Newest National Park Just Over An Hour From Kalamazoo

Up until now the closest National Park was Isle Royale in Houghton, MI.  Sure, there are several nationally recognized areas like National Lakeshores and Battlefields but not a true National Park as in Yellowstone.  Unfortunately, it's not in Michigan but it is just over an hour from Kalamazoo.

You're probably familiar with Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore just over 100 miles west on I-94.  It's certainly beautiful, although, we've got some pretty nice lakeshores with dunes here in Michigan.  Nevertheless, one can't argue with it's national reputation and designation.  Well that designation just got upgraded.  In an article on msn.com, we found out that 12 days ago on February 15th, The President signed a bill changing Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to Indiana Dunes National Park thrusting it into the major leagues of parks.  Officially, it encompasses over 3 miles of beach and 2,182 acres of land.  You can check out the pictures and other information by clicking HERE.