Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
Address
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304
Contact
Phone: (219) 926-1390
About
The Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center hosts a variety of interpretive programs about the unique animals, plants, and ecosystems of the Indiana Dunes. Interactive programs range from learning about reptiles to birding to studying the geology of the Dunes. The parks Interpretive Naturalists can also host private group hikes and programs tailored to the needs of your school, church, company or scout group for a small fee. The Nature Center has many hands-on exhibits serving as a fantastic introduction to the wonders of the Indiana Dunes. The Indiana State Park Nature Center is also the starting point for The 3 Dune Challenge. If you think you have what it take to complete The 3 Dune Challenge then challenge yourself, your friends and your family to hike the three tallest sand dunes on the southern shore of Lake Michigan; Mt. Holden, Mt. Jackson, and Mt. Tom.
Amenities:
- Air Conditioning
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Family Friendly
- Group Friendly
- Handicap Accessible
- Pet Friendly
Events:
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2019Check website for times
If you have a camera, stop by the Nature Center any time to play this fun game. Prizes awarded!
The J.D. Marshall Shipwreck
Date: Friday, June 14, 2019Check website for times
Set anchor at the Nature Center for this program looking at one of the specialshipwreckstories on Lake Michigan.
High Dunes Hike
Date: Friday, June 14, 2019Check website for times
Strap on your hiking shoes and meet at the Nature Center where a Naturalist will lead you on a fun trek up the state's tallest sand dune! Along the way, you will learn about the natural and cultural history of this area.
Spider Show N' Tell, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019Check website for times
Learn more about some fascinating arachnids who call the Dunes home. Meet at the NatureCenter.
Full Moon Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019Check website for times
Join Naturalist and volunteers for this special hike to Lake Michigan and back. Meet at the Nature Center at 7 pm for a presentation about our moon along with come "Stellar" treats. The hike begins at 8 pm.
Beach Mysteries
Date: Sunday, June 16, 2019Check website for times
In this fun program, you will learn to identify mysteries that wash up on the beach!
Feed the Birds, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Monday, June 17, 2019Check website for times
Join the Naturalist at the Nature Center tohelp with their morning shore of filling the bird feeders. Meet at the Nature Center.
Salamander Gander
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2019Check website for times
Slimy, slithery, and sleek are good words to describe these unique animals! Stop in the Nature Center Auditorium to learn more about them before we walk to the marsh to look for them.
Bubble Trash
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2019Check website for times
After picking up some litter to help the park, you will have fun discovering how to make bubbles using items you often discard as trash.
Ant Lion Safari, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2019Check website for times
Join the Naturalist for a short discovery walk looking for the unique lions of the dunes.Meet at the Nature Center.
Spider Show N' Tell, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2019Check website for times
Learn more about some fascinating arachnids who call the Dunes home. Meet at the NatureCenter.
Wild Edibles Walk
Date: Thursday, June 20, 2019Check website for times
Join us for an hour walk exploring delicious dune delicacies found below your feet.
Sun Fun, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Friday, June 21, 2019Check website for times
This is a SHINING program taking place in the Nature Center auditorium to celebrate National Sunscreen Day. Visitors will learn some solar facts and then make a fun craft to take home.
Snakes Alive
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2019Check website for times
Slither over to the Nature Center this morning for a close up look of our dunes' snakes. Whether simply curious, passionate or have mixed emotions about snakes, this program will provide you withgreater insight about these often misunderstood creatures.
Bats!
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2019Check website for times
In this fun program, dispel some myths about our only flying mammal as you try to see bats heading out to catch their nightly insect dinners.
Feed the Birds, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2019Check website for times
Join the Naturalist at the Nature Center tohelp with their morning shore of filling the bird feeders. Meet at the Nature Center.
Bubble Trash
Date: Monday, June 24, 2019Check website for times
After picking up some litter to help the park, you will have fun discovering how to make bubbles using items you often discard as trash.
Glacial Goodies
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2019Check website for times
A special ice cream treat will be served, while supplies last, with toppings to help you learn about glacial drift in the Indiana Dunes landscape.
To the Blowout and Back
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2019Check website for times
Come out and experience with a Naturalist what was voted by USAToday as Indiana's greatest trail.Meet at the Nature Center.
High Dunes Hike
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2019Check website for times
Strap on your hiking shoes and meet at the Nature Center where a Naturalist will lead you on a fun trek up the state's tallest sand dune! Along the way, you will learn about the natural and cultural history of this area.
Snakes Alive
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2019Check website for times
Slither over to the Nature Center this morning for a close up look of our dunes' snakes. Whether simply curious, passionate or have mixed emotions about snakes, this program will provide you withgreater insight about these often misunderstood creatures.
Beach Mysteries
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2019Check website for times
In this fun program, you will learn to identify mysteries that wash up on the beach!
The J.D. Marshall Shipwreck
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2019Check website for times
Set anchor at the Nature Center for this program looking at one of the specialshipwreckstories on Lake Michigan.
Hike to the Governor's Cottage
Date: Friday, June 28, 2019Check website for times
Join the naturalist for a moderate history hike to explore the remains of Governor Jackson's cottage near the lakeshore.
Ant Lion Safari, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2019Check website for times
Join the Naturalist for a short discovery walk looking for the unique lions of the dunes.Meet at the Nature Center.
Senseational Hike
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2019Check website for times
Awaken your 5-senses with hands-on activities to help you be a nocturnal animal.
Critter Dinner
Date: Saturday, June 29, 2019Check website for times
Stop in to see our Nature Center's reptiles and amphibians eat their live meals.
Full Moon Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2019Check website for times
Join Naturalist and volunteers for this special hike to Lake Michigan and back. Meet at the Nature Center at 7 pm for a presentation about our moon along with come "Stellar" treats. The hike begins at 8 pm.
Full Moon Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Friday, August 16, 2019Check website for times
Join Naturalist and volunteers for this special hike to Lake Michigan and back. Meet at the Nature Center at 7 pm for a presentation about our moon along with come "Stellar" treats. The hike begins at 8 pm.
Full Moon Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2019Check website for times
Join Naturalist and volunteers for this special hike to Lake Michigan and back. Meet at the Nature Center at 7 pm for a presentation about our moon along with come "Stellar" treats. The hike begins at 8 pm.
Dunes Fall Photography Talk - Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2019Check website for times
Join local photographer Edward Bryne as he showcases his fall photographs of locations in the Indiana Dunes. This programfocuses on explainingthe best tips of techniques of photographingfall foliage, as well as celebrating the beauty and environmental importance in our park's very distinctive landscape.
