Event

Outdoor Adventure Festival

  • Multiple Days: 10/05/2018, 10/06/2018, 10/07/2018 Location: Region-wide but starts at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N State Road 49 Porter, Indiana, | Map Time: 7:00 AM Fee Information: Free but registration required Contact Name: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Contact Email: E-Mail Us Contact Phone Number: 219-395-1882

    Spend the weekend outdoors at the Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival, which will take place October 5-7, 2018 throughout the Indiana Dunes region. Packed with outdoor adventure opportunities, the festival will bring together nearly 60 activities in one weekend. With support from the Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana Dunes Tourism, and a dozen other partners, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will host this three-day event.

    Centered at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center on Indiana State Road 49, the festival will showcase the region’s outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, biking, geo-caching, photography, birding, yoga, and so many others. The festival has events for everyone including families, beginners, experts, and those with limited mobility. The only requirements are the desire to have an outdoor adventure and to have a great time!

    A unique opportunity will be backpacking in the national lakeshore. With support from REI, we will be leading both an experienced and beginners overnight backpacking trip to Cowles Bog beach and back. Enjoy the sunset from your tent pitched on the beach along Lake Michigan! No experience required and equipment will be available to rent.

    Many events have limited spaces and will fill up quickly, so pre-registration is required to attend the festival. Please register for the festival and sign-up for individual events by visiting https://oaf2018.eventbrite.com. Registration went live on Monday August 26, 2018.
     
    The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located at 1215 North State Road 49, about one mile north of Interstate 94. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-395-1882 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/indu and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndianaDunesNL.

    Do you plan ahead? Next year's Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival will take place on October 4-6, 2019.

     

    FRIDAY EVENTS - https://oaf2018.eventbrite.com
    Time Event Starting Location Event Description
    2:00pm-4:00pm Restored to Remnant Hike Coffee Creek - Pavilion Friday, October 5, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve has a fascinating history and has restored over 100 acres of important habitat along Coffee Creek. The guided "Restored to Remnant" hike will showcase the restored prairies, woodlands, and riparian corridor hiking from north to south in the preserve to visit the off-trail areas in our remnant habitats. The hike is three miles long and fairly flat.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at Coffee Creek Pavilion, located off the Sidewalk Road parking lot in Chesterton.
    4:00pm-5:00pm Wheelchair Geocaching Trail - State Park  State Park - Nature Center Friday, October 5, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Tour the Indiana Dunes State Park's geocaching trail that is designed for wheelchair participants. Meet Terry and Shannon Trecartin from St. Joseph Michigan (aka Tricket & Skooba), who were instrumental in establishing the Indiana Dunes State Park as a pilot program for wheelchair accessible geocaches. Open to any abilities for someone wanting to learn about geocaching. This tour will take you thru the caches in the campground designed for wheelchair-bound cachers (or anyone else).

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.
    5:00pm-6:30pm Beginner/Family Hike - Bailly Chellberg Bailly Chellberg Parking Lot Friday, October 5, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. A national park ranger will conduct a hike on this easy, one-mile loop, showcasing some of the National Park's homesteads and maple-dominated woods. The colors should be beautiful at this time of year. As a bonus, you can assist in feeding the farm's cows, pigs, goats, chickens, and turkeys.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the main Bailly Chellberg parking lot located off of Mineral Springs Road between U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 20.
    5:30pm-6:30pm Featured Hike - State Park Trail 8 (3 Dunes Challenge) State Park - Nature Center Friday, October 5, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Trail 8 is a classic hike and showcases the three of the tallest dunes in the region, passing through hardwood forest to the lakefront itself. The challenging climbs are made easier by the shaded trails along the way. The hike will be led by a State Park Naturalist.

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the Indiana Dunes State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park's Nature Center.
    5:30pm-6:45pm Sunset Photography Workshop Mount Baldy Parking Lot Friday, October 5, 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm. Join rangers for a hike to the top of Mount Baldy to photograph a sunset overlooking Lake Michigan. Bring your camera and a tripod if you have one. The ranger will give tips on how to capture a compelling sunset photo. The total length of the hike is 1.5 miles. The hike does involve a steep climb in the sand up Mount Baldy.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Mount Baldy parking lot located on U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City.
    7:00pm-8:30pm Mount Baldy Night Hike Mount Baldy Parking Lot Friday, October 5, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. For a unique experience, hike with a national park ranger to the top of Mount Baldy in the dark to see this iconic dune from a totally new perspective. The total length of the hike is 1.5 miles. The hike does involve a steep climb in the sand up Mount Baldy.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Mount Baldy parking lot located on U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City.

    SATURDAY EVENTS - https://oaf2018.eventbrite.com
    Time Event Starting Location Event Description
    6:00am-7:30am Sunrise Photography Outing - Great Marsh Great Marsh Gravel Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 6:00 am - 7:30 am. Join a ranger for an early morning hike at the Great Marsh to catch a sunrise. Bring your camera and tripod for tips on how to capture photos in the twilight of the morning. The total hike is less than a mile and completely flat.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Great Marsh Trail gravel parking lot on Broadway Avenue in Beverly Shores.
    9:00am-9:00am Yoga - Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am - 10:00 am. Join us at this beautiful beach view beginner yoga class sponsored by Blue Moon Dance & Yoga. No experience necessary. The class may be outdoors under the building canopy if it’s warm or inside the building if it’s cold. Either way, experience relaxation, meditation, toning, strength, and flexibility all while de-stressing the mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, water.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion in Portage.
    2. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and water.
    8:00am-10:00am Birding Hike - West Beach West Beach Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 8:00 am - 10:00 am. Join Kim Ehn, a local birding expert from the Indiana Audubon Society, for a birding hike the National Lakeshore's West Beach area. West Beach is a great location to catch the fall migration of birds along the Lake Michigan Flyway.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the West Beach parking lot located off of County Line Road north of U.S. Highway 12 in Portage.

    2. Please bring binoculars if you have them. A small number of binoculars will be available to borrow.
    8:00am-1:00pm Kayak Lake Michigan - A Beginners' Journey from REI Dunbar Beach Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.Lake Michigan provides endless opportunities for kayak exploration and adventure. It rewards those who prepare well. This course will provide you with equipment knowledge, clothing selection, chart use, kayak maneuvers, and decision making tools that will help you prepare for paddling Lake Michigan. An introduction to kayak strokes, maneuvers, and rescues will be provided in a harbor setting. An interactive assessment of wind, waves, and weather will help determine where the rest of the journey takes us! Come prepared to get wet.

    This event brought to you by REI and registraion must be completed at https://www.rei.com/event/kayak-lake-michigan-level-1-beginners-journey/michigan-city/210484. There is a $99 course charge for REI members and a $125 course for non-members.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Dunbar Beach parking lot in Beverly Shores.

    2. Registration must be completed using the following link: https://www.rei.com/event/kayak-lake-michigan-level-1-beginners-journey/michigan-city/210484.

    3. There is a $99 additional charge for REI members and a $125 charge for non-members.
    8:30am-10:00am Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve Hike Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 8:30 am - 10:00 am. Take a guided hike through Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve, which features upland forest, steep ravines, and nearly a half-mile of frontage along the East Arm of the Little Calumet River. The floodplain forest includes oxbows from the river’s original course. Isolated by an Interstate highway, railroad tracks, and the river, the preserve has largely been protected from development and invasion by exotic species. Learn about the Shirley Hienze Land Trust's efforts to protect and restore natural areas in the region.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve located behind the Deer Run Apartment Complex on Taylor Street in Chesterton (North of the Indian Boundary Road and Calumet Avenue intersection past St. Patrick Catholic Church).
    9:00am-9:45am Adult Hike - Sunset Hill Farm County Park Sunset Hill Farm County Park Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am - 9:45 am. On this hike, we will look at all the signs of fall at the park and see the awesome fall foliage. Our naturalist will guide discussions about autumn colors, the varieties of leaves, and groupings of leaves and seed pods.

    Notes:
    1. The program is located at the main parking lot at Sunset Hill Farm at 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso.
    9:00am-10:15am Featured Hike - Howes Prairie / Lupine Lane 1 Cowles Bog Trail North Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am - 10:15 am. Join Nathanael Pilla of Orbis Environmental Consulting for an insiders' tour of the amazing Howes Prairie and Lupine Lane, areas of the national park that have never been publicly toured. Nathanael, formerly of the National Park Service and Save The Dunes, is one of the foremost botanists of the region and can truly showcase the uniqueness of this area The total trail length is approximately 3.0 miles and moderate in difficulty. Please wear long pants and hiking boots to be able to walk off trail.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the north Cowles Bog gravel parking lot on Mineral Springs Road, just south of the Dunes Acres guard shack.
    9:00am-12:00pm Volunteer Event - Trail Improvement To Be Determined Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Spend a morning with staff and volunteers caring for your local national park as we enhance one of the national lakeshore's trails. Wear comfortable clothes. All protective equipment and tools will be provided.

    Notes:
    1. An email will be sent out to registrants detailing the location and scope of the stewardship project.
    Saturday, 9:00am -
    Sunday, 1:00pm     		 Introduction to Backpacking - Camping on Cowles Bog Beach Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Take your first backpacking trip with the experts! Join the REI Outdoor School on an overnight backpacking trip at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Our instructors will teach you how to choose and use equipment, including how to load and carry your backpack to maximize your comfort and fun. You'll also learn about campsite set-up, camp cooking, water treatment, and leave no trace etiquette. Course includes backpack, tent, stove, all cookware, trekking poles, water treatment, and food. Participants provide their own sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

    Advance registration with REI and additional $75 fee required. You must register at https://www.rei.com/event/overnight-backpacking-indiana-dunes-national-lakeshore/chesterton/216149.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

    2. You must register at https://www.rei.com/event/overnight-backpacking-indiana-dunes-national-lakeshore/chesterton/216149.

    3. Registration with REI must also be completed, a waiver must be signed, and the $75 programming fee must be paid in advance.
    Saturday, 9:00am -
    Sunday, 1:00pm     		 Experienced Backpacking - Camping on Cowles Bog Beach Indiana Dunes Visitor Center One-night trip to Cowles Bog beach (4.5 miles, 9 Miles Round Trip over two days). Join National Park Staff as they embark on an epic backpacking trip to Cowles Bog Beach. This trip is designed for the backpacker who has all their gear. Event details will be emailed to those who register. This is a free event.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
    2. Additional event details will be emailed to those who register.
    3. Participants must carry in their own food and gear.
    4. The park will provide water, a grill, restrooms, and a campfire at the campsite.
    5. The park will also provide cooler at check-in for foods such as meat or other perishable items. The cooler will be brought to the campsite.
    10:00am-11:00am Meet the Animals - Sunset Hill Farm County Park Sunset Hill Farm County Park Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Come out and interact with our farm animals at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Their caretakers and our park naturalists will be on hand to answer questions. Our animals include ponies, goats, ducks, bunnies, chickens, turkeys, and sheep. Wagon rides around the park are available. All ages welcome. Stay for the family hike, which starts at 11:00 am. Make sure to register for both.

    Notes:
    1. The program is located at the animal barns east of the main parking lot at Sunset Hill Farm at 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso.
    10:00am-11:00am Kids Scavenger Hunt - Paul H. Douglas Center Paul H. Douglas Center Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Bring your kids for a scavenger hike with a park ranger at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education. Kids will enjoy the outdoor beauty of the Nature Zone.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Paul H. Douglas Center located on Lake Street in Miller.
    10:00am-12:00 pm Geology Hike - Mount Baldy Mount Baldy Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Join Erin Argyilan for an expert's behind the scenes tour of iconic Mount Baldy. Erin, a Professor with Indiana University Northwest, is one of the foremost geologists of the region and was a lead investigator of the causes of the mysterious holes in Mount Baldy. The total length of the hike is 1.5 miles. The hike does involve a steep climb in the sand up Mount Baldy.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Mount Baldy parking lot located on U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City.
    10:00am-11:00am Intro to Mountain Biking - Imagination Glen Imagination Glen East Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Learn the basics of mountain biking on the Outback Trail at Imagination Glen in Portage. This local mountain biking gem is owned by Portage County Parks, but maintained by the non-profit organization Outback Trail Commission. The Outback Trail Commission will provide a guided ride on the beginner trail with plenty of instruction.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Imagination Glen west parking lot located off of Indiana State Road 149 in Portage.

    2. Participants must provide thier own mountain bikes. Road and hybrid bikes are not appropraite for the Outback Trail.

    3. Participants must wear a helmet that is in good condition and fits properly.
    10:00am-11:00am Build A Geo-Birdhouse 1 (Geocaching) - State Park State Park Nature Center Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Learn how much fun creative caches can be! Fishing Bear will talk about caches made from natural materials and/or recycled materials. Assemble a geo-bird house from a kit. Bring a cordless screwdriver if you have one. Decorate the bird house from tempra paints that we provide or take it home to decorate. Thank you to Tim and Monica Lea (Administrators of Northwest Indiana Geocachers Facebook Group) for designing and cutting the kits. Funding graciously provided by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center Auditorium located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.

    3. Please bring a copy of your registration printout for admission to the event.
    10:00am-2:00pm Hang Gliding Demonstration - Mount Baldy Summit Mount Baldy Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Come out to the summit of Mount Baldy for a truly unique event. Joe Yobbka and other members of Hang Glide Chicago will demonstrate the sport of Hang Gliding by taking off from Mount Baldy. Over the course of the four hours, there will be multiple take-offs and landings to watch. There will also be the opportunity to meet the pilots and look at their equipment at the parking lot. In the event of unfavorable wind conditions, a hang glider simulator will be set up in the parking lot for the attendees to try out.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Mount Baldy parking lot located on U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City.
    10:00am-3:00pm Paddle the Little Calumet River Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please join us for the festival's marquee event, the running of the Little Calumet River Water Trail. This trail is being maintained and improved by several groups including the Northwest Indiana Paddlers Association and Save The Dunes. Concurrent to this effort has been the Shirley Heinze Land Trust's acquisition of several parcels of land along the river. The paddle will start from the Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve. After dropping off your boats at the put-in, drive and park at the take-out on Howe Road. Free transportation back to the put-in will be provided. Additional event-specific details will be emailed after registration.

    Consider arriving early at 8:30 am at the put-in for a guided tour of the Keith Richards Walner Nature Preserve.

    Please bring your own boats and paddling equipment if you have it. Kayaks and canoes will be availible to borrow. If you are going to borrow equipment, you must contact the Northwest Indiana Paddlers Association in advance of the paddle to reserve equipment. Please use the following link to reserve a boatL https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexinSNkvFYDE6m5cVsqFmbGbJtdQUHVH-5H5zJNivWcCpdbA/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve located on Taylor Street in Chesterton (North of Indian Boundary Road and Calumet Avenue intersection past St. Patrick Catholic Church).
    10:30am-11:45am Featured Hike - Howes Prairie / Lupine Lane 2 Cowles Bog Trail North Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 9:00 am - 10:15 am. Join Nathanael Pilla of Orbis Environmental Consulting for an insiders' tour of the amazing Howes Prairie and Lupine Lane, areas of the national park that have never been publicly toured. Nathanael, formerly of the National Park Service and Save The Dunes, is one of the foremost botanists of the region and can truly showcase the uniqueness of this area The total trail length is approximately 3.0 miles and moderate in difficulty. Please wear long pants and hiking boots to be able to walk off trail.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the north Cowles Bog gravel parking lot on Mineral Springs Road, just south of the Dunes Acres guard shack.
    11:00am-11:45am Family Hike - Sunset Hill Farm County Park Sunset Hill Farm County Park Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am - 11:45 am. Come out for the farm animal feeding program at 10:00 am and then go on a short family hike though the beautiful Sunset Hill trails. On this hike, we will look at all the signs of fall at the park and see the awesome fall foliage. Our naturalist will guide discussions about autumn colors, the varieties of leaves, and groupings of leaves and seed pods.Make sure to register for both. All ages welcome.

    Notes:
    1. The program is located at the animal barns east of the main parking lot at Sunset Hill Farm at 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso.
    11:00am-12:00pm Intro to Mountain Biking - Imagination Glen Imagination Glen East Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Learn the basics of mountain biking on the Outback Trail at Imagination Glen in Portage. This local mountain biking gem is owned by Portage County Parks, but maintained by the non-profit organization Outback Trail Commission. The Outback Trail Commission will provide a guided ride on the beginner trail with plenty of instruction.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Imagination Glen west parking lot located off of Indiana State Road 149 in Portage.

    2. Participants must provide thier own mountain bikes. Road and hybrid bikes are not appropraite for the Outback Trail.

    3. Participants must wear a helmet that is in good condition and fits properly.
    11:00am-12:00pm Barker Woods Nature Preserve Hike Barker Woods Nature Preserve  Friday, October 5, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Come out to Barker Woods Nature Preserve for a hike led by staff from Save the Dunes. We will learn to identify trees and discuss why leaves change color in the fall.

    Notes:
    This event starts at the Barker House located at 444 Barker Road in Michigan City.
    11:00am-12:00pm Build A Geo-Birdhouse 2 (Geocaching) - State Park State Park Nature Center Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Learn how much fun creative caches can be! Fishing Bear will talk about caches made from natural materials and/or recycled materials. Assemble a geo-bird house from a kit. Bring a cordless screwdriver if you have one. Decorate the bird house from tempra paints that we provide or take it home to decorate. Thank you to Tim and Monica Lea (Administrators of Northwest Indiana Geocachers Facebook Group) for designing and cutting the kits. Funding graciously provided by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center Auditorium located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.

    3. Please bring a copy of your registration printout for admission to the event.
    11:00am-12:00pm All-Abilities Hike - Calumet Dunes Calumet Dunes Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Join a national park ranger for an interpretive hike through Calumet Dunes, an ancient shoreline of Lake Michigan. This paved trail is half a mile long and perfect for hikers of all abilities including wheelchairs.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the U.S. Geological Survey parking lot at the corner of U.S. Highway 12 and East State Park Road (Kemil Road / 300E). This is the site of the old visitor center.
    11:00am-4:00pm Family Paddle - Jerry Pavase Park on Lake George in Hobart Jerry Pavase Park on Lake George Saturday, October 6, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join the staff of Wilderness Inquiry and their awesome CanoeMobile program. These massive canoes are perfect for families and first time paddlers. Lake George is a lovely setting for a paddle. The event is free and all equipment is provided. This is a community open house paddle, so please come anytime between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

    The Wilderness Inquiry canoes are 24-loot long, custom-made canoes that can handle over 10 people per canoe. This is a great option for those with families or those who have never been on the water before. Wilderness Inquiry’s staff will pilot each canoe making the trip worry-free.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at Jerry Pavase Park on Lake George located on South Lake Park Street in Hobart.

    2. You must sign a release waiver to participate in the event.
    12:00pm-1:00pm Intro to Mountain Biking - Imagination Glen Imagination Glen East Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Learn the basics of mountain biking on the Outback Trail at Imagination Glen in Portage. This local mountain biking gem is owned by Portage County Parks, but maintained by the non-profit organization Outback Trail Commission. The Outback Trail Commission will provide a guided ride on the beginner trail with plenty of instruction.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Imagination Glen west parking lot located off of Indiana State Road 149 in Portage.

    2. Participants must provide thier own mountain bikes. Road and hybrid bikes are not appropraite for the Outback Trail.

    3. Participants must wear a helmet that is in good condition and fits properly.
    12:00pm-1:00pm Family Hike - Miller Woods Paul H. Douglas Center Saturday, October 6, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. A national park ranger will lead a hike around the wetlands in Miller Woods. The hike features the handiwork of the resident beavers and also highlights the globally rare oak savannah habitat the surrounds the Paul H. Douglas Center. The hike is less than a mile.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Paul H. Douglas Center located on Lake Street in Miller.
    1:00pm-3:00pm History Hike - Bailly/Chellberg Bailly Chellberg Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Join a national park ranger for a hike focusing on the lore of these historic homesteads. The hike features tours of both the Chellberg Farm and Bailly Homestead houses and grounds.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the main Bailly Chellberg parking lot off of Mineral Springs Road between U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 20.
    1:30pm-4:30pm Featured Hike - Miller Woods and "Badass Women of the Dunes" Discussion Paul H. Douglas Center Saturday, October 6, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm. Join a national park ranger on a local's favorite: a hike to Lake Michigan on the Miller Woods Trail. This classic trail winds through varied habitats such as wetlands, globally rare black oak savannah, and towering sand dunes. Along the way, learn about the powerful women who helped save the dunes and create the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. Bring plenty of water and dress in layers as the weather can vary greatly along the hike. Be ready for some breathtaking views. The round trip hike distance is 3.4 miles.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Paul H. Douglas Center located on Lake Street in Miller.
    2:00pm-3:30pm Photography Hike - State Park Trail 7 State Park - Nature Center Saturday, October 6, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Join dunes photographer, Edward Byrne, and a State Park Naturalist on this special hike along Trail 7 to learn the natural history and good spots and tips for photo composition. This trail was a favorite of the famous dunes landscape painter, Frank Dudley. The hike will follow Trail 7 from the Nature Center through the forested dunes to the shore of Lake Michigan and back. The total time and distance are 1.5 hours and 2.2 miles for this moderate difficulty hike. This program is being sponsored through an Arts in the Parks grant from the Indiana Art Commission and Indiana DNR.

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.
    2:30pm-3:30pm Wheelchair Hike - Coffee Creek Coffee Creek - Amphitheater Saturday, October 6, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. The Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve has two miles of paved and boardwalk trail and another 2.5 miles of trail maintained with a smooth surface of granite files. Join Coffee Creek staff for a wheelchair hike and enjoy the various habitats such as prairies, wetlands, ponds, and the tranquil Coffee Creek. The total length of the hike will be under one mile.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Coffee Creek Amphitheater, located off State Road 49 in Chesterton.
    4:00pm-5:00pm Meet the Geocacher - Bailly Homestead / Chellberg Farm Bailly Chellberg Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Meet geocacher Rob Morrow (aka Buick_Porter) in the parking lot for the Chellberg Farm (Geocache GC7B9T0 Coordinates N 41 37.480 W 087 05.340). Answer eight questions/observations from interpretative signing at these two historic locations. This is a virtual reward cache given for excellence in creating geocaches.


    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the main Bailly Chellberg parking lot off of Mineral Springs Road between U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 20.
    4:30pm-6:30pm David Larsen Photography Outing - West Beach West Beach Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Join David Larsen, one of the region's best known photographers, for a truly memorable experience. David has been photographing the West Beach sand dunes for over 50 years. No one knows how to capture the subtleties of light over the dunes better than David. Bring your camera and a notepad. Be prepared to hike in loose sand.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the West Beach parking lot located off of County Line Road north of U.S. Highway 12 in Portage.
    5:00pm-7:00pm Sunset Paddle - Jerry Pavase Park on Lake George in Hobart Jerry Pavase Park on Lake George Saturday, October 7, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Join the staff of Wilderness Inquiry and their awesome CanoeMobile program. These massive canoes are perfect for families and first time paddlers. Lake George is a lovely setting for a sunset paddle. The event is free and all equipment is provided. Please arrive at 4:30 pm to get sized for equipment and to sign a release form.

    The Wilderness Inquiry canoes are 24-loot long, custom-made canoes that can handle over 10 people per canoe. This is a great option for those with families or those who have never been on the water before. Wilderness Inquiry’s staff will pilot each canoe making the trip worry-free.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at Jerry Pavase Park on Lake George located on South Lake Park Street in Hobart.

    2. You must sign a release waiver to participate in the event.
    5:30pm-6:45pm Sunset Stroll / Campfire - Kemil Beach Kemil Beach Parking Lot Saturday, October 6, 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm. Join a national park ranger for a campfire on Kemil Beach as we watch the sun set over beautiful Lake Michigan. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and pack warm clothing.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Kemil Beach parking lot located on East State Park Road in Beverly Shores.
    7:00pm-8:00pm Owl Prowl State Park - Nature Center Saturday, October 6, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. For a hootin' good time, join State Park Naturalists for an easy walk as they try to call in native owls of the dunes. This is a long standing, popular program of the State Park that should not be missed!

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.

    SUNDAY EVENTS - https://oaf2018.eventbrite.com
    Time Event Starting Location Event Description
    6:00am-8:00am Sunrise Hike / Photography - Mount Baldy Mount Baldy Parking Lot Sunday, October 7, 6:00 am - 8:00 am. Join a national park ranger for an incredible opportunity to watch the sun rise over Mount Baldy. Bring your camera and tripod for instructional tips on how to capture a pleasing sunrise photograph. The total length of the hike is 1.5 miles. The hike does involve a steep climb in the sand up Mount Baldy.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Mount Baldy parking lot located on U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City.
    8:00am-10:00am Birding Hike - Great Marsh Great Marsh Gravel Parking Lot Sunday, October 7, 8:00 am - 10:00 am. Join local birding expert Lynea Hinchman from the Indiana Audubon Society for a birding hike in the Great Marsh. The marsh is one of the best spots in the region to see the great migration of birds along the Lake Michigan Flyway.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Great Marsh Trail gravel parking lot located on Broadway Avenue in Beverly Shores.

    2. Please bring binoculars if you have them. A small number of binoculars will be available to borrow.
    8:00am-12:00pm Bike Ride - Prairie Duneland and Oak Savanna Rail Trails Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Headquarters Sunday, October 7, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Join a national park ranger for a bike ride on the paved Porter Brickyard, Prairie Duneland, and Oak Savanna Rail Trails. This bike ride is family friendly. The ride is out and back. The ranger will ride approximately 40 miles total. Please arrive at 7:30 am to be able to start the ride at 8:00 am.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Headquarters parking lot located on Mineral Springs Road.

    2. Please bring water and snacks.

    3. Although the ranger may ride up to 40 miles, you can turn around at any time to create a comfortable distance.
    9:00am-11:00pm Bus Tour of the National Lakeshore Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Sunday, October 7, 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Join a ranger for a two-hour tour of the national park in one of our heated, 15-passenger buses. This is a great way to see a lot of the national lakeshore.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center on State Road 49 in Porter.
    9:00am-11:00am History Hike - Bailly/Chellberg Bailly Chellberg Parking Lot Sunday, October 7, 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Join a national park ranger for a hike focusing on the lore of these historic homesteads. The hike features tours of both the Chellberg Farm house and the Bailly Homestead house.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the main Bailly Chellberg parking lot off of Mineral Springs Road between U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 20.
    10:00am-12:00pm Pannes and Oak Savanna Hike - Miller Woods Paul H. Douglas Center Sunday, October 7, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Join Laura Brennan, a National Park Botanist and habitat expert, for a special tour of the pannes (ponds) and globally rare black oak savanna in Miller woods. Laura has been instrumental in the care and restoration of these incredible habitats. Please wear long pants and hiking boots to be able to walk off trail. The total trail length is approximately 3.0 miles and moderate in difficulty.


    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Paul H. Douglas Center located on Lake Street in Miller.
    10:00am-2:00pm Featured Hike - Cowles Bog Cowles Bog North Parking Lot Sunday, October 7, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Join a national park ranger for a hike on this classic trail which winds through no fewer than five different habitats. The hike leads to perhaps the most secluded section of Lake Michigan shoreline in the region. Please pack a lunch to eat on the beach and bring plenty of water. Please dress in layers as the weather can vary greatly. The total hike distance is 4.7 miles.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the north Cowles Bog gravel parking lot on Mineral Springs Road, just south of the Dunes Acres guard shack.
    11:00am-12:00pm Hike to the Governor's Cottage - State Park State Park - Nature Center Sunday, October 7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. This unique history hike will be lead by a State park Naturalist and will discuss the early history of the State Park. The highlight of the event will be looking at the ruins of the Governor's Cottage, once used by state governors. The total hike time and distance is 1 hour and 2.0 miles.

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.
    11:00am-12:00pm Meet the Geocacher - Century of Progress Homes Century of Progress Homes Sunday, October 7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet geocacher Steve Rossi (aka LostSailRUs) who earned this limited release virtual cache for excellence in geocaching. Meet him in front of the homes on the west end at N 41 41.027 W 087 00.144. Claim this cache by answering six questions from the interpretative signing in front of these historic homes and by taking a selfie at the L56site. Geocache GC7B9EH. This event is wheelchair accessible.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Century of Progress homes along Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores. Please park in the Dunbar Beach parking lot, which is just to the west of the homes.
    12:00pm-1:00pm Secrets of Succession Trail Hike - West Beach West Beach Parking Lot Sunday, October 7, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Hike with a national park ranger on the Dunes Succession trail at West Beach. This short one mile trail offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Chicago and features over 250 stairs along the way. The trail really shows off the uniqueness of the Indiana Dunes' varied habitats.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the West Beach parking lot located off of County Line Road north of U.S. Highway 12 in Portage.
    1:00pm-3:00pm Bus Tour of the National Lakeshore Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Sunday, October 7, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Join a ranger for a two-hour tour of the national park in one of our heated, 15-passenger buses. This is a great way to see a lot of the national lakeshore.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center on State Road 49 in Porter.
    2:00pm-3:00pm All-Abilities Hike - Portage Lakefront Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk - Pavilion Sunday, October 7, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Join a national park ranger for an all-abilities hike of the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. This area allows visitors to witness how a once-severely impaired industrial land can be restored to a beautiful park. This trail is paved and less than a mile in length and is wheelchair accessible.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion in Portage.
    2:00pm-3:30pm Early Fall Colors Hike - Chellberg Farm Bailly Chellberg Parking Lot Sunday, October 7, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm. The open areas surrounding Chellberg Farm will allow breathtaking views of the maples in prime fall colors. Join a national park ranger to stroll the paths; the hike will be approximately 2 miles.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the main Bailly Chellberg parking lot off of Mineral Springs Road between U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 20.
    2:30pm-4:30pm Featured Hike - State Park Trail 9 State Park - Nature Center Sunday, October 7, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm. Trail 9 is renowned for its stunning views atop Beach House Blowout. Many consider this trail the finest hike in the Indiana Dunes. This moderate hike will be lead by a State Park Naturalist, first traveling through a mature forest ecosystem, and then climbing to a foredune overlooking Lake Michigan. The total hike time and distance are 2 hours and 3.6 miles.

    Notes:
    1. In order to obtain free admission into the State Park for this festival event, you must either stop into the visitor center to receive your festival pass or print out your festival registration receipt to show at the state park's entrance station.

    2. This event starts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center located on State Road 49 in Chesterton.
    5:00pm-6:00pm Yoga - Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion Sunday, October 7, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Finish off the weekend with a beautiful beach view beginner yoga class sponsored by Blue Moon Dance & Yoga. No experience necessary. The class may be outdoors under the building canopy if it’s warm or inside the building if it’s cold. Either way, experience relaxation, meditation, toning, strength, and flexibility all while de-stressing the mind, body and spirit. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, water.

    Notes:
    1. This event starts at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion in Portage.
    2. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, and water.