PORTER, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) – Hoosiers now have a National Park to call their own.

As part of the appropriations bill that Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law Friday morning, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will now be known as the Indiana Dunes National Park.

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Congressman Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.-1) and Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.-2), announced the country’s 61st national park and Indiana’s first National Park.

“This designation certifies what we Hoosiers have known all along – Indiana Dunes is not just a state treasure, but a national treasure as well. I commend Representative Visclosky for his perseverance on this important Hoosier priority. Without his tireless advocacy, this goal would not have been accomplished. I look forward to visiting Indiana’s first National Park very soon,” Senator Young said.

“I am heartened that because of the support of our U.S. Senators, the entire Indiana Congressional delegation, and numerous Northwest Indiana organizations, we have successfully titled the first National Park in our state. This action provides our shoreline with the recognition it deserves, and I hope further builds momentum to improve open and public access to all of our region’s environmental wonders,” Congressman Visclosky said.

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“I’m thrilled that the Indiana Dunes will be our state’s first National Park. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has long been a treasured place for Hoosiers to relax, explore, and enjoy all that nature has to offer, as well as a strong driver of our local economy. The Indiana Dunes National Park will draw even more visitors from across the country, strengthening Indiana’s economy and boosting the outdoor recreation industry that is so vital to our region,” Congresswoman Jackie Walorski said.