amphitheater in
the dunes. which wildly portrayed
IT'S early history. illustrating with
striking exactneSs the stirring events
6n