Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Chellberg Farm Open House

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse visit the animals and hear stories of the area’s history from rangers and park volunteers. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefrie......More

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse visit the animals and hear stories of the area’s history from rangers and park volunteers. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefriends.org.Passes are required. For more information visit the Fees & Passes page.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or visit our website.

The Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm parking lot is located at 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.

Miller Woods Hike

Meet at the Paul H. Douglas Center for a ranger-led hike through Miller Woods on the Paul H. Douglas Trail to the shore of Lake Michigan. This amazing hike goes through a globally rare black oak savannah and around towering sand dunes and interdunal wetlands. Wear sturd......More

Meet at the Paul H. Douglas Center for a ranger-led hike through Miller Woods on the Paul H. Douglas Trail to the shore of Lake Michigan. This amazing hike goes through a globally rare black oak savannah and around towering sand dunes and interdunal wetlands. Wear sturdy shoes bring water and insect repellent. The Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national park at 100 North Lake Street about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. Passes are required. For more information visit the Fees & Passes page.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or check the park's website.

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Lake Michigan Boat Tour

Join a ranger for a guided 90-minute boat tour on Lake Michigan with Harbor Country Adventures. There is a fee and reservations are required. For bookings and details, visit Harbor Country Adventures website and select "Riding With a Ranger Tour". Main Dock is located a......More

Join a ranger for a guided 90-minute boat tour on Lake Michigan with Harbor Country Adventures. There is a fee and reservations are required. For bookings and details, visit Harbor Country Adventures website and select "Riding With a Ranger Tour". Main Dock is located at Millenium Plaza along Trail Creek. There is limited free parking at 1 Washington St. Additional parking is available at Washington Park for a daily fee of $8. We are located directly behind the Lighthouse Museum and Fishcamp Restaurant. 

1 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360

Science Fridays

Calling all nerds! Expand your knowledge and join fellow nature enthusiasts for a night of education and wonder. There will be a series of presentations given by local experts with each month covering a different topic. For more information and a list of topics visit ou......More

Calling all nerds! Expand your knowledge and join fellow nature enthusiasts for a night of education and wonder. There will be a series of presentations given by local experts with each month covering a different topic. For more information and a list of topics visit our website or call 1-219-395-1882.Friday April 19 – Join President Kim Ehn and Board Member Dan Barriball from the Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society on April 19th 2024, from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to learn about the science of observing birds at your favorite outdoor spot. Building and sharing that list of birds can actually help protect them. Community Science activities are promoted by every bird-related environmental organization in the world. These observations of species, abundance and location provides up-to-date information on the status and trends of bird populations, including migration. Scientists, educators, and agency directors use this data to guide and affect research, species management, habitat protection, restoration, and laws and policies. We will tell you more about how watching birds can impact a whole species, like the Whip-poor-will, Piping Plover, Wood Thrush, or Great Blue Heron. Friday May 17 - Join National Park Service botanist Dr. Dan Mason on Friday, May 17th from 5:30-6:30pm at the Visitor Center as he shares the remarkable story and science of the ongoing restoration of the Great Marsh and Cowles Bog Wetland Complex. Using personal experience, scientific data and historical aerial photos, Dr. Mason will share the science and stewardship that has been guiding the decision-making and actions behind this ambitious restoration story. Friday June 21 - Join Mary Ann Best from the Miller Beach Water Safety Social Group and the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium on Friday, May 17th from 5:30-6:30pm at the Visitor Center as she share tips on how to stay safe in the big waters of Lake Michigan. Learn about beach hazards that swimmers can anticipate and how to prepare yourself for a safe day at the beach. This family-friendly event has tips and activities for beachgoers of all ages activities for kids. Mary Ann is an open-water and ice swimmer.Where: Join us in person at the auditorium in the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center (Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center). Come for the science but stay for the songs - the Music Heritage Series Concert that starts at 7:30pm

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Music Heritage Series Concert

Come out for a night of music and song. The Save the Tunes Council is a group of local musicians devoted to preserving and passing on folk songs using a variety of traditional musical instruments.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National P......More

Come out for a night of music and song. The Save the Tunes Council is a group of local musicians devoted to preserving and passing on folk songs using a variety of traditional musical instruments.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, call 219-395-1882 or visit our website.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Project 1966: Hike Every Trail in the Park

Join a ranger as they hike all of the trails in the national park. The challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a new trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year the park was established. Can’t mak......More

Join a ranger as they hike all of the trails in the national park. The challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a new trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year the park was established. Can’t make them all? Look on our website for a link to Project 1966.Passes are required. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page.Meet at the Trailhead of the Pinhook Bog (3.0 mi)Getting ThereTrailhead Parking Lot946 North Wozniak Road LaPorte IN 46360Trailhead GPS Coordinates41.621214 -86.850227 (Decimal Degrees)For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore call 219-395-1882 or visit our website and our Facebook page.

946 North Wozniak Road, LaPorte, IN 46360

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Lake Michigan Boat Tour

Join a ranger for a guided 90-minute boat tour on Lake Michigan with Harbor Country Adventures. There is a fee and reservations are required. For bookings and details, visit Harbor Country Adventures website and select "Riding With a Ranger Tour". Main Dock is located a......More

Join a ranger for a guided 90-minute boat tour on Lake Michigan with Harbor Country Adventures. There is a fee and reservations are required. For bookings and details, visit Harbor Country Adventures website and select "Riding With a Ranger Tour". Main Dock is located at Millenium Plaza along Trail Creek. There is limited free parking at 1 Washington St. Additional parking is available at Washington Park for a daily fee of $8. We are located directly behind the Lighthouse Museum and Fishcamp Restaurant. 

1 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360

Nature Play Date

Visit the Paul H. Douglas Center for a day of family friendly fun. Enjoy the free nature themed craft set up in the art room visit the live animal room or build a fort in the Nature Play Zone. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information o......More

Visit the Paul H. Douglas Center for a day of family friendly fun. Enjoy the free nature themed craft set up in the art room visit the live animal room or build a fort in the Nature Play Zone. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefriends.org. The Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national park at 100 North Lake Street about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. Passes are required. For more information visit the Fees & Passes page.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or check the park's website.

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403

Chellberg Farm Open House

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse visit the animals and hear stories of the area’s history from rangers and park volunteers. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefrie......More

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse visit the animals and hear stories of the area’s history from rangers and park volunteers. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefriends.org.Passes are required. For more information visit the Fees & Passes page.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or visit our website.

The Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm parking lot is located at 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Lake Michigan Boat Tour

Join a ranger for a guided 90-minute boat tour on Lake Michigan with Harbor Country Adventures. There is a fee and reservations are required. For bookings and details, visit Harbor Country Adventures website and select "Riding With a Ranger Tour". Main Dock is located a......More

Join a ranger for a guided 90-minute boat tour on Lake Michigan with Harbor Country Adventures. There is a fee and reservations are required. For bookings and details, visit Harbor Country Adventures website and select "Riding With a Ranger Tour". Main Dock is located at Millenium Plaza along Trail Creek. There is limited free parking at 1 Washington St. Additional parking is available at Washington Park for a daily fee of $8. We are located directly behind the Lighthouse Museum and Fishcamp Restaurant. 

1 Washington St, Michigan City, IN 46360

Chellberg Farm Open House

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse visit the animals and hear stories of the area’s history from rangers and park volunteers. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefrie......More

Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse visit the animals and hear stories of the area’s history from rangers and park volunteers. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join The Friends visit dunefriends.org.Passes are required. For more information visit the Fees & Passes page.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or visit our website.

The Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm parking lot is located at 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.

Miller Woods Hike

Meet at the Paul H. Douglas Center for a ranger-led hike through Miller Woods on the Paul H. Douglas Trail to the shore of Lake Michigan. This amazing hike goes through a globally rare black oak savannah and around towering sand dunes and interdunal wetlands. Wear sturd......More

Meet at the Paul H. Douglas Center for a ranger-led hike through Miller Woods on the Paul H. Douglas Trail to the shore of Lake Michigan. This amazing hike goes through a globally rare black oak savannah and around towering sand dunes and interdunal wetlands. Wear sturdy shoes bring water and insect repellent. The Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national park at 100 North Lake Street about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. Passes are required. For more information visit the Fees & Passes page.For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or check the park's website.

Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403

Feeding at the Farm

Join a volunteer or ranger and help feed the cows and chickens at the historic Chellberg Farm. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join visit dunefriends.org.This opportunity is part of our Farm & Garden Crew where volun......More

Join a volunteer or ranger and help feed the cows and chickens at the historic Chellberg Farm. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join visit dunefriends.org.This opportunity is part of our Farm & Garden Crew where volunteers take care of the historic Chellberg Farm including its buildings animals and resources.  For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park call 219-395-1882 or visit the park's website. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer program's web page.

Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm, 618 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Memorial Day Movie

Join a ranger for a screening of Vietnam Nurses in the Visitor Center’s auditorium. The documentary chronicles the important role that nurses played during the Vietnam war.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304

Trash Trekkers

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their b......More

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter clean up program. Simply check in  at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awaited with a free reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.There will be temporary passes available for those volunteering during this event. For more information visit our Fees & Passes page. This is part our drop-in program a no-hassle volunteering option for those looking to give a few hours of their time. For other opportunities in volunteering at the Indiana Dunes National Park please visit The Park Connection volunteer page.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304