Hoosier Prairie Trails @ Indiana Dunes National Park

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.

Dedicated as both a State Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark in 1977, Hoosier Prairie in Lake County hosts a surprising and stunning array of prairie plants and great ecological diversity amidst the industry of Northwest Indiana. Although this unit is within the authorized boundaries of the national park, aside from Gaylord Butterfly Prairie, most of Hoosier Prairie is owned and managed by Indiana's Department of Natural Resources.

Trail Features: Birding, Fall Colors, Views, Wildflowers and Wildlife

Getting There

Hoosier Prairie Parking Lot
East of U.S. Highway 41 on Main Street (53rd Avenue), Schererville, IN 46375.

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
41.522758, -87.457571 (Decimal Degrees)

Need to Know

Hours & Information

• Parking lot and hiking trail area is owned and managed by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• Hours – Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• No pass required
• Trail Length – 0.7 miles
• Hike Time – 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Difficulty – Easy.
• Trail Surface – Mixture of loose sand, packed dirt, and gravel.
• Facilities – No restrooms or potable water.
• Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
• Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
• Prohibited – Littering, hunting, and removing plants.
• Parking lot is gravel.

Safety

• Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
• Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
• Poison ivy can be present on the edges of the trail.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

• First segment of trail is wheelchair accessible (flat gravel).

Part of the Indiana Dunes National Park