Indiana Dunes State Park
Address
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304
Contact
Phone: (219) 926-1952
Fax: (219) 926-9113
About
While thoughts of sunbathing and swimming in Lake Michigan might first lure you to this beautiful state park, there's so much more to do at Indiana Dunes State Park. The park encompasses 2,182 acres of beach, dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood forests, and white pine groves. These varied habitats shelter diverse wildlife, and this state park is known for its excellent birding. The park's 16.5 miles of trails allow you to explore all these habitats. And of course the beaches themselves offer great walking and wildlife viewing. Head away from the public beach house, and you'll quickly lose the crowds. Scan the open water for ships, look for treasures in the sand at your feet, watch birds on the open water or feeding at the water's edge, and take in the sweeping backdrop of the dunes. Watch for birds from the small bird observatory in the Nature Center. The park provides camping, picnicking, showers, snack bar, camp store, and a park naturalist. In summer, the park offers a small gift shop and swimming beach with lifeguards. Interpretive naturalist programs are held daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and on weekends the rest of the year. View the schedule at www.stateparks.in.gov or call (219) 926-1390 for information.
Amenities:
- Outdoor
Events:
Turtle Time, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019Check website for times
Turtle trot on over to learn about the turtles of the dunes where you meet them up-close. Meet at the Nature Center.
Bird Window B-I-N-G-O
Date: Sunday, June 16, 2019Check website for times
Join the Naturalist at the Nature Center's bird viewing room any time during the hour to play this fun identification game for all ages. Prizes will beawarded!
Dunes Creek Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2019Check website for times
Explore the life in this amazing creek that flows through the dunes and hear its story. Meet the Naturalist at the Campground Shelter next to campsite #113
Turtle Time, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2019Check website for times
Turtle trot on over to learn about the turtles of the dunes where you meet them up-close. Meet at the Nature Center.
S'mores Day Fun!
Date: Friday, August 09, 2019Check website for times
Help celebrate National S'mores Day. Start by learning a little about the history of the camping culture of this delicious treat. Then have a full smorgasbord of different smores variations as well as marshmallow games for everyone to try. Kids under 12, please bring a parent. The activities take place at the Wilson Shelter and are provided by the Friends of the IndianaDunes.
Storytelling Tellabration
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2019Check website for times (CT)
You're invited to join in a worldwide celebration, or t=rather, a Tellabration. Each year, storytellers around the world are encouraged to join in a Tellabration event by sharing their talents and celebrating the art of storytelling.
Christmas Eve Morning Stroll
Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2019Check website for times
Join the naturalists for their traditional Christmas Eve stroll through the dune forests.