Dreams of Duneland: A Pictorial History of the Indiana Dunes Region

by Kenneth J. Schoon

The towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan not far from Chicago are one of the most unexpected natural features of Indiana. Dreams of Duneland is a beautifully illustrated introduction to the Dunes region, its history, and future prospects. This area of shifting sands is also a place of savanna, wetland, prairie, and forest that is home to a wide diversity of plant and animal species. The preserved area of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore sits by residential communities, businesses, and cultural attractions, evidence of a long history of competition for the land among farmers, fur traders, industrialists, conservationists, and urban and recreational planners. With more than 400 stunning images, the book brings to life the remarkable story of this extraordinary place.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful work that documents Duneland history through image and text. It was neat to see the region a hundred (or more) years ago, and to feel like I was unearthing the past with stories new to me. For instance: there was an impromptu funeral for Abraham Lincoln in Michigan City because the train carrying his procession was delayed into Chicago. Also, Octave Chaunte, a pioneer of aviation who would go on to advise the Wright Brothers, tested one of the first successful gliders in the world at the Indiana Dunes.

[Bradford Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of perspectives on this fascinating region that is really just held back by an unevenness in the significance and quality of material included

[Greg F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pretty pictures. A good coffee table book.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

recommend this book for finding new things to do!