July Programs at National Lakeshore

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Date: July 1, 2015
Contact: Ryan Koepke, 219-395-1882

During July, get beyond the beach by attending a ranger-led program or hike at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. At least ten different programs are offered each week ranging from Mount Baldy Hikes to Pinhook Bog Open House. For information on the programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park's website at www.nps.gov/indu

 

Campfire Program at National Lakeshore’s Campground
Join a ranger at 8:00 pm around the campfire at the Dunewood Campground Amphitheater every Friday night this summer and learn about the incredible diversity of beautiful places you can explore at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. During the campfire, learn about the brand new “Dunes Scavenger Hunt” that will take you on a self-guided adventure of nine national lakeshore sites. Short-term parking is available for amphitheater programs at the campground registration building.
 
The Dunewood Campground is located at the cross streets of Dunewood Parkway and Golfwood Road in Michigan City, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.


Open House at the National Lakeshore’s Douglas Center
Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Paul H. Douglas Center every Saturday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Then, take the kids outside to the center’s Nature Play Zone where unstructured play in nature is encouraged. You can also help feed the center’s resident turtles and fish or join a ranger for a hike in the beautiful Miller Woods.

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national lakeshore at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.
 
 
Beginning Birding Program at the National Lakeshore
Join a ranger on Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 am for a Beginning Birding Hike at the Great Marsh Trail in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This 90-minute hike is a great opportunity for beginners of all ages who want to take up this great way to enjoy the outdoors.

The Great Marsh Trail parking lot is located on Broadway Street just north of the Beverly Shores Train Station in the Beverly Shores area. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park's website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Pinhook Bog Open House at National Lakeshore
Take a self-guided hike into Indiana’s only quaking bog. Rangers and volunteers stationed along the Pinhook Bog Trail in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will help you understand this unique place filled with carnivorous plants. Allow about one hour to walk the trail and tour the bog. This open house will be held from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm every Saturday afternoon through September 12.

The Pinhook Bog parking lot is located at 700 North Wozniak Road in Michigan City, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu

 

Sunset Hike at National Lakeshore’s Central Avenue Beach
Stroll down Central Avenue Beach with a ranger at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and enjoy the sunset over Lake Michigan. This 60-minute program is offered every Wednesday night through September 2. In July, the program starts at 7:30 pm. During this leisurely hike, learn about the threats to our fragile Indiana dunes and what you can do to help protect them.

Meet at the Central Beach Parking Lot located at 151 Central Avenue just west of Michigan City, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.
 
 
Bike Ride with a Ranger at the National Lakeshore
Join a ranger for a bike ride starting at the Dunewood Campground and traveling along the Calumet Bike Trail at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This two-hour guided ride will be offered at 9:00 am every Sunday morning through September 6. Short-term parking is available near the campground’s registration building for non-campers participating in bike ride programs.

The Dunewood Campground is located at the cross streets of Dunewood parkway and Golfwood Road in Michigan City, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park's website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Kid’s Fun at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Meet the ranger in the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center’s activity room for a Sunday afternoon of kid’s activities, puppet shows, stories, and fun. Stop in any Sunday between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm to help your children learn a little more about your neighborhood national park. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located at 1215 N. State Road 49 just south of the intersection of 49 and U.S. 20 in Porter, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Learn to Kayak at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Join a ranger any Thursday morning and on selected Saturday mornings along the Kemil and Dunbar Beach area and learn how to use a kayak at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The ranger will be paddling along the beach, between 9:00 am – 11:00 am, with a kayak and lifejackets in tow and will let you try your hand at this increasing popular sport. In addition to every Thursday, this activity will be offered on the following Saturdays: July 4, 11, and 25.

Kemil Beach Parking Lot is located at 27 N. East State Park Road, 1 mile north of the Highway 12. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Music Heritage Series at National Lakeshore
Tune up your vocal chords and join in with the Save the Tunes Council as they perform traditional music associated with the summer season. Gather up on Friday, July 17, from 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center.

The Save the Tunes Council is a group of local musicians devoted to preserving and passing on folk songs in the traditional way, using a variety of musical instruments including guitar, autoharp, dulcimer, banjo, harmonica, bagpipe, penny whistle, hurdy gurdy, and other obscure instruments.

Meet at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center located at 1215 N. State Road 49 just south of the intersection of 49 and U.S. 20 in Porter, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Campfire on Kemil Beach at National Lakeshore
Enjoy a campfire on the beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Kemil Beach. Join a ranger on Saturday, July 11, from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm. We’ll provide the ingredients so you can roast some marshmallows for making s’mores while you enjoy a sing along with local musician Banjo Bob. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to the parking lot.

Park at the Kemil Beach Parking Lot and walk down to the beach. The lot is located at 27 N. East State Park Road, one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Kayak Fishing with a Ranger at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Join a ranger for a paddle on Lake Michigan beginning at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Lakeview and join in the pursuit of Lake Michigan’s’ Gold, the Yellow Perch. The program will be held on Saturday, July 18 and from 7:00 am – 10:00 am. You must provide all of your own equipment, obey state fishing laws, and wear a lifejacket.

Lakeview Parking Lot is located at 50 West Lakefront Drive in the Beverly Shores Area. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call (219) 395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Stewardship Day at the National Lakeshore – Attacking Invasives
On July 18, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, join a ranger in helping to care for your local national park. Join in to help wash the stone walls and spruce up the grounds of this historic cemetery. Wear comfortable clothes; work gloves and equipment will be provided. Insect repellant and sunscreen are recommended.
Meet at the flagpole in front of the park headquarters building at 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Kayaking the Dunes Lagoons at National Lakeshore
Join a ranger at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Sunday, July 19, at 10:00 am for a kayak paddle through the Miller Wood’s lagoons. During this four-hour program you will explore these beautiful dunes that are located in an urban setting. Meet at Marquette Park. You must have your own kayak and life jacket.
Marquette Park is located at 7500 Oak Ave, Gary, Indiana. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Family Fishing Time Program at National Lakeshore
Join a ranger at 9:00 am on July 25th at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and learn some basic fishing skills and then drop a line in the Marquette Lagoons. All equipment will be provided during this three-hour program. Children under the age of 18 do not need a fishing license. All state fishing regulations apply.
The Marquette Park Address is 7500 Oak Avenue, Gary, Indiana. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Junior Wildland Firefighter Programs at the National Lakeshore
Meet the park’s fire crew and learn about their jobs and equipment. After this fun, hands-on program, children will receive their very own Junior Wildland Firefighter activity book and patch during this 60-minute program. Meet in the parking lot at West Beach on July 25, at 11:00 am for this one-hour program.
 
For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Portage Lakefront Sunset Hike at National Lakeshore
Watch a sunset and stroll with a ranger at Portage lakefront and Riverwalk during this 60-minute program in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This program will begin at 8:00 pm and will be held on Saturday, July 25.

Portage Lakefront & River walk is located off of Highway 249, north of Interstate 94. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call (219) 395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Ranger-led Hike of Mount Baldy at National Lakeshore
While Mount Baldy remains closed to unrestricted public access, you can join a ranger for a special guided hike to the dune’s summit and learn about the scientific research into the mysterious holes that started appearing in June of 2013. Reservations are required. Call is 219-395-1882 to learn more and make a reservation. This 1.5 hour program will be offered every Friday at 5:00 pm and on the following Sundays at 10:00 am: July 5 and 19.

The program meets at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center located at 1215 N. State Road 49 just south of the intersection of 49 and U.S. 20 in Porter, Indiana. For more information about this program or other activities at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the information desk at 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm Open House at National Lakeshore
Learn about the centuries-old lifestyles of Duneland residents by exploring the historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This open house will be held every Sunday through September 6, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Park in the Bailly & Chellberg Parking Lot and walk the trail to the Homestead and Farmhouse.

The Chellberg/Bailly parking lot is on Mineral Springs Road between U.S. 20 and Highway 12 in Porter, Indiana. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit or contact the park’s information desk at 219-395-1882.

 

Nature Tots in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Bring your 2-5 year old child to join a ranger as we read fun nature books, and learn about nature during this 2 hour program on July 8 at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This program will begin at 10:00 am on the second Wednesday of every month.

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national lakeshore at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Miller Woods Hike at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Take a Sunday afternoon stroll with a ranger through Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Miller Woods. The trail features one of the rarest habitats in the country, black oak savanna. This program is offered every Sunday during the summer and begins at 1:30 p.m. Depending on the weather the length of this hike can vary from one-half mile to three miles. For information on this week’s hike, call the Paul H. Douglas Center at 219-395-1821.

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the national lakeshore at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.

 

Evening Hike under the Blue Moon at National Lakeshore
Join a ranger for an evening hike through Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Miller Woods under the light of a rare “Blue Moon.” This 2.5 mile hike will take place on Friday, July 31 from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm.

The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located in the western portion of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore at 100 North Lake Street, about one mile north of U.S. Highway 12. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu.
 
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is part of the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 407 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help protect our nation’s most valuable resources for this and future generations. Learn more at www.nps.gov.



Last updated: July 1, 2015

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Mailing Address:

1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304

Phone:

219 395-1882
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center phone number.

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