The Indiana Dunes State Park was founded 100 years ago, but years before then, important contributions from six people were key in making it happen.

About 100 people gathered on the patio on the east side of Dunes Pavilion under gray, threatening skies Saturday morning for a centennial celebration.

During the ceremony, a historical marker was unveiled that recognizes the contributions of: Henry Cowles, a pioneer ecologist; Jens Jensen, a landscaper; Frank Dudley, an artist; Stephen Mather, the first National Parks Service director; Col. Richard Lieber, the father of Indiana’s state park system; and Bess Sheehan, who tirelessly lobbied for the park’s establishment.

“They all recognized the same thing. This place was extraordinary,” said Brandt Baughman, director of the Indiana State Par

See Full Page