The year 2016 was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Smart Knits - a knitting group out of Logan, Utah - thought that a great way to celebrate the National Park Service and the sublime lands that it protects was to design a National Parks blanket. Since 2016, four new parks have been established. We have designed squares for these new parks.

Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern edge of Lake Michigan. In 1966 this shoreline was designated as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before becoming the 61st National Park in the U.S. in 2019. Many sensitive species call these unique dune ecosystems home including the Fowler’s Toad, which is “at risk” within this range of its habitat and has a call that sounds similar to a sheep’s bleat. The Pitcher’s Thistle, a protected species, can also be found in the dunes and is threatened by habitat loss from human development and recreation. The establishment of Indiana Dunes as a National Park ensures that these fragile dune habitats are protected. The National Park Service describes the environment of the Indiana Dunes as a “tapestry.” This square represents this tapestry showing where the lake meets the dunes and Indiana’s forested landscape.

This Pattern:

If you purchase this pattern, you will receive only the pattern for the Indiana Dunes National Park blanket square. If you would like to purchase a subscription to all of the blanket squares please buy the eBook.

All proceeds from this pattern will be donated to the National Park Foundation.