Valparaiso, Indiana, is the southeastern most town of the Chicago metropolitan region. It is more popularly known as Valpo. Present day Valparaiso was purchased from the Potawatomi Indians by the Government of United States in October 1832. This little suburb is situated on the ancient Sauk Indian Trail, which extends from Rock Island to Detroit. The town was established in the year of 1836 and was the county seat of Portersville. It was renamed to Valparaiso in 1837 after Valparaíso, Chile.

Velparaiso, owning to its geographical location, is scenic and provides a perfect get away for nature lovers and campers. The suburb is comparatively less crowded, except for the tourist seasons and festivals, and is frequented by campers, from all over the country. Velparaiso, itself is a great place for camping. Other than that, one can visit some very good places for camping, which are a stone’s throw from here. One of the most famous places happens to be the Indiana Dunes State Park, which is any traveler’s dream come true.

The Indiana Dunes is a lovely protected geographical extravaganza, which is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for the indigenous communities that it houses. The park is expansive but yet compact, so it is easily commutable. The park runs along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, for over twenty five miles. The lake is one of the largest in the world, and the park covers nearly fifteen thousand acres. Cut out from the

Continental glacier, the park’s landscape is both beautiful and varied, so one never runs out of options while visiting the Indiana Dunes. According to geologist, the Indiana Dunes is a geological wonder of sorts, with more than four distinctive geological zones identifiable. But one does not need to be a geologist to appreciate the beauty of the

Marshes, wetlands, oak savannas, rivers, forests and swamps. The highest dune is the Mount Baldy which stands at a height of one hundred and twenty six feet. The trail to the top of the dune is an exciting hiking spot. Apart from hiking, one can also enjoy the beaches, of which there are many, along the shore. The waters of the lake attract many varieties of birds, making the dunes a coveted location for bird watchers. Most spotted varieties are the bay and sea ducks, pelicans, loons, grebes, sandpipers and gulls, lots of gulls. The wetlands are perfect for birds like herons, warblers, wrens, the American Woodcock, Swamp Sparrow and Sora. 

The Indiana Dunes offer a host of options for campers. Camping sites are available, all over the park. The sizes of the sites vary from small patches to big ones which can house RVs. The park has some pretty strict environment related rules, violation of which may lead to hefty fines and even prison time. Having listened to the word of caution, there is no end to what one can do in the park. Enjoy a leisurely day by the beach or blaze a trail across one of the dunes, the option is all up to the campers.

The Indiana dunes are eco-protected, hence it is far removed from the hustles of city life, but at the same time, it is also easily accessible, making it a travel and tourism hotspot.