

Former strip‑mining landscape turned 15,000+ acre park of lakes, sand dunes, grasslands and wetlands—great for wide landscape frames, water reflections, migratory birds and expansive skies. Best at golden hour and blue hour for color on lakes; fall and spring offer migrations and contrast. Large parking lots at main trailheads; many spots require short hikes on unpaved trails. No gate fee; expect ticks/mosquitoes in summer and limited facilities in remote areas.


Former strip‑mining landscape turned 15,000+ acre park of lakes, sand dunes, grasslands and wetlands—great for wide landscape frames, water reflections, migratory birds and expansive skies. Best at golden hour and blue hour for color on lakes; fall and spring offer migrations and contrast. Large parking lots at main trailheads; many spots require short hikes on unpaved trails. No gate fee; expect ticks/mosquitoes in summer and limited facilities in remote areas.