7 Year-round Things to do at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Whether it’s blazing hot in summer or a polar vortex is moving through in winter, the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is open 362 days a year. And while yes, we do have bathrooms, there’s a lot more going on in our building than serving as a pit stop. Come see us and spend some time here!
1. Catch a short film
Our movie theater shows two short films on a consistent loop, which means you’re always in time for the show. Learn about the Indiana Dunes and the rich history of our area.
2. Become an art aficionado
Indoor temporary installations feature great dunes artwork, and outside, you can browse five giant murals painted by performance artist ARCY that depict native dunes species.
3. Take some time to color
Whether you have kiddos or you believe strongly in the zen art of adult coloring, sit and take a break. Add your artistic flair to a red fox or rainbow trout.
4. Educate yourself
Learn the difference between animal tracks, read about the local ecology and get up close to a few stuffed species. The bat is an office favorite here that somehow makes it into people’s offices as a practical joke. Ha!
5. Chat with a ranger
They’re the experts! Stop in and ask either a tourism concierge or an NPS ranger any questions you have about the Indiana Dunes and our surrounding communities. We really don’t know of any better hospitality crew!
6. Do a bit of shopping
Need a Junior Ranger hat or a dunes coffee mug? How about some maple flavored water? We have a gift shop run by the National Park Service.
7. Get more info than you can handle
Speaking of info, did we tell you we have tons of it? Whether you speak to a ranger or consult the dozens of brochures in the lobby, you’ll find info about local attractions, events, places to stay and the yummiest spots to grab a meal.
Bonus: Charge your car. We can’t leave you with just seven things! Here’s an extra tip: you can charge your electric car at our free charging station. Power up!
A big thanks goes out to Maureen and Elizabeth, a couple of our front desk ladies who have a great sense of humor! 🙂