Hoosier Prairie began in the 1970s as wasteland that conservation organization found of a unique interest. From a core of 304acre, it has grown to 1547acre of important prairie habitat. The area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974 and a State Nature Preserve in 1977 The sandy soil creates a variety of habitats, from oak barrens, wet prairie, including sedge meadows and prairie marshes. More than 350 native species of vascular plants have been identified. A minimum of 43 species are uncommon in the State of Indiana. It is a unit of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.DescriptionWheelchair accessible The first 0.15mi is considered to be wheelchair accessible. It is a wide gravel path. You can travel partway into the prairie, along the 'old field' restoration area on the west. A line of trees on the east open to provide views into the prairie marsh.The trails into the prairie are chipped bark pathways, which can have the surrounding grasses and forbs leaning across them. They are only a single file track in width and not suitable for walkers or persons walking side by side.Prairie marsh trail is a 0.25mi circular trail from just beyond the midpoint of the accessible trail back to the end of the accessible trail.Savanna trail is 0.3mi circular trail from the eastern edge of the Prairie marsh trail, returning to the same point on the marsh trail.LocationThe prairie is located on West Main Street, Griffith, Indiana. The area is accessible from a parking lot on Main Street (E 53rd St) just east of Kennedy Avenue. A trail, leads off through the prairie to the east.
