FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

A variety of animals reside at the Nature Center. These creatures serve as educational ambassadors, helping to convey the significance of unique and delicate dune habitats to our visitors. Join us as we share their stories while you observe them enjoying their breakfast!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

Be on the lookout in the campground for a Park Naturalist. They may have something fun with them and be sure to ask them about weekend events.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

Meet at the West Lot parking lot to travel the steps up to Trail 3. While hiking through the Dunes Prairie Nature Preserve, the naturalist will help identify edible plants that you maybe didn’t know are found in the dunes!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

Much of the equipment used on this hike such as: field guides, and more are proudly supplied by FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes!

Think twice before harming these very important creatures! Learn a new SPIN on some of our Indiana Dunes 8-legged wonders of nature. You’ll see some of these fascinating arachnids up-close.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes supply the acrylic habitat boxes and supplies needed of the comfort of these 8-legged ambassadors at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

Telescopes for deep sky viewing and constellation talks will be set-up at the West Parking Lot at 8:30pm. The best star observations will take place after 9:30pm. Bring a chair, towel, bug spray, and enjoy these spectacular views from the State Park’s beach. This program is weather dependent. Check the park’s Facebook page for updates.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly supplied a telescope and other night sky program supplies to the Indiana Dunes State Park for their stargazing programs.

Meet the Naturalist at the Nature Center for a 1.5-mile flat walk to the beach and back describing one of Lake Michigan’s shipwreck stories.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes happily provided additional support for the remodeling of the JD Marshall Exhibit within the Nature Center.

See up-close what small plants and animals call our park’s wetlands home on this short walk to Dunes Creek. We will be dipping for the small plants and animals that inhabit these important habitats.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

Most of the equipment such as: dip nets, specimen boxes, magnifier lenses, field guides, and more are proudly supplied by FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes!

Hop, slither, or turtle trot on over to the Nature Center’s Auditorium to see our resident reptiles and amphibians eat their live meals!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

A variety of animals reside at the Nature Center. These creatures serve as educational ambassadors, helping to convey the significance of unique and delicate dune habitats to our visitors. Join us as we share their stories while you observe them enjoying their breakfast!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

Be on the lookout in the campground for a Park Naturalist. They may have something fun with them and be sure to ask them about weekend events.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and melody with The Save the Tunes Council, a dedicated collective of local musicians, passionate about keeping folk songs alive with an array of traditional instruments. Don’t miss this chance to experience the rich sounds and stories of our musical heritage!

For more information, please call Indiana Dunes National Park at (219) 395-1882, check out their FaceBook page, or go to www.nps.gov/indu

Many performances by Save the Tunes Council are supported by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

At 8:30am, fly over to the Nature Center where expert, Allen Chartier, will discuss attracting, feeding, and his research with hummingbirds.

Starting at 9:30am, the Hummingbird Banding Demonstration begin where you can experience these small flying jewels up-close with Allen Chartier. He will be catching, banding, and then releasing any birds caught. Come experience these small flying jewels up-close during this hummingbird banding demonstration.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly sponsor and support these exciting and educational annual programs.

Spend some time inside the Nature Center searching for answers to our scavenger hunt! You will get a prize for completing the hunt and walk away with extra knowledge of this amazing state park!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

From the Nature Center, awaken your tastebuds and join the naturalist for an easy walk exploring delicious dune delicacies of the season found just below your feet.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

Much of the equipment used on this hike such as: field guides, and more are proudly supplied by FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes!

In honor of our 100th birthday, we are offering a history hike challenge. You can earn a sticker for taking a photo of each historically significant location in the park. A naturalist will guide you to some of these locations on today’s walk. For more information about the Centennial Challenge, ask at the Nature Center desk.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are proud to support and assist the Indiana Dunes State Park during their yearlong Centennial Celebration.

Hop, slither, or turtle trot on over to the Nature Center’s Auditorium to see our resident reptiles and amphibians eat their live meals!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

Today is a “Fee Free” Day in America’s National Parks. Celebrate the 110th Anniversary of our National Park Service at the Indiana Dunes National Park.

This “fee free” day does NOT apply to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

A variety of animals reside at the Nature Center. These creatures serve as educational ambassadors, helping to convey the significance of unique and delicate dune habitats to our visitors. Join us as we share their stories while you observe them enjoying their breakfast!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

Be on the lookout in the campground for a Park Naturalist. They may have something fun with them and be sure to ask them about weekend events.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

From the Nature Center, we will hike over to one of the state park’s largest beaver dams. Come and learn all about nature’s engineers!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

Have you ever wondered how the sandy giants of the State Park were formed? Meet a naturalist at the Nature Center to take a moderate hike while learning about the geologic history of the dunes.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

Four times every summer, in May - August, FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes partner with our friends Crazy Legs Race Series from (8:00am – 10:00am) for a Beach Clean-up at the Indiana Dunes State Park.

We welcome all groups, families, and individuals to join us. Drinking Water and limited Gloves and Trash Buckets will be provided. Look for us at the FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes canopy located east of the Pavilion. Beach cleaners will head east towards Michigan City for one hour then return.

This wonderful partnership is one of the many ways FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes partner and work with our communities and other eco-friendly groups to enhance visitor enjoyment of the Indiana Dunes.

Join the Naturalist at the Nature Center to help fill the bird feeders and play this fun game at our bird feeding windows!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly supply all bird feed and seed, feeders, guidebooks, the water feature and the audio amplification associated with the wildlife observation room.

Turtle trot on over to the Nature Center to meet some of our Dunes’ local turtles and learn more about their amazing adaptations.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

Hop, slither, or turtle trot on over to the Nature Center’s Auditorium to see our resident reptiles and amphibians eat their live meals!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes support all nutritional and health needs of the ambassador animals at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

9:00 am – Beach History Scavenger Hunt:  Stop by the Nature Center at Indiana Dunes State Park to pick up a scavenger hunt card. Questions related to the park's history can be answered by visiting our beach and interpretive signs in our park. Return to the Nature Center to be awarded a small prize.

9:00am – 5:00pm – Fur Trader Encampment: Be sure to visit the Ouiatenon Brigade on the beach east of the pavilion as they re-enact the fur-trading era.

10:00am – 11:30am - Beaver Trading Hike:  Meet the naturalist at the Nature Center for a trek through the dunes and a meeting with the early French fur traders that inhabited this area nearly 200 years ago! Bring your beaver pelt or borrow one of ours!

1:00pm – 2:30pm Battle of the Dunes History Hike: Although marked by historic signs and briefly mentioned in local histories, the Battle of Le Petit Fort (also known as the Battle of Trail Creek) remains a mysterious part of the Indiana Dunes story. Meet the naturalist at the Nature Center.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly sponsor and supply many of the activities for this annual family friendly event.

9:00am – 1:00pm – Fur Trader Encampment:  Be sure to visit the Ouiatenon Brigade on the beach east of the pavilion as they re-enact the fur-trading era.

10:00am – 11:30am - Beaver Trading Hike:  Meet the naturalist at the Nature Center for a trek through the dunes and a meeting with the early French fur traders that inhabited this area nearly 200 years ago! Bring your beaver pelt or borrow one of ours!

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly sponsor and supply many of the activities for this annual family friendly event.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

Today is a “Fee Free” Day in America’s National Parks. Celebrate Constitution Day at the Indiana Dunes National Park.

This “fee free” day does NOT apply to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

This is an Indiana Landmarks event - Please direct ALL questions and concerns to: Century of Progress Home Tour 2026 - Indiana Landmarks!

NOTE: Tour tickets will be released for sale on August 3, 2026, 8 a.m. CDT (9 a.m. EDT) at centuryofprogresstour26.eventbrite.com. The Eventbrite link will not display ticket options until the sale time. The tour location is in the Central time zone. All ticket times will be shown in Central time.

The 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago—called the Century of Progress—offered millions of people in the depths of the Great Depression a hopeful vision that highlighted futuristic changes on the horizon. Developer Robert Bartlett brought a dozen buildings from the fair to Indiana, including five from the Homes and Industrial Arts housing exhibit that now make up the Century of Progress Historic District in Indiana Dunes National Park. After the fair, Bartlett moved the buildings by barge and truck to Beverly Shores, a resort community he was developing on the Indiana shore of Lake Michigan.

On September 26, you can visit the cluster of five landmarks on Indiana Landmarks’ annual Century of Progress home tour, hosted in partnership with the National Park Service. The tour admits you to the first floor of five homes: Cypress, Florida Tropical, Armco-Ferro, and Rostone houses—and the House of Tomorrow, currently undergoing restoration. As you can tell by their names, the houses at the fair promoted products for residential living—Florida’s beachy appeal, and artificial stone, enameled steel, and cypress wood as building materials.

Four of the five Century of Progress homes looked wildly modern in 1933, so ahead of their time that they remain modern looking today. The Cypress House, honoring its material, looks like a rustic log cabin, albeit with modern amenities. To save the structures, Indiana Landmarks leased them from the National Park Service, then subleased four to people who have restored them in exchange for long-term leases. Restoration of the House of Tomorrow, declared a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, began in April 2024. An architecture and engineering team assembled by Indiana Landmarks, working with the National Trust and Indiana Dunes National Park, is in the process of returning the landmark to its 1933 appearance.

TICKETS

NOTE: Tour tickets will be released for sale on August 3, 2026, 8 a.m. CDT (9 a.m. EDT) at centuryofprogresstour26.eventbrite.com. The Eventbrite link will not display ticket options until the sale time. The tour location is in the Central time zone. All ticket times will be shown in Central time.

Tickets cost $50/general public, $45/member of Indiana Landmarks.

The tour lasts a little over two hours and is guided by park rangers and volunteers who will provide histories and architectural overviews at each property.

Because there is no parking available in the historic district, your timed entry ticket includes transportation via school bus from the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, 1215 North State Road 49, Porter, IN, 46304 to Century of Progress district. The tour homes are clustered together on either side of Lake Front Drive within easy walking distance of one another. All guests are required to check in at the Visitor Center to receive a wrist band needed for admittance the tour sites. To maintain safety and the best experience for ticketholders, no walk-up sales will be available the day of the event.

Touring the historic homes requires walking and climbing stairs. If you have questions prior to the tour regarding accessibility, please call Indiana Landmarks’ Northern Regional Office, 574-232-4534 x 1 (questions only).

Entrance fees to Indiana Dunes National Park are waived for ticketholders for the length of the tour. If you decide to recreate in the national park outside of your tour time, the entrance fee will be required. Park entrance passes can be purchased from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, the Paul H. Douglas Center, or online at recreation.gov.

This is an Indiana Landmarks event - Please direct ALL questions and concerns to: Century of Progress Home Tour 2026 - Indiana Landmarks!

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are just that, a community-based volunteer organization working with our three partners: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dunes Learning Center to…enhance visitor enjoyment of our Indiana Dunes…

We’re located at: 1000 W. Oakhill Rd (NW Corner of Oakhill and Mineral Springs Roads), Porter, IN

Come by our office to learn more about what we do and/or fell free to join us.

Enjoy the beautiful full moon and night sky on this special hike leaving from the Nature Center to Lake Michigan and back. Stories about our moon and constellations will be shared along the way.

For more information, call the State Park Nature Center at: 219-926-1390, Check out their FaceBook Page, OR go to: Indiana Dunes State Park - State of Indiana

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly supply most of the dark sky safety equipment used during Full Moon and other Night Hikes.

Today is a “Fee Free” Day in America’s National Parks. Celebrate President Theodore Roosevelt’s 168th Birthday at the Indiana Dunes National Park.

This “fee free” day does NOT apply to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Today is a “Fee Free” Day in America’s National Parks. Celebrate our Veterans at the Indiana Dunes National Park.

This “fee free” day does NOT apply to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Wednesday, November 11: Today is a “Fee Free” Day for Veterans in Indiana State Parks. All US Veterans and those in the vehicle with them can celebrate Free admission.

This “fee free” day does NOT apply to the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Today is a “Fee Free” Day in Indiana State Parks. Celebrate Free admission for everyone for “Opt-Outside Day”.

This “fee free” day does NOT apply to the Indiana Dunes National Park.