May
1
to May 31

(NP) Volunteer Opportunity: Trash Trekkers

Visitor Center: 9:00 am–4:00 pm, Daily

Douglas Center: 9:00 am–4:00 pm, Wed-Sun

Lend a hand in our drop-in litter cleanup 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. Participants can earn a free, reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.

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

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May
1
to May 31

(SP) 2 Indiana Dunes State Park Challenges - Offered Daily

Looking for a challenge?

Indiana Dunes State Park offers two self-led challenges!

“3 Dunes Challenge” - Test yourself or bring your friends and family to hike over the 3 tallest dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park! Trail 8 begins your quest. Follow the signs along the way until you circle back to the Nature Center upon completion to pick up your sticker!

“Centennial Challenge”- Indiana Dunes State Park is celebrating 100 years as a state park! They’ve designed a historical challenge for you. Walk or drive to each special location and take a photo. Return to the Nature Center upon completion to pick up your sticker! For a list of all challenges offered at Indiana State Parks, visit us at - http://on.IN.gov/dnr/state parks/programs/fitness/

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.

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May
13
to May 17

(NP) Artist-in-Residence Art Display

Every Wednesday-Sunday this month (9:30am-3:00pm) join rangers at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay.

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

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May
13
to May 17

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

Over 180 activities and programs spread across this 5-Day event. Program start times vary!

Birding in the Indiana Dunes is the best the state has to offer. With its rich biodiversity, varying habitats and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana Dunes is a hotspot for migrant birds. Come and appreciate this abundance of migratory birds in the Indiana Dunes as the festival offers countless walks, hikes, talks, and programs put on by the Indiana Audubon Society. These programs have a fee and must be registered for in advance.

For more information and how to register for programs, please visit www.indunesbirdingfestival.com.

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes are one of the many sponsors and supporters of this annual region-wide event. Look for us at our booth in the Migration Marketplace.

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May
15
7:30 PM19:30

(NP) Music Heritage Series Concert

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.

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May
16
8:00 AM08:00

(NP) 1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park (Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk)

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 all of the guided hikes? Look at Indiana Dunes National Park’s website for a link to Project 1966.

Meet at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Parking Lot Trailhead for today’s 1.5 mile hike.

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.

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May
16
9:00 AM09:00

(SP) Youth & Family Birding Day

Annual Dunes Birding Festival - Events

This is a fun-filled day with something for everyone! As a part of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, there will be beginning bird hikes starting every hour on the hour at the Nature Center. You will not want to miss the live raptors, bird games, bluebird house building, photo ID quiz, giveaways and more! All activities are FREE. Thank you to all our partner organizations for making this day happen.

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 sponsor many of the supplies needed for this family fun event.

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May
16
9:00 AM09:00

(NP) Volunteering Opportunity: Chellberg Farm Care

Work with a ranger and fellow volunteers to help care for the park’s historic farm. Dress comfortably and get ready to roll up your sleeves - work gloves and equipment will be provided. Meet at Bailly Homestead/Chellberg Farm parking lot.

For more information, please call: (219) 221-7098 or go to indu_volunteer@nps.gov.

Many of the supplies and materials need for this volunteer opportunity are made available by FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes.

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May
16
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
16
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) Mary Ann Pals Artist-in-Residence Birding Presentation

Join Mary Ann Pals, a local pastel and charcoal artist, for a presentation on Mt Baldy Sentinel (Bald Eagle resting on a branch at the top of an oak tree) in honor of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. Learn about her experience while she was an Artist-in-Residence. The presentation will be followed by a birding hike with park rangers and Mary Ann.

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.

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May
17
10:00 AM10:00

(SP) Centennial Hike

It’s a brand-new challenge here at Indiana Dunes State Park! In honor of our 100th birthday, we are offering a history hike challenge. You can earn a sticker for taking a photo of each location in the park that has great historical significance. A naturalist will guide you to some of these locations on today’s walk. For more details 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.

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May
17
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
23
8:00 AM08:00

(NP) 1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park (Miller Woods)

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 all of the guided hikes? Look at Indiana Dunes National Park’s website for a link to Project 1966.

Meet at the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education Parking Lot Trailhead on Lake Street in Miller for today’s 3.4 mile hike.

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.

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May
23
10:00 AM10:00

(SP) Wildflower Wander

In honor of Take a Walk in a Park Day, join the Naturalist on a hike from the Nature Center to explore a few different ecosystems in search of the first spring blooms. As the weather warms up, spring ephemerals will pop up for their annual hello!

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

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May
23
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
24
9:30 AM09:30

Untitled Event

(NP) Artist-in-Residence Art Display

  • Wednesday, April 29, 20269:30 AM
    Sunday, May 3, 20263:00 PM

Every Wednesday-Sunday this month (9:30am-3:00pm) join rangers at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay.

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

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May
24
10:00 AM10:00

(SP) Salamander Gander

Come see our short-legged long-tailed amphibian friends at the Nature Center. Then we will head out for a short walk where we roll some logs to find them.

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.

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May
24
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
24
2:00 PM14:00

(SP) Snakes of the Dunes

Slide on into the Nature Center Auditorium to see some of our snakes up-close and learn more about these often-misunderstood creatures.

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.

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May
27
to May 31

(NP) Artist-in-Residence Art Display

Every Wednesday-Sunday this month (9:30am-3:00pm) join rangers at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay.

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

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May
30
8:00 AM08:00

(NP) 1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park (Pinhook Bog and Upland Trails)

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 all of the guided hikes? Look at Indiana Dunes National Park’s website for a link to Project 1966.

Meet at the Pinhook Bog Parking Lot Trailhead for today’s 3 mile hike.

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.

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May
30
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
30
2:00 PM14:00

(SP) Arts, Film and History Intersect at the Dunes

The southern shores of Lake Michigan have been an inspiration to many! From very famous artists to poets and even actors! Did you know that the Dunes were more famous than Hollywood for a time!? Join us in the Nature Center’s auditorium for an inspiring program on the impact of the arts on the Indiana 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

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May
30
8:00 PM20:00

(SP) Full Moon Hike

Meet at the Nature Center for this amazing night experience! This full moon is the second in the same month which only happens once in a BLUE MOON as the saying goes. There will be a short presentation in the auditorium before heading out on the trail. This hike is a moderate hike to the Beach Pavilion and back.

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.

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May
30
8:00 PM20:00

(SP) Full Moon Hike

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.

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May
31
8:00 AM08:00

State Park Beach Clean-up

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: we are also scheduled on the following Sundays - June 14, July 26 and August 30 from 8:00am - 10:00am.

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.

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May
31
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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Jun
14
8:00 AM08:00

State Park Beach Clean-up

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: we are also scheduled on the following Sundays - July 26 and August 30 from 8:00am - 10:00am.

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.

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Jun
28
9:00 PM21:00

(SP) Full Moon Hike

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.

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Jul
26
8:00 AM08:00

State Park Beach Clean-up

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: we are also scheduled August 30 from 8:00am - 10:00am.

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.

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Aug
30
8:00 AM08:00

State Park Beach Clean-up

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.

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Oct
24
6:00 PM18:00

(SP) Full Moon Hike

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.

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May
10
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
10
1:00 AM01:00

(SP) Crafts with Mom

Make a special gift for your mom or enjoy crafting together! Stop in the Nature Center auditorium any time during these hours to design a nature inspired craft for mom!

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 sponsor the supplies needed for this family fun event.

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May
9
2:00 PM14:00

(SP) Amazing Amphibians

Hop on over to the Nature Center auditorium to learn the identification and habitats of our local frogs and salamanders.

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.

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May
9
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) Art in the Park with the Art Barn

Meet at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to learn how to paint your own bird-inspired painting with local artists from the Art Barn.

Reservations are required at Art in the Park. There is a $25 fee for the program.

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.

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May
9
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
9
8:00 AM08:00

(NP) 1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park (Great Marsh Trail and West Beverly Drive)

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 all of the guided hikes? Look at Indiana Dunes National Park’s website for a link to Project 1966.

Meet at the Great Marsh Parking Lot Trailhead in Beverly Shores for today’s 4 mile hike.

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.

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May
9
12:00 AM00:00

INDIANA STATE PARKS "FEE FREE" DAY

Today is a “Fee Free” Day in Indiana State Parks for Indiana State Employees. Celebrate Free admission for state employees and those in the vehicle with them in for Public Service Recognition Week. State Employees can show the gate attendant their State employee ID badge or another proof of state employment for free admission.

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

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May
6
to May 10

(NP) Artist-in-Residence Art Display

Every Wednesday-Sunday this month (9:30am-3:00pm) join rangers at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay.

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

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May
3
2:00 PM14:00

(SP) Turtle Time

Turtles have so many adaptations for surviving in their habitats. Visit the Nature Center’s auditorium to meet our ambassador turtles. You will even learn which turtles from this area are endangered!

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.

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May
3
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
3
10:00 AM10:00

(SP) Wetlands Awakening Walk

Celebrate the color green as you join a naturalist on this easy 1-mile walk into our wetlands to discover more about the green creatures that live there. There are lots of green plants to see and learn about too! This hike begins 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

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May
2
8:00 PM20:00

(NP) Stargazing at Kemil Beach

Join Michiana Astronomical Society and fellow astronomy lovers to enjoy our night sky from one of the darkest spots in Indiana Dunes National Park. Telescopes will be provided for your viewing pleasure. Please plan to arrive early to ensure parking and the safety of other visitors.

For more information contact Indiana Dunes National Park at www.nps.gov/indu or call (219) 395-1882

FRIENDS of Indiana Dunes proudly supplied a telescope to the Indiana Dunes National Park for their stargazing programs.

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May
2
7:30 PM19:30

(SP) Search for the Timberdoodle

Meet a naturalist on the west side of the Beach Pavilion, as we quietly head out together in search of these beautifully camouflaged, plump little shorebirds often called woodcocks, or timberdoodles. Hike is moderate and just over 1-mile long.

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

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May
2
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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May
2
12:15 PM12:15

Indiana Landmarks Presents: Bailly Homestead Hike

In 1822, fur trapper Joseph Bailly established his trading post along the Little Calumet River. Today, the site’s rare collection of nineteenth-century structures, built by Bailly and his descendants, is a National Historic Landmark. Experience the area’s deep history on a two-hour guided hike with retired National Park Ranger Cliff Goins highlighting the landscape, its past uses, and the people who called the site home.

Tourgoers will begin this outdoor guided hike at the Chellberg Farm Parking Lot (1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304) and travel on foot to Bailly Homestead, Bailly Cemetery, and back to Chellberg Farm over the course of two hours. The tours are offered at 12:15pm and 3:00pm

Please be aware that guests are not permitted inside the Bailly Homestead buildings due to ongoing construction.

The hiking route is approximately 2 miles and rated by Indiana Dunes National Park as easy to moderate. Participants should expect to walk or stand the entire length of the experience. The majority of the tour will take guests on unpaved trails, including portions with uneven terrain.

Before or after the hike, attendees may visit Chellberg Farm (open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT) for a self-guided tour of its 1885 farmhouse and outbuildings.

Tickets cost $20/general public and $15 for Indiana Landmarks members with advance registration required. Purchase using the form below or by visiting BaillyHike26.eventbrite.com.

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May
2
11:30 AM11:30

(SP) Web-making Wonders!!

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.

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May
2
10:00 AM10:00

(SP) JD Marshall Shipwreck History Stroll

Meet the Naturalist 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.

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May
2
8:00 AM08:00

(SP) Spring Migration Bird Walk

Join Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society for a peak Spring Migration bird walk! The group will leave from Wilson Shelter at 8:00 am for Trail 2 and visit the longest boardwalk in the park. The walk is 3 miles on flat terrain and will last until the early afternoon. Be prepared for muddy sections of trail and the possibility of mosquitoes. Trail 2 has some of the best migration birding in Indiana Dunes State Park for warblers and other spring migrants.

This walk is free and open to the public, but registration is required as capacity is limited. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-special-extended-spring-migration bird-walk-tickets-1984850481220

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

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May
2
8:00 AM08:00

(NP) 1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park (Hobart Woodland Trail)

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 all of the guided hikes? Look at Indiana Dunes National Park’s website for a link to Project 1966.

Meet at the Robinson Lake parking lot in Hobart for today’s 2.2 mile hike.

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.

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May
2
8:00 AM08:00

Indiana Landmarks Presents: Logs to Lustrons House Tours

From rustic landmarks to Mid-Century Modern, experience a century of architecture at Indiana Dunes National Park (IDNP) on our May 2 Logs to Lustrons tour, including log structures of early settlement days, frame homes from the Victorian period, and mid-century homes of glass, stucco, and metal. Indiana Landmarks and IDNP partner to present the annual tour, which features an inside look at sites not normally open to the public.

On a 3.5-hour guided tour, participants will travel by shuttle while park rangers provide overviews of 11 historic sites, with five landmarks open for interior viewing including the Beverly Shores Depot Museum, where attendees can view a brick-making demonstration and test their building skills in our Lincoln Log contest (open to all ages). Choose your timed entry ticket with tour departure times are 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am and 11:00am, (CT). Tour groups will stay with the same shuttle and tour guide the entire length of the experience, departing promptly from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at your reserved ticket start time.

Before or after your ranger-led bus tour, stop by the park’s Chellberg Farm (open to attendees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT) for a self-guided tour of its 1885 farmhouse and outbuildings.

Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge by picking up a workbook, program, and a bag with a sketchbook and pencil at the Visitor Center before starting the tour, participating in hands-on activities offered at select tour sites, and showing the completed workbook to a park ranger by tour’s end.

Not all tour sites and tour shuttles are accessible. Some sites require walking and navigating stairs. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance by calling Indiana Landmarks, 219-947-2657.

Note: 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.

Tickets cost $40/general public, $35/Indiana Landmarks member, and are free to children or youth under age 16. Advance registration required. Purchase tickets by visiting LogstoLustronsTour26.eventbrite.com.

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Apr
29
to May 3

(NP) Artist-in-Residence Art Display

Every Wednesday-Sunday this month (9:30am-3:00pm) join rangers at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate and be inspired by a new exhibit including 21 art pieces at the Douglas Center, all inspired by the Indiana Dunes. The Artist-in-Residence program offers professional artists the opportunity to live in the park for two weeks to create art that helps generate appreciation and support for the national park. In exchange, the artist provides public engagement and donates a piece of art created during their stay.

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

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Apr
26
2:00 PM14:00

(SP) Salamander Gander

Come see our short-legged long-tailed amphibian friends at the Nature Center. Then we will head out for a short walk where we roll some logs to find them.

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.

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Apr
26
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) Woodland Wildflower Hike

Meet a ranger at Heron Rookery East Parking Lot to explore the Little Calumet River flood plain and its great diversity of spring wildflowers while listening to the spring songs of birds and frogs. Be prepared for muddy conditions.

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.

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Apr
26
1:00 PM13:00

(NP) 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.

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 of the supplies and materials needed for this program are made available by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

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