Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior The SINGING SANDS 2022-23 Park Guide PAUL KEMIEL • MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT 4 Indiana Dunes National Park Indiana Dunes State Park • 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 Two Great Parks... One Great Place (P.2) What’s New for 2022? As a greater sense of “normal” since the start of the pandemic is beginning to emerge, there is a renewed sense of hope for the future. In response to the changing world further challenged by the past two years, Indiana Dunes National Park (INDU) is thrilled to announce that the 2022-23 season will look a bit diferent than past years, as we rethink how to plan for the future to ensure whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds, hiking/biking the 50+ miles of trails, or relaxing on the sandy beach, the Park’s 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Since our name change in February 2019, annual visitation has increased from 1.7 million to over 3 million. As one of the most ecologically diverse places in North America, people come from all over to visit one of the few urbanized national parks in the country. Thank you for traveling from near and far. It’s exhilarating to be able to share INDU with so many, but increased visitation, with its impacts on park resources, also comes at an increased cost. INDU and partner staf are hard at work to implement numerous groundbreaking projects that will keep the park accessible, safe, and vibrant for all to continue to meet the increased needs of park visitors and protect INDU’s resources. A few projects underway include construction of remaining links of the Marquette Greenway Bike Trail to increase access by connecting Illinois to Michigan; parking / transportation improvements, such as providing visitors with parking space availability data in real-time at select access lots to reduce congestion and improve air quality; and additional services and amenities to enhance the visitor experience. However, such enhancements are expensive. As such, the Park must implement an entrance fee, efective as of NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION PARK WEBSITE Scan QR code or visit: NPS.gov/INDU March 31, 2022, to help fund a variety of deferred maintenance and new projects. Additional information for entry fees and projects can be found on page 4 or by visiting the Fees & Passes page on our website at NPS. gov/INDU. We appreciate your support as we continually work to fulfll our mission and we are excited to welcome you to the park! For more information about realtime select access parking space availability, turn to “Public Notice / Public Service Announcement” on page 23. Park Hours: Open 6:00 am – 11:00 pm Central Time (CT) unless otherwise posted. Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Phone: (219) 395-1882 Open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (CT) Address: 1215 SR-49 Porter, IN 46304 Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education Phone: (219) 395-1824 Open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (CT) Address: 100 North Lake Street Gary, IN 46403 MAILING ADDRESS: Indiana Dunes National Park 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304 Call 1-800-PARKTIP (727-5847) to report emergencies and suspicious or criminal activity. Your adventure guide to the National Park Indiana Dunes Visitor Center 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 and check out the bookstore. Scan for Visitor Center’s website 1215 SR-49 Porter, IN 46304 Phone: (219) 395-1882 and the State Park Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Indiana Dunes State Park’s Nature Center Education - Interactive nature programs, A variety of hands-on exhibits serve as a activities, unique live animals, and exhibits can fantastic introduction to the wonders of the be found here. Hike through the beautiful Miller Indiana Dunes and its habitats. Here interpretive Woods to the beach. Children can also explore naturalists ofer experiences via hikes, live the outdoor Nature Play Zone. animals, indoor programs, and special events to a range of audiences. Scan for Douglas Center’s website 100 North Lake Street Gary, IN 46403 Phone: (219) 395-1824 Scan for State Park’s website 1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN 46304 Phone: (219) 926-1390 AND WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE NATIONAL PARK STATE PARK ? 2 LOCATIONS 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 national natural landmarks. FEES All are seven day entry permits: $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 4 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. Beach Backcountry Campsites: $25 per night. Dunbar Group Campsite: $100.00 per night. See page 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 Visitor Center Bookstore, 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 / PAVILION West Beach Bathhouse: Seasonal restrooms, 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. 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, or this summer, visit CongestionMonitor.com/INDU for real-time parking availability. 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 distinctly named trail systems with greater than 50 miles of diverse habitats. Maps on pages 15-20. Network of nine numbered trails throughout the state park with 16.35 miles. See page 21. PICNIC AREAS 14 differently located picnic areas total, 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 spread throughout the park, 7 sheltered. PUBLIC PROGRAMS Multitude of public programs and special events. See page 10. Also 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, Sacred Sands Audio Tour (Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk). 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! PAUL KEMIEL Superintendent’s Welcome Think Spring and Summer 2022! JEFF MANUSZAK As we look back on a very nice and somewhat traditional snowy and cold winter of 2022, the warm season is always welcome. A big change for this year is the implementation of an entry fee for Indiana Dunes National Park. Thanks to everyone who weighed in during our public scoping process. This new fee will help us better care for Indiana Dunes National Park as well as plan for new and improved amenities to serve our visitors better. Increasing our public safety presence as well as increased facility maintenance is needed. Your support in engaging this new fee is appreciated. Any questions can be addressed by our team at the Indiana Dunes Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, the best place to begin your visit. Sprucing the place up will help but we are also looking down the road at improvements and new amenities to better serve our visitors and to better protect our natural and cultural resources. Indiana Dunes National Park is receiving funding under the Great America Outdoors Act to stabilize and restore several historic structures. The Bailly Homestead, Goodfellow Lodge and House of Tomorrow are the initial phase of this project and over the next couple of years visitors will see improvements that we hope lead to additional uses. We are working on utilizing technology to help create a service that allows visitors to better plan for their trip with real time data of parking space availability. Planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities along our north-south beach access roads will give future visitors options to get to the beaches. Ride shares, shuttle buses and additional bicycle trails will all add to the ease and enjoyment for a Dunes visit. If you sense a transportation focus you would be correct. We are also working on a demonstration project that looks ahead to railroad and trail infrastructure that is more friendly to facilitate crossings that are safer for people and our wildlife. Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent, Paul Labovitz Thank you in advance for supporting our new entry fee. I hope you understand why this is necessary and feel good about supporting Indiana Dunes National Park. After serving the region and the nation for over half a century, this change will help us stick around for the next century. Have a great visit, come back often, tell your friends and family to check us out and let us know how we are doing. by Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent, Paul Labovitz Top Visitor Questions What time does the park close? The national park visitor center’s core hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (CT). The Douglas Center operates 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (CT). All times are Central Time. Unless otherwise posted, all public use areas are open daily from 6:00 am–11:00 pm (CT). Indiana Dunes State Park is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm year round. The Nature Center is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visit nps.gov/indu/learn/management/ lawsandpolicies.htm for more information on hours throughout the park. Where can I buy food? 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. The Pavilion at Indiana Dunes State Park ofers a number of options for diferent tastes. 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 free REI app called the Hiking Project at www. hikingproject.com to learn about lots of trails in both parks. This app allows visitors to add content and photos about their favorite hikes. 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 Dunes Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park ofers guests the opportunity to reach the summits of the three tallest dunes in the park. Do you close the beach when high waves are present or E. coli levels are high? No. The national park does not close its beach due to water conditions. Risks are inherent in all natural areas, and you must determine what is safe for you. During summer months, lifeguards are stationed at West Beach. 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. 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). 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 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. 2022-23 Park Guide 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. 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 6 or call 219-395-1882. Indiana Dunes State Park also has a large campground with electricity. They recommend reservations most of the year. For more information, see page 23 or visit camp.in.gov 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 and the Douglas Center. For more information, turn to page 7. The State Park ofers the Explorer Pin program for adventurers of all ages. 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 4. Are the parks accessible? 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. 3 Making the Most of Your Visit Entrance Fees PAUL KEMIEL WHERE DO I PURCHASE A PARK ENTRY PERMIT? Entry permits 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). State park entry permits can be purchased on location only. NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEES (Beginning March 31, 2022) 7-DAY ENTRY PERMIT 1-DAY ONLY ENTRY PERMIT (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 PAUL KEMIEL WHERE DO I PURCHASE PASSES? The America the Beautiful Pass can be obtained at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, West Beach Kiosk (seasonally), by scanning the QR Code below, 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 $45 Expires 1 year from month of purchase Applies to Indiana Dunes National Park Only Passes below apply to all federal lands Annual Pass $80 Expires 1 year from month of purchase Military Pass Free Active Military, Veteran or Gold Star Family 4th Grade Pass Free Fourth graders and family Lifetime Senior Pass $80 62 years or older Annual Senior Pass $20 62 years old, Expires 1 year from purchase Access Pass Free Permanent Disability Volunteer Pass Free 250 hours of volunteer work Indiana State Park Pass Passes cover State Park entrance fee 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 Seperate passes are needed for each park Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass $45 The Annual Pass 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 at the top of the page). There is no fee required to enter the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center. MORE ABOUT FEES & PASSES For more information about fees and passes, including Frequently Asked Questions, scan the QR code seen here or vist https://www.nps.gov/indu/ planyourvisit/fees.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 (24 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 Beaches and Swimming There are plenty of places to park at Indiana Dunes. Turn to page 12 for more detailed information about parking. West Beach and Portage Lakefront have seasonal food vendors on location. If you are coming from Chicago or South Bend, you can take the South Shore Line train and leave your car at home. 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 • Bring lifejackets, sun block, lip balm, umbrella, bug spray, and drinking water. • Pack lunches in sand proof containers. • Do not bring glass containers. • Some beaches have picnic shelters. • Unless posted, alcohol allowed at most national park beaches. • Alcohol is prohibited at the state park. PAUL KEMIEL 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. Beach-Going Tips List Beaches • West Beach • State Park • Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk • Dunbar Beach • Porter Beach • Central Ave. Beach • Kemil Beach • Mount Baldy Beach • 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. PAUL KEMIEL 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. • 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 form 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. There is a communal fre ring with frewood provided. • $25.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). 50% discount for Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access Passholders. Dunbar Group Campsite • Beverly Shores, IN 46301 • GPS Coordinates: 41.682476, -87.001699 (Decimal Degrees). The Dunbar Group Campsite is available for groups up to 30 people. The site is located about 600ft from Lake Michigan. Parking and facilities are located at the Dunbar parking lot, about 400ft from the site. • $100.00 per night camping fee (expanded amenity fee). There are no discounts on the group site. 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. BONUS TRAIL MAPS ALL of our trail maps and hiking info can be found on pages 16-20. 2022-23 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 SR-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. SKIP DIETZ 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 SR-49, Porter, IN 46304 Phone: 219-395-1882. 2. Indiana Dunes State Park - Explore more than 2,000 acres of beachfront, marshes, forests, and dunes. 1600 N 25 East, Chesterton, 219-926-1952. 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 The Junior Ranger Activity Guide will open your eyes to the Indiana Dunes as they have never been 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. 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 the 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 as 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 the at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or Paul H. Douglas Center. 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 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 and 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/ beajuniorranger.htm 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). 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 2022-23 Park Guide For reservations or more information, scan the QR code or visit our picnicing 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 Park Artists and Photographers Artists have been a part of the national parks since the 1870s. The famed Hudson River painters played a vital role in capturing the grand landscapes of the West. It was through their art that the public came to see these special places in America. Their surveys of the majestic landscapes motivated visitors to come witness the beauty for themselves. serve as great ambassadors for the inspiration, preservation, and stewardsh