Education

Black and white image of Dr. Henry Cowles seated on a log in woodland; surrounded by six of his students. — University of Chicago Photographic Archive, aep-ilp243, Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.

The diverse ecosystems of the Indiana Dunes have long attracted scientists, educators, and students to study relationships between living and non-living things. An early, prominent researcher and educator of the region was Dr. Henry Chandler Cowles, who published his doctoral dissertation on Lake Michigan dunes ecology in 1899. Introducing the scientific community to the dunes built critical support to protect this irreplaceable landscape. Cowles inspired countless scientists and naturalists, and his legacy of learning in “the field” continues today; Indiana Dunes National Park and park partners host a variety of learning opportunities that continue to celebrate this heritage.

Plan a Trip to Indiana Dunes National Park

School/Agency/Institution Programming: You may visit most areas of the park with your group; however, we are currently only able to offer ranger-guided programs at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. If you select a different location, your hike must be self-guided.

Please follow the instructions listed below

If your education group is interested in visiting Indiana Dunes National Park, please email indu_education_outreach@nps.gov with the following information included...

Your full name
Where in the park you would like to visit (West Beach, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, Kemil Beach, Chellberg Farm). Please note programming for Pinhook Bog and Mount Baldy are not available at this time.
Number of chaperones attending
Number of students attending
Number of vehicles/busses
The date and time you would like to visit
Your school and school phone number
Your preferred email and phone number
From there, we will confirm if we are able to accommodate your request and if so, we will tentatively schedule your group and forward your information to our Fee Team to begin an educational fee waiver request. Indiana Dunes National Park is a fee park, and visitors must have a valid pass. Please note, there are specific requirements to meet in order to be granted a fee waiver – not all institutions qualify.
Once a fee waiver is approved, the Fee Team will send you the waiver that you will need to display during your visit.
Teachers may request an educator packet to help prepare for the trip to the Dunes.
If a ranger-guided tour at the Douglas Center is approved, staff will reach out to you to discuss the programs available.