Indiana Dunes State Park
Address
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304
Contact
Phone: (219) 926-1952
Fax: (219) 926-9113
About
Indiana Dunes State Park encompasses 2,182 acres of beach, dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood forests, and white pine groves and is surrounded by National Park lands. The park's 16.5 miles of trails allow you to explore all these habitats, which shelter diverse wildlife and provide excellent birding. Even on the busiest summer days, if you head away from the public beach house, you'll quickly lose the crowds. Scan the open water for ships, beachcomb, and take in the sweeping backdrop of the dunes. Watch birds on the open water, feeding at the water's edge, or from the small bird observatory in the park's 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:
Fireworks on the Lakefront
Date: Monday, July 01, 2019activities; dusk fireworks begin (CT)
A family-friendly event features food merchants, a DJ, and fireworks. Please be aware that there will be a high amount of traffic at the State Park and Porter Beach. Guests are also asked not to bring any fireworks to this professional fireworks show, in order to avoid fire hazards. Alcohol is not permitted within Indiana Dunes State Park. Rain date will be Tuesday, July 2.
Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2019Check website for times
Come out to thisannual event and enter to win or just watch for fun! Whether buildingor not, come vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Award. Contact the NatureCenter for more information and specific rules. Thanks to the Friends of the Indiana Dunes for providing prizes to the contest winners.
Annual Perseid Meteor Shower & Stargaze
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019Check website for times
Annual shooting star event that marks the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Night sky mapping the Native American sky lore begin at 8:30 pm at the Beach Pavilion. After 9 pm, the stars will begin to appear. Constellation talks will highlight the many star formations that can be viewed over the dunes this time of year. Additionally, the naturalists will have a telescope on hand for deep sky viewing. The evening coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower. Saturday night will still offer excellent viewing, with the exception of a waxing gibbous moon.
Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations, Indiana Dunes State Park
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019Check website for times
The Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services and Friends of Indiana Dunes will be hosting a special day of bird banding at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center. Licensed hummingbird bander AllenChartier, will be demonstrating the science and research of hummingbird banding for the public, as will as discussing tip for hummer feeding, gardening, and his own research. Join in this magical experience.
History Comes Alive Weekend
Dates: September 07 - September 08, 2019Check website for times
Join in the special activities happening all weekend. There will be a Fur Trader Encampment, Beaver Trading Hike, Shipwreck Stories and much more.
Singing Sands Stargaze
Date: Saturday, September 07, 2019Check website for times
Meet local astronomers from the Calumet Astronomical Society for a night ofstargazing. Special telescopes will be set up as well as periodic constellationtalks. Bring a blanket and join on the main beach, near the pavilion.
National Public Lands Day
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2019Check website for times
National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest, hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America's public lands. Join the staff and fellow volunteers to help improve one of our many native habitats. Wear comfortable clothes; work glove and equipment will be provided.
HERO Half Marathon
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2019Check website for times
Run on the most beautiful course in the Midwest. Great views of Lake Michigan, the Dunes and wetlands. This course is truly a unique experience, especiallyduring the fall.
Saw-whet Owl Banding Demonstration
Dates: October 17 - November 14, 2019Check website for times
Burn the midnight oil at the annual saw-whet owl banding. Visitors can learn about Indiana's smallest owl in this up-close-and-personal experience. Though special nights are scheduled, bandingoccurs nearly every night, weather permitting.
Annual NWI Storytelling Festival & Ghost Stories!
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019Check website for times
The Nature Center Auditorium will come alive with a variety of stories told with puppets and props to enthrall children of all ages. Afterward, bring a blanket and enjoy a night of fright in an open-air concert of spooky tales at the Wilson Shelter. Apple cider and snacks will be available, courtesy of the Friends of Indiana Dunes.
"Howl"ween in the Dunes!
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2019Check website for times
Get spooked and thrilled this Halloween at Indiana Dunes State Park. The activities will take place throughout the weekend.
Scheduled Events:
Critter with Costumes - 10am
Creepy Campground Crafts - 2pm
Campsite Decorating Contest - 4-7pm
Trick-or-Teating - 4-5:30pm
Hay Rides - 5:30-7pm
Owl Prowl - 6pm
Sawhet Owl Banding - 7pm
Christmas Bird Count
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2019Check website for times
Join tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas for the annual Christmas Bird Count. Families, students. amateurs, birders, and scientists alike arm themselves with binoculars, bird guides, and checklists to go out on an annual mission to count the local bird population for the longest-running wildlife census.