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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshorebuilding with trees and smow around it
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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Calumet Dune Interpretive Center
Park Facility Trail Name

GPS Latitude & Longitude

Street Address/Road intersections
Calumet Dune Interpretive Center
(old Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center) 
Calumet Dune Trail, Ly-co-ki-we Trail, Dunewood Trace, Calumet Bike Trail N 41 39.717
W 87 00.600
U.S. Highway 12 & Kemil Road, Chesterton, 46304
 
Visitor Activities:
  • Hike sections of the eight-mile Ly-co-ki-we Trail
  • Stroll the .8-mile accessible, paved Calumet Dune Trail
  • Programs as posted
The name of the old Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center building has changed to the Calumet Dune Interpretive Center. The Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center has moved to the new visitor center that was built at the intersection of Indiana 49 and Highway 20. The national lakeshore, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Porter County Convention, Recreation, and Visitor Commission share this visitor center.

Facilities:

  • It will no longer be open for general information/visitation.
  • Area open, 7 a.m. to dusk daily
  • Year-round restroom facilities
  • 100-vehicle parking lot including bus & RV parking spaces
  • Information board listing current park activities
 
Fun Facts:
  • The building sits atop the Calumet Dune Ridge. About 6,000 years ago the land where the existing parking lot stands was a beach.
  • The building once was the national lakeshore headquarters and later its visitor center.
  • Before the national lakeshore acquired the building, it was the Presbyterian Church of the Dunes.
Driving Directions:
  1. Starting at Interstate 94 and Indiana 49, go north about 3 miles to U.S. Highway 12.
  2. The exit to U.S. Highway 12 is on the left.
  3. Go right (east) 3 miles on U.S. Highway 12 to Kemil road, turn right (south).
  4. Immediately turn right into the parking lot.
 
map with route to the Calument Dune Interpretive Center highlighted
picture of visitors asking a park ranger a question over a counter  

Did You Know?
On November 29, 2006, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, dedicated the new Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center. The facility is be shared with the Porter County Visitor Convention, Recreation, and Visitor Commission.
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Last Updated: August 11, 2009 at 12:56 EST