Calendar - Indiana Dunes State Parkhttps://events.in.gov/indiana_dunes_state_park_867/calendarCalendar - Indiana Dunes State ParkMon, 20 Jul 2026 20:44:53 -040060en-usLocalistJul 25, 2026: Hike Through the Great Marsh, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkFrom the Nature Center, we will hike Trails 10 and 2, our 3-mile, flat loop trail. While walking over the boardwalk we will see one of the state park’s largest beaver dams! Come and learn all about nature’s engineers and this important ecosystem!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322329728198841.659321-87.062953Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -04002026-07-25T11:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/hike-through-the-great-marsh-indiana-dunes-state-parkEventsJul 25, 2026: Snakes are Great, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkSlither over to the Nature Center to see our ambassador snakes up-close and learn all about the Indiana Dunes’ native snakes.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322337630627341.659321-87.062953Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -04002026-07-25T15:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/snakes-are-great-indiana-dunes-state-park-9535EventsJul 26, 2026: Phenology Fun Walk, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkJoin the naturalists for a 1-mile walk to study the seasons and how things change. We’ll look for birds, mammals, plants, and more.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322342497598941.659321-87.062953Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -04002026-07-26T11:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/phenology-fun-walk-indiana-dunes-state-park-7784EventsJul 26, 2026: Wetland Wander, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkWalk with a naturalist from the Nature Center to see up-close the small plants and animals that call our park’s wetlands home. This is a short walk across our marsh to Dunes Creek. We will be dipping for the small plants and animals in these important habitats. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet in this fun exploratory program.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322345335098941.659321-87.062953Sun, 26 Jul 2026 14:30:00 -04002026-07-26T14:30:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/wetland-wander-indiana-dunes-state-park-7721EventsJul 27, 2026: Breakfast With An Ambassador, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkA variety of animals reside at the Nature Center. These creatures serve as educational ambassadors, helping to convey the significance of unique and delicate dune habitats to our visitors. Join us as we share their stories while you observe them enjoying their breakfast!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322347152569141.659321-87.062953Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -04002026-07-27T11:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/breakfast-with-an-ambassador-indiana-dunes-state-park-4416EventsJul 28, 2026: High Dunes Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkStrap on your hiking shoes at the Nature Center and join the Naturalist to not only see beautiful views, but to learn more about both the natural and cultural history of the Indiana Dunes State Park as you explore one of our tallest Dunes.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322350077393341.659321-87.062953Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -04002026-07-28T11:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/high-dunes-hike-indiana-dunes-state-park-2474EventsJul 29, 2026: Feed the Birds B.I.N.G.O, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkFly to the Naturalist at the Nature Center’s Bird Window to help fill the feeders and play this fun game where you identify your way to a B-I-N-G-O!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322352287970641.659321-87.062953Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:30:00 -04002026-07-29T10:30:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/feed-the-birds-bingo-indiana-dunes-state-park-7977EventsJul 30, 2026: Turtle Time, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkTurtles have so many adaptations for surviving in their habitats. Come to the Nature Center’s auditorium to meet our ambassador turtles. You will even learn which turtles from this area are endangered!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322354039395741.659321-87.062953Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -04002026-07-30T11:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/turtle-time-indiana-dunes-state-park-6964EventsJul 31, 2026: Salamander Gander, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkCome and learn all about these amazing creatures and learn about their lifecycle, feeding habits, and adaptations in the Nature Center’s Auditorium. We will take a short walk to search for some in the wild!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322356367021641.659321-87.062953Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -04002026-07-31T11:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/salamander-gander-indiana-dunes-state-park-4218EventsJul 31, 2026: Naturalist Table at the Nature Center, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkBe on the lookout at the Nature Center for a naturalist with some fun items to learn about! They may have a fun game to play or a treat to try!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322396766610941.659321-87.062953Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -04002026-07-31T14:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/naturalist-table-at-the-nature-center-indiana-dunes-state-park-4392EventsJul 31, 2026: Sensory Night Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkA stroll through the forest on a warm summer evening! Discover how certain animals have evolved to thrive in darkness, moving and hunting effortlessly! We will engage all our senses as we navigate the path, and we will challenge a few of our senses to see how we measure up against nocturnal creatures. This event begins at the Nature Center. No flashlights please; this is an authentic night hike!

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5322398820657941.659321-87.062953Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:30:00 -04002026-07-31T20:30:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/sensory-night-hike-indiana-dunes-state-parkEventsAug 15, 2026: Annual Perseid Meteor Shower and Stargaze, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkThis is an annual shooting star event that marks the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Telescopes for deep sky viewing and constellation talks will begin to be set-up in the West Lot parking lot, at 8:30 p.m. CST. The best star observations taking place after 9:30 p.m. CST. Bring a chair, towel, bug spray and flashlights and enjoy these spectacular views from the State Park’s beach. Program is weather-dependent.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

Registration is not required for this program.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CST

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154272560842941.659321-87.062953Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:30:00 -04002026-08-15T21:30:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/annual-perseid-meteor-shower-and-stargaze-indiana-dunes-state-park-2839EventsSep 5, 2026: History Comes Alive Weekend, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkThis special event weekend welcomes guest speakers, history hikes, scavenger hunts and more! Visitors can visit with the Ouiatenon Brigade encamped on our beach east of the Pavilion as they re-enact the fur trading era. More specific details forthcoming.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154389603686141.659321-87.062953Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-09-05T00:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/history-comes-alive-weekend-indiana-dunes-state-park-6208EventsSep 6, 2026: History Comes Alive Weekend, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkThis special event weekend welcomes guest speakers, history hikes, scavenger hunts and more! Visitors can visit with the Ouiatenon Brigade encamped on our beach east of the Pavilion as they re-enact the fur trading era. More specific details forthcoming.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154389603788641.659321-87.062953Sun, 06 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-09-06T00:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/history-comes-alive-weekend-indiana-dunes-state-park-6208EventsSep 19, 2026: Singing Sands Star Gaze, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkBring a blanket or beach chair and join us on the beach in front of our beach's west parking lot for this annual special event with local astronomers from the Calumet Astronomical Society. Local experts and Naturalists will be on hand with several telescopes to help answer questions and to give periodic constellation talks using laser pointers. Note: This program is weather-dependent. Check the park’s Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

Registration is not required for this program.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CST

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154392409910341.659321-87.062953Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -04002026-09-19T20:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/singing-sands-star-gaze-indiana-dunes-state-park-1923EventsOct 16, 2026: Northwest Indiana Storytelling Festival and Ghost Stories!, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkThis 35th Annual Storytelling event brings to life stories for all ages throughout the day and evening. The popular spooky stories will again take the stage this evening with refreshments provided by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. More details will be forthcoming.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154395419968741.659321-87.062953Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-10-16T00:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/northwest-indiana-storytelling-festival-and-ghost-stories-indiana-dunes-state-park-3460EventsOct 17, 2026: Northwest Indiana Storytelling Festival and Ghost Stories!, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkThis 35th Annual Storytelling event brings to life stories for all ages throughout the day and evening. The popular spooky stories will again take the stage this evening with refreshments provided by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. More details will be forthcoming.

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154395420071241.659321-87.062953Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-10-17T00:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/northwest-indiana-storytelling-festival-and-ghost-stories-indiana-dunes-state-park-3460EventsOct 24, 2026: Halloween in the Dunes!, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkMark your calendar to get spooked and thrilled this Halloween at Indiana Dunes State Park. Join us for our ever-popular Halloween events. More details will be forthcoming. There will be events all day including pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, campsite decorating contests, owl prowl and more!

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154415012119541.659321-87.062953Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-10-24T00:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/halloween-in-the-dunes-indiana-dunes-state-park-98EventsOct 24, 2026: Full Moon Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkThis Full Moon Hike takes place after the Halloween campsite contest in the campground! Join a naturalist at the Nature Center for a short program in the auditorium and then for a beautiful autumn Full Moon Hike! The hike will take you to the beach and back.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

Registration is not required for this program.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CST

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5154397656574741.659321-87.062953Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:00:00 -04002026-10-24T18:00:00-04:00https://events.in.gov/event/full-moon-hike-indiana-dunes-state-park-9337EventsDec 5, 2026: Happy OWL-idays!, Indiana Dunes State Park at Indiana Dunes State ParkJoin us at the Nature Center’s Auditorium for some OWL-iday cheer with Humane Indiana Wildlife’s live owl ambassadors. Visitor’s will be introduced to native owls of our Indiana Dunes and will learn about their interesting adaptations and characteristics! Guests will be able to enjoy up-close views of these nocturnal creatures.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee.

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 – 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*

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]]>tag:localist.com,2008:EventInstance_5155946757846541.659321-87.062953Sat, 05 Dec 2026 13:00:00 -05002026-12-05T13:00:00-05:00https://events.in.gov/event/happy-owl-idays-indiana-dunes-state-park-6150Events