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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshoregreen prickley round seed head with darker green frog sitting on top
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Kemil Beach

Park Facility

Trail Map

Latitude

Longitude

Street Address

Kemil Beach Parking lot Dune Ridge Trail 041.40.39N 087.00.35W (mapquest-Kemil Beach, Michigan City)
 
Visitor Activities:
  • Hike and bird watch along the Dune Ridge Trail. 
  • No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk; rip currents and waves can make swimming hazardous.
Facilities:
  • Area open, 7 a.m. to dusk, daily
  • Parking for cars
  • Information board listing current park activities
  • Seasonal Bathrooms (closed between November 15 and April 1)
 
Fun Facts:
  • Smelt Fishing in the spring with permit 
  • Pets permitted after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
 
Driving Directions:
  1. Starting at Interstate 94 and Indiana 49, go north about 3 miles to U.S. Highway 12.
  2. The exit to U.S. Highway 12 is on the left.
  3. Go right (east) 3 miles on U.S. Highway 12 to East State Park Road (also known as Kemil Road).
  4. Turn left (north), go 1 mile. The Kemil Beach parking area will be on the right (east) side of the road.
 
map with route highlighed
a sea of tall grasses and catails in a marsh setting and trees in the background  

Did You Know?
Cowles Bog is not a true bog but rather a fen because it has an underground water source. This water source has contact with limestone bedrock, making the fen’s water slightly alkaline. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is restoring a portion of this fen.

Last Updated: September 28, 2007 at 12:17 EST