Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior The SINGING SANDS Are You Up For The Challenge? 2024-25 Park Guide QUICK LINKS FEES AND PASSES... 3. THINGS TO DO & BEACHES... 5-9. EVENTS & RANGER PROGRAMS... 10-11. BEACH PARKING & PARK MAP... 12-13. HIKING & TRAIL MAPS... 14-20. CAMPGROUND & STATE PARK MAP... 21. ACCESSIBILITY & VOLUNTEER... 22-23. See Page 14 Indiana Dunes National Park Two Great Parks... One Great Place (P.2) Welcome to the Park Welcome to Indiana Dunes National Park, a breathtaking haven of natural beauty and rich history. Your presence helps support the preservation and maintenance of this extraordinary national treasure. been completed with your generous support. These vital initiatives have enhanced the infrastructure and amenities within the park, enabling visitors to enjoy a richer and more sustainable experience. Indiana Dunes National Park is a fee collection park, and the fees collected play a crucial role in the ongoing eforts to protect and preserve this natural wonder. The revenue generated from these fees directly contributes to the preservation of the park’s ecological and historical resources, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience its beauty. Some of the projects completed so far include the emergency shoring up of the park’s Bailly Homestead (interior and exterior), rehabilitation (exterior/interior painting/fooring) of the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, parking lot paving and the upgrade of all solar lighting, stair replacement/repair at West Beach, Dunewood Campground and Long Lake. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the remarkable projects that have Current projects being funded include the upgrade of the Indiana Dunes State Park NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION Glenwood Dunes restroom facility, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk rehabilitation, and the replacement/ upgrade of the alarm systems at all visitor facilities. We want to express our gratitude for your visit and for your continued support of America’s National Parks. As you can see, your contributions through entrance fees directly contribute to the preservation and enhancement of our natural and cultural heritage. We hope that your time at Indiana Dunes National Park is both inspiring and unforgettable, and that you leave with a deeper appreciation for the remarkable natural wonders and historical treasures that this park has to ofer. PARK WEBSITE Scan QR code or visit: NPS.gov/INDU Park Hours: Open 6:00 am to 11:00 pm Central Time (CT) unless otherwise posted. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Phone: (219) 395-1882 Hours of operation Memorial Day to Labor Day Open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Fall and Winter hours Open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Address: 1215 IN-49 Porter, IN 46304 Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education Phone: (219) 395-1824 Hours of operation Memorial Day to Labor Day Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Fall and Winter hours Open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Address: 100 North Lake Street Gary, IN 46403 MAILING ADDRESS: Indiana Dunes National Park 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304 New interpretive kiosks Working on clearing river Call 1-800-PARKTIP (727-5847) to report emergencies and suspicious or criminal activity. PAUL KEMIEL 19 Hikes, 66 Miles... Your adventure guide to the National Park Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education Scan for Visitor Center’s website Getting here: AND and the State Park Indiana Dunes State Park’s Nature Center Scan for Douglas Center’s website Getting here: 1215 IN-49 Porter, IN 46304 Phone: (219) 395-1882 Find all of your orientation needs here. Talk to a ranger and learn about the park’s locations, activities, programs, and nearby attractions. View an informative flm about the park and the region. Spend some time in the activity room to discover features about the park. Scan for State Park’s website Getting here: 100 North Lake Street Gary, IN 46403 Phone: (219) 395-1824 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN 46304 Phone: (219) 926-1390 A nature center for all. Interactive nature programs, activities, animals, and exhibits can be found here. Hike through the beautiful Miller Woods to the beach. Children can also explore the outdoor Nature Play Zone. Come on in and see it all! A variety of hands-on exhibits serve as a fantastic introduction to the wonders of the Indiana Dunes and its habitats. Here interpretive naturalists ofer experiences via hikes, live animals, indoor programs, and special events to a range of audiences. National or State, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? DIFFERENCES 2 NATIONAL PARK STATE PARK LOCATIONS The National Park has over 25 distinct locations to choose from, stretched across 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan, measuring over 15,000 acres between Gary and Michigan City, IN. One contiguous landscape, the State Park is composed of a large recreation area and 1,588 acres of state designated nature preserves and includes national natural landmarks. FEES All are seven day entry passes: $15 walk-in / bike-in / boat-in (up to $25 family max.), $25 vehicle pass, $20 motorcycle pass, up to $100 for commercial bus. See page 3 for annual passes. Daily entrance fee: $7 Indiana resident vehicle or $12 nonresident vehicle. See page 4 for all passes. CAMPING Dunewood Campground: $25 per night. Central Beach Backcountry Campsites: $25 per night. Dunbar Group Campsite: $100.00 per night. Pg 5. Sites include 50 amp electrical service and access to shower houses. $24.61 Sun-Wed. $32.10 Thur-Sat. For reservations, visit camp.IN.gov CONCESSIONS West Beach Snack Bar & Gift Shop (seasonal), Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion Snack Bar (seasonal). Food service and gift shop available at beach pavilion. Gift shop available at nature center. Supplies, food, and gifts available at camp store. BATHHOUSE AND PAVILION West Beach Bathhouse: (Seasonal) restrooms, snack bar, potable water, indoor showers, and lockers. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion: 3,500 square foot, includes restrooms, a seasonal snack bar and a classroom/meeting space. Seasonal exterior showers and changing rooms, restrooms, changing stations, and sinks available at beach comfort station. Restrooms, food service, and gifts available in pavilion. BEACH PARKING Over 1,139 spaces spread over 8 beach access sites. For more information, turn to page 12. Two Beach parking lots with approximately 2,000 spaces. Separate picnic area parking available throughout park. Parking available at Nature Center, North Orchard, and Wilson Shelter lots. TRAILS 14 trail systems with more than 50 miles of trails. Maps on pages 16-21. Network of nine numbered trails throughout the state park spanning 16.35 miles. PICNIC AREAS 14 different picnic areas throughout the park, 7 are sheltered, and 2 are sheltered & reservable. For more information, or to reserve a picnic table, turn to page 7. Beach picnic tables available during season at west lot. 15 acre picnic area with playground by Auxiliary lot. 6 reservable shelters, plus additional picnic tables and grilling areas throughout the park, 7 sheltered. PUBLIC PROGRAMS Multitude of public programs and special events. See page 10. Hosts variety of programs and special events. Visit calendar.dnr.IN.gov. or call at 219-926-1390. CULTURAL SITES Diana of the Dunes (West Beach), Century of Progress Homes, Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center & Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education (See top of page). Nature Center, CCC Memorial Presentation Area, JD Marshall Underwater Nature Preserve, Wilson Shelter CCC Project Site, La Petite Fort Revolutionary War Historic Battle Marker, Historic Stone Gatehouses, Historic Beach Pavilion. No matter which park, we want you to be safe and enjoy your stay! Fees and Passes SEPARATE PASSES ARE NEEDED FOR EACH PARK Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass $45 HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL PARK. The Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass is your ticket to a year of outdoor wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a frst-time visitor, this pass opens the door to breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and unforgettable memories. 2024 annual pass. Artwork by Artist-in-Residence, Susan Klabak great gift idea. The Annual Pass can be purchased at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Recreation.gov, or other locations throughout the area. The pass admits the pass owner and accompanying passengers. Pass owner must be present for entry. Scan to visit Recreation.gov and purchase annual pass on your mobile device. Please display the pass on dashboard when parking with the expiration date clearly visible. Benefts of the annual pass are unlimited access, convenience, cost savings and it supports the park! It also makes a Entrance Fees WHERE DO I PURCHASE A PARK ENTRY PASS? Entry passes can be purchased at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, West Beach fee kiosk (seasonally), Paul H. Douglas Center, and Recreation.gov (or scan the QR Code on the right). State park entry passes can be purchased at location only. NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEES (Beginning March 31, 2022) 7-DAY ENTRY PASSES 1-DAY ONLY ENTRY PASSES (Non-Commercial) Walk-in / Bike-in / Boat-in (up to $25 family max.) $15 Walk-in / Bike-in $2 Vehicle Pass (Carload/Family) $25 In-State Vehicle Fee $7 Motorcycle $20 Out-of-State Vehicle Fee $12 Commercial Vehicle Up to $100 Bus $2 per person Passes WHICH PASS IS BEST FOR YOU? The America the Beautiful Pass can be obtained at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, West Beach Kiosk (seasonally), by scanning the QR Code on the right, or visiting nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees. htm. Indiana Dunes State Park Passes are available at the State Park Ofce or Gate. America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass Passes cover Indiana State Park entrance fees $45 Expires 1 year from month of purchase Passes below apply to all federal lands Annual Pass $80 Expires 1 year from month of purchase Annual Senior Pass $20 62 years old, Expires 1 year from purchase Lifetime Senior Pass $80 62 years or older Military Pass Free Current military or a dependent Military Lifetime Pass Free Retired military, veteran or Gold Star Family 4th Grade Pass Free Fourth graders and family Access Pass Free Permanent disability Volunteer Pass Indiana State Park Pass Free 250 hours of volunteer work Indiana State Park Annual Pass: resident $50 Calendar year pass Indiana State Park Annual Pass: non-resident $70 Calendar year pass Golden Hoosier Passport (GHP) $25 (65 years old) Calendar - year pass GHP Social Security Disability Income $25 Indiana residents receiving or eligible to receive SSDI - year pass GHP Disabled Hoosier Veterans $25 Indiana Veterans who possess or are eligible to purchase a DHV license plate. year pass 2024-25 Park Guide 3 Top Visitor Questions What time does the park close? Unless otherwise posted, all public use areas are open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (CT). National Park Summer Hours: (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Visitor Center open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Douglas Center open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm National Park Winter Hours: (Labor Day through Memorial Day) Visitor Center open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Douglas Center open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm State Park open 7:00 am to 11:00 pm Nature Center open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Visit nps.gov/indu/learn/management/ lawsandpolicies.htm for more information on hours throughout the park. Where can I buy food? areas, and you must determine what is safe for you. During summer months, lifeguards are stationed at West Beach and can close the waters if needed. Lifeguards are not present at other national park beaches. State park waters are only open when lifeguards are on duty and conditions are appropriate for swimming. Call the state park for water conditions at 219-926-1390. Call the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center at 219-395-1882 for information regarding E. coli levels. Do you have a campground? Yes. The national park has the Dunewood Campground (67 sites), the Dunbar Beach Group Site, and fve Central Beach Backcountry sites. See page 5 for camping or call 219-3951882. The local towns outside the park have lots of choices for restaurants and grocery stores. Within the park, visitors can grab a bite to eat at concession operations working at West Beach and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. Indiana Dunes State Park also has a large campground with electricity. They recommend reservations most of the year. For more information, see page 21 for state park info or visit camp.in.gov The Pavilion at Indiana Dunes State Park ofers a number of options for diferent tastes. Are the parks accessible? Which trail is best to hike? The national park has over 50 miles of trails and the state park another 16+ miles. You can fnd trail information and maps in this guide on pages 16-23. You can also download the NPS app at NPS.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps. htm or visit our hiking page at NPS.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/hiking.htm. Where may I climb a dune? Long Lake Trail at West Beach has a dune face on the marked trail, which visitors enjoy climbing. In addition, it hosts the Diana Dare Challenge and a set of stairs to traverse the dune. Both dunes ofer great views. The 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park ofers guests the opportunity to reach the summits of the three tallest dunes in the park. Can I take public transportation to the park? Yes. The South Shore train has four stops near park access sites and runs between Chicago and South Bend. For a schedule, visit mysouthshoreline.com. See page 3 for transportation info. Do you close the beach when high waves are present or E. coli levels are high? No, except for West Beach. The national park does not close its beach due to water conditions. Risks are inherent in all natural prohibited on the beach within the lifeguarded areas. This area is the section of beach directly north of the bathhouse stairs and is designated along the beach with park signs. Pets are only permitted to walk through the lifeguarded area to reach the beaches on either side of the closure area. Pets are not allowed on the Glenwood Dunes Trail, Pinhook Bog Trail and the designated nature play areas. This avoids conficts with equestrian riders, protects sensitive vegetation, and compatible use with other visitors. Where can I fnd the weather? Weather conditions can mean a few diferent things, which may also include wave conditions, water temperatures, and beach monitoring (E. coli testing). These factors and more can be found on our weather page at nps.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/weather.htm What are the fees? Yes. The national and state park have a multitude of increasingly accessible features. Turn to page 22 for the national park or call (219) 926-1390 for the state park. Indiana Dunes is home to both a national park and a state park. Both are incredible parks that ofer countless recreation opportunities. However, Indiana Dunes National Park is owned by the federal government and Indiana Dunes State Park is owned by the State of Indiana. As such, each park has fees and passes that are separate and unique. None of the passes and fees work between the two parks. For more information, turn back to page 3. Where can I buy gifts? Can I get married in the park? We invite you to visit the local establishments, some of whom focus on park visitors, which ofer a wide variety of products to help make Indiana Dunes a place to hold dear. Contact our visitor center (page 2) for more information or go to indianadunes.com. Do you have a Junior Ranger Program? Yes! There are several Junior Ranger books to guide you on adventures through various park locations. Once completed, each participant will earn a badge or sticker. Pick up Junior Ranger materials at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Douglas Center. For more information, turn to page 7. The State Park ofers the Explorer Pin program for adventurers of all ages. May I take my pet with me for a hike? Yes. Pets are permitted on most park trails and beaches as long as they are leashed (6’ or less) and waste is removed. Pets are prohibited inside government buildings, except for the West Beach bathhouse. West Beach and State Park beach – From Memorial Day through Labor Day, pets are Yes. You will need a Special Park Use Permit (SUP), which is for activities that take place within a national park outside typical and ordinary visitor use. These events may include gatherings and activities such as weddings, sporting events, and sales. You will need written SUP authorization from the park before the event or activity takes place. For more information, visit NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/ permitsandreservations.htm Can I run my business in the park? Yes. You will need a commercial use authorization (CUA), which is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other forproft entity to conduct commercial activities. These activities provide specifc visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that are determined to be an appropriate use of Indiana Dunes National Park, will have minimal impact on Indiana Dunes National Park’s resources and values, and are consistent with Indiana Dunes National Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations. For more information, visit NPS.gov/indu/getinvolved/ commercial_use_authorization.htm Getting Here by Public Transportation BY TRAIN - Northern Indiana Commuter Train District: The South Shore train has 3 stops, plus one fag stop, near park access sites, and runs between Chicago and South Bend. The stops near the park are: • Miller - Paul H. Douglas Center and trails (20 minute walk) • Ogden Dunes - Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk (32 minute walk) • Dune Park - Indiana Dunes State Park (33 minute walk) • Beverly Shores (Flag stop) - Dunewood Campground (4 minute walk) - Great Marsh (3 minute walk) - Lakeview Beach (22 minute walk) For a schedule, visit mysouthshoreline.com. 4 BY BUS - Gary Public Transportation Corporation has bus routes in the west end of the park: Bus route 13 (Oak & County Line Road) passes directly in front of the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education and close to the entrance of West Beach. The Douglas Center and West Beach are located in the park’s west end. Visit gptcbus.com for current schedules and fares. Paul H. Douglas Center: East bound riders can get of the bus at the corner of 4th & Lake Street and walk about 2 blocks north on Lake Street to the center. West bound riders should ask the driver to stop in front of the center located on Lake Street between Birch and 3rd Street. If the driver is unable to stop in front of the center, then get of at the corner of 3rd and Lake Street and walk about 1 block north. WWW.NPS.GOV/INDU Things to Do Find Your Thing To Do Beaches and Swimming Oh, what a joy to fnd a six by six foot patch of sand all to yourself! Within that square you might fnd solitude, fun, adventure, nature, or companionship. Whatever it is that you may be seeking, your two sandy parks, Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park have a beach for you. Beach-Going Tips List If you are looking for a spot for your beach umbrella, or if you need a place that provides that little extra bit of safety with lifeguards, bathrooms and showers, ample parking and terrifc views, we have a perfect beach for that. • Some beaches have picnic shelters. • Bring lifejackets, sun block, lip balm, umbrella, bug spray, and drinking water. • Pack lunches in sand proof containers. • Unless posted, alcohol is allowed at most national park beaches. • Alcohol is prohibited at the state park. Beaches • West Beach • State Park West Beach and Portage Lakefront have seasonal food vendors on location. • Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk • Dunbar Beach • Porter Beach • Central Ave. Beach • Kemil Beach • Mount Baldy Beach Biking Discover much more than just sand dunes as you bike on an interconnected trail system that spans 37 miles across the entire length of the national park. A wide variety of biking trails traverse the various habitats and cultural history of Indiana Dunes National Park. The varying lengths make it easy to choose the trail that’s right for you. From a short easy ride to a challenging all-day trek, most of the trails are open all year, and the experience will change with each season. Camping Dunewood Campground • Golf Wood Road & Dunewood Parkway, Beverly Shores, IN 46301 • GPS Coordinates: 41.671786, -86.983985 (Decimal Degrees). Campground consists of two loops containing 66 campsites (53 conventional drive-in sites and 13 walk/carry-in sites). Four sites are wheelchair accessible (numbers 15, 30, 41 and 55). Each loop has restrooms and hot/cold showers. Some sites have limited recreational vehicle length. No electric or sewer. • $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). 50% discount for Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access Passholders. DUNEWOOD MAP on Page 21. Hiking Discover much more than just sand dunes as you hike through 14 distinct trail systems covering more than 50 miles of trails. A wide variety of hiking trails traverse the various habitats and cultural history of Indiana Dunes National Park. The varying lengths and P.8 Arts in the Park Fishing Geocaching Historic Sites P.9 Horseback Riding Winter Activities Food & Services Visit Pullman • Do not bring glass containers. There are plenty of places to park at Indiana Dunes. Turn to page 12 for more detailed information about parking. If you are coming from Chicago or South Bend, you can take the South Shore Line train and leave your car at home. P.5 Beaches Biking Camping Hiking P.6 Driving Tours P.7 Jr. Ranger Birding Boat Tours Paddling Picnicking • Lake View Beach For more information, scan the QR code here, or visit our Beach-Going & Swimming page at NPS.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/swimming.htm Popular Biking Trails: • Calumet Bike Trail Gravel, 19.0 miles round trip, fat. WARNING - Rugged trail conditions • Dunes Kankakee Bike Trail Paved, 3.6 miles round trip, paved, fat. • Porter Brickyard Bike Trail Paved, 7.0 miles round trip, some hills. • Prairie Duneland Bike Trail Paved, 22.4 miles round trip, rail trail, fat. • Marquette Bike Trail Paved, 4.6 miles round trip, rail trail, fat. • Oak Savannah Bike Trail Paved, 17.8 miles round trip, rail trail, fat. For more information, scan the QR code seen here, or visit our biking page at NPS.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/biking.htm Central Beach Back Country Campsites • Located of Central Avenue, Beverly Shores, IN 46301. • GPS Coordinates: 41.702065, -86.946963 (Decimal Degrees). 5 walk-in tent-only camp sites are located roughly ½ mile hike from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Each site is roughly a 0.6 mile hike from the parking lot located on Central Ave. These primitive sites are pack-in pack-out only, including trash. There is no potable water at camp sites. A fre ring is provided at each site. The Dunbar Group Campsite is available for groups up to 30 people. The site is located about 600 feet from Lake Michigan. Parking and facilities are located at the Dunbar parking lot, about 400 feet from the site. • $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). 50% discount for Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access Passholders. • $100.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). There are no discounts on the group site. Dunbar Group Campsite • Beverly Shores, IN 46301 • GPS Coordinates: 41.682476, -87.001699 (Decimal Degrees). For more information on camping and reservations, scan the QR code seen here, or visit Recreation.gov and search Indiana Dunes. difculty levels make it easy to choose the trail that’s right for you. From a short easy stroll to a challenging all-day trek, most of the trails are open all year and the hiking experience will change with each season. TRAIL MAPS ALL of our trail maps and hiking info can be found on pages 16-20. 2024-25 Park Guide For more information, scan the QR code seen here, or visit our Hiking page at NPS.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/hiking.htm 5 Driving Things to Do Driving Tours DRIVING TOUR: WEST SIDE Approximately 1-2 Hours 15 Miles Total West Side Driving Tour Points of Interest 1. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center - Start your trip here and get orientated with the park. 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304, Phone: 219-395-1882. 2. Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm – Go for a short stroll and learn about the park’s historic district and see the farm animals. 618 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304. 3. Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk- Enjoy a view of Lake Michigan from the pavilion. Seasonal food services are available. Walk along the breakwater for fshing and birdwatching. Check out the Sacred Sands Audio Tour. 100 Riverwalk Road, Portage, IN 46368. 4. West Beach - Enjoy the bathhouse, lifeguarded beach, and earn a sticker by hiking the new Diana Dunes Dare Trail. 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403. 5. Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education- Check out exhibits, classrooms or hike the 3.5-mile trail through Miller Woods to the beach. 100 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403. DRIVING TOUR: EAST SIDE Approximately 1-2 Hours 14 Miles Total East Side Driving Tour Points 1. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center - Start your trip here and learn about the park. 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304 Phone: 219-395-1882. 2. Dune Ridge Trail (If you have time!) – Ofers great views of the extensive wetlands and forests. 300E State Park Rd, Beverly Shores, IN 46301 (page 19). 3. Kemil, Dunbar, Lake View Beaches – Petfriendly beaches with access to hiking trails and the Lake View Beach picnic area with restrooms; also a great place to launch your kayak. All in Beverly Shores, IN 46304. 4. Century of Progress – Constructed for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair to display the future of housing. Lake Front Drive., between Dunbar Ave. and Derby Ave., Beverly Shores, IN 46304. 5. Central Avenue – A beach where you can enjoy a quiet walk and watch the bank swallows come and go from their nests in the dunes. Central Beach, Beverly Shores, IN 46301. 6. Mount Baldy – Hike to the beach and witness this area’s largest moving dune. 101 Rice St (US 12) Michigan City, IN 46360. 6 WWW.NPS.GOV/INDU More Things to Do Become a Junior Ranger Birding Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the national park is an important feeding and resting area for migrating birds. Lake Michigan infuences the migration patterns of bird species. During fall migration, southbound birds follow the north-south shoreline and are funneled into the Indiana Dunes. The large expanse of open water and miles of shoreline also attract large numbers of wintering birds. Boat Tours Anchors Up! Jump on board to join a park ranger for a guided two-hour boat tour on Lake Michigan. The tour ofers a unique perspective near shoreline with an enlightening view of the Indiana Dunes National and State Park, while a park ranger expertly gives insight about the park’s interesting and unique features, including its historical signifcance, native Paddling In addition to the larger Junior Ranger Activity Guide, Indiana Dunes has a Beachcomber Activity Sheet for families enjoying the beach for the day. You can pick up a Beachcomber activity sheet at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or Paul H. Douglas Center. Upon its completion you will receive a Junior Ranger sticker. You can also download printable versions of these activities on our website. Popular Birding Trails: • Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods) Featured hike: Moderate, 3.4 miles in length, hike time of 2 hours. • Cowles Bog Trail Featured hike: Moderate to rugged, 4.7 miles in length, hike time of 4 hours. Park at park headquarters when Cowles Bog parking lot is full. • Great Marsh Trail Featured hike: Easy, 1.3 miles in length, hike time of 1 hour. For more information, scan the QR code seen here or visit our birding page at NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/ birdwatching.htm ecosystems, biodiversity, and other geological qualities such as dune succession, and how the lake has and continues to have afected it over the years. The tour boats are operated by Harbor Country Adventures and some tours feature a ranger. Ranger led boat tours are scheduled from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is a fee and reservations are required. Visit the website for schedule and reservations. Paddling is a very exciting, healthy, and even challenging activity that you or your family can enjoy while visiting the park. desires. Get ready for miles of beautiful water routes, dune-covered shores, and enchanting views of nearby communities. Relax in your watercraft and begin on an excursion of scenic lake views and bountiful forest life, or tread hard to get some great water-themed cardio. It has become increasingly popular as we have a huge lake, plenty of other creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner paddling With multiple access points throughout the area, no matter where you are located, you’ll fnd your paddling adventure nearby. Picnicking To download, scan the QR code or visit NPS.gov/indu/ learn/kidsyouth/juniorranger.htm PAUL KEMIEL The Junior Ranger Activity Guide will help you explore the Indiana Dunes like never before. The guidebook can be picked up at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. When you complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide, bring it back to either center to receive a Junior Ranger badge. For schedule and reservations, scan the QR code seen here, or visit... harborcountryadventures.com For more information, scan the QR code, or visit our fshing and boating page at NPS.gov/indu/planyourvisit/ fshing-and-boating.htm the desired use date. The reservation is good for day use from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm (CT). Covered picnic shelters with tables are located at the following locations along with modern restrooms. Cooking fres are permitted in the provided grills or an approved carry-in grill. An approved grill is a noncombustible container with an enclosed bottom and enclosed sides with a minimum depth of two inches. Charcoal must be cooled and safely disposed of in a noncombustible container or removed from the area. • West Beach: There are eight covered picnic shelters near the parking lot with two that are wheelchair accessible. The shelters are reservable starting six months in advance of the desired use date. The reservation is good for day use from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (CT). The shelter reservation does not waive the national park entrance fee or guarantee parking for your group. Plan to arrive early (especially weekends and holidays). The following picnic shelters can be reserved in advance at www.recreation.gov: The following picnic shelters are available on a frst come, frst served basis: • Bailly Chellberg: There are three covered picnic shelters near the parking lot with one that is wheelchair accessible. The shelters are reservable starting six months in advance of • Glenwood Dunes • Lake View Beach • Mount Baldy • Tremont 2024-25 Park Guide For reservations or more information, scan the QR code or visit our picnicking page at NPS.gov/INDU Picnic tables are also provided in the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education’s picnic area and Nature Play Zone, Central Avenue Beach parking lot, Dunbar Beach parking lot, Porter Beach south parking lot, Pinhook Bog parking lot, and at the Tolleston Dunes Overlook. Cooking fres are not permitted at these locations. 7 Even More Things to Do Arts in the