I arrived at the National Park Monday afternoon and my ranger buddy, Jeff Manuszak gave me a car tour of the east side of the park, several pieces of property that have been put together over the years since the park became National status in 1966. There is such a varied habitat here! Not just sand and sand dunes, though that would be enough to feed your soul! There are wetlands, fens, upland oak Savannahs that have taken hold of old dunes left behind by glacial retreat, restored tall grass prairie - so much to explore!

A storm passed through the area Monday night, so I went into charming downtown Chesterton for some supper and this dramatic evening sky is what I saw on my way back to the car.

Following are a few photos of the lake and varied terrain.

8ft. waves coming in from Lake Michigan, July 7, 2015

inland pond, just off Lake Michigan,July 7, 2015

Minoke Prairie, tall grass prairie restored at the Little Calumet River Trail