Did you know that Indiana Dunes National Park is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the Midwest? Join Emily Graslie, former Chief Curiosity Correspondent at The Field Museum in Chicago, as she explores the Indiana Dunes in this episode of The Brain Scoop. Emily dives into the fascinating world of dune ecology, learning firsthand from park rangers how they care for this biodiverse landscape along the shores of Lake Michigan. She'll take you on an adventure through shifting sand dunes, rare species, and the rich history of this urban national park near Chicago. 

A smiling woman stands on a sandy path leading to Lake Michigan, surrounded by tall green beach grass. She wears a straw hat with a colorful band, sunglasses, a light pink t-shirt, and a sage green skirt with pockets. She holds a film clapperboard with multicolored stripes at the top, raising the clapper with one hand while gripping the board with the other. The lake and a clear blue sky stretch out in the background.

From the ever-shifting shoreline shaped by wind and water to the dedicated efforts to manage invasive species and protect native plants, this video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the science and hard work that keeps the dunes thriving. Discover how the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks collaborate with local industries to preserve this natural treasure for generations to come.

🎥 Watch the full video below and see why the Indiana Dunes are one of the Midwest’s most extraordinary places to visit and protect.

Want to explore these landscapes yourself? Check out our visitor guide to plan your visit! It will help you choose the perfect hiking trails, birding spots, and even find upcoming nature programs and events. 

A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The Indiana Dunes Tourism team took Emily and the Brain Scoop crew to West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park, where Park Rangers Erin Argilyn and Laura Brennan explained what a dune is, how it forms, and what happens to it as it ages.

A woman in a straw hat, sunglasses, and casual outdoor clothing stands on a sandy path near Lake Michigan, smiling as she talks with two park rangers. The rangers wear gray uniform shirts, dark green pants, and wide-brimmed ranger hats. One ranger gestures with her hand while speaking, while the other listens with a serious expression. Behind them, tall beach grass and the deep blue lake stretch toward the horizon under a clear sky.

Then, the team met with Becky Hughes from Indiana Dunes State Park to learn why there are two separate Indiana Dunes parks. Afterward, we headed into Miller Woods to discover what makes the Indiana Dunes so special and how and why these parks are being protected.

A small film crew is set up on a dirt path in a lush, green forest, surrounded by tall plants and wildflowers. A camera operator adjusts a stabilizer-mounted camera while another crew member stands nearby with additional equipment, including a boom microphone and a reflector on the ground. Two people, one in a park ranger uniform and another in a straw hat, sit on a bench engaged in conversation. A woman wearing a black "Cowles Bog" t-shirt stands near an informational sign about nesting wildlife, with another sign indicating the "Douglas Center" nearby. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

After all that talking, it was time to head out into the field and see how the park's Biological Science Techs are doing the real hands-on work. 

A group of seven people, including park rangers and a visitor, pose together on a grassy hillside surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Most of them wear khaki and green uniforms with wide-brimmed hats, while one person in the group wears a light-colored skirt and a backpack. One individual in the center holds a clapperboard, suggesting a film or documentary project. They are all smiling under a bright blue sky, standing in a natural outdoor setting.

From its towering sand dunes and diverse wildlife to its dedicated park rangers and staff, the Indiana Dunes is a true natural gem. Thanks to Emily Graslie and The Brain Scoop, you've seen just a glimpse of the science, conservation and adventure that makes the parks so special. 

Ready to explore the dunes for yourself? Don't forget to stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to say hello when you do!