Pinhook Bog

Please note: A new National Park entrance fee has been added. Learn more here.

The Indiana Dunes National Park's amazing Pinhook Bog has been designated a National Natural Landmark. Pinhook Bog is about 580 acres; a quarter of that is made up of a floating three-to-six-foot-thick layer of sphagnum moss. This delicately stringy, highly absorbent light-green moss is very acidic and was used in the olden days as an antiseptic for wound care.

The thick layer of sphagnum moss is like a raft floating on top of an ancient, now-hidden lake. It keeps everything from tamarack trees to blueberry shrubs and insect-eating pitcher plants alive.

The rare and fragile ecosystem that makes up the bog is only accessible during ranger-led tours. Check our Indiana Dunes events page or contact the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center at 219-395-1882 for information on upcoming tours.