Indiana Dunes is Celebrating the Anniversary of the formation and saving foundation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park on Saturday, November 5th. After a long struggle starting in 1917, with sacrifices and co-existing with industry and neighborhoods, the National Lakeshore took a solid step on Nov 5, 1966, with Senator Paul H. Douglas of Illinois, spearheading the legislation by the sweat of many activists, signed into being by President Lyndon B. Johnson. But it is up to citizens, educators, and future leaders to continue to inspire for the endurance of our cherished dunes.
If you haven’t seen the film, “Shifting Sands” that documents this, it will be shown Saturday 2:30pm, at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. The film highlights how cherished the Indiana Dunes are by world travelers, along with Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. The film is proceeded by a presentation at 1pm from a local treasure, regional historian Kenneth Schoon, who has a wealth of knowledge of our unique region and the creation of the dunes. His books, and other items are available in the gift shop.
If you have not been to the Indiana Dunes National Park this year, you are missing out! Why wait? Take a soul break, discover a new trail. Be aware the Parks are underfunded and there are now fees, so whether you are going to enjoy a trail or park or beach – for a day, week or throughout the year, various passes can be purchased online – at recreation.gov, or at the Visitor Center or kiosk to display on your car dashboard, or shown if you walk in or bike in.
This weekend they are also offering owl-banding, a birding walk, ship-wreck talk, Tolleston Dunes Hike, and Great Marsh Hike – see calendar at nps.gov/indu for details.
WEST BEACH PIX
Many may have visited the beach at the National Park’s West Beach, which also offers trails, stairstep platform overview and beach pavilion, but near West Beach across Rt 12 on the south side across from Ogden Dunes is Tolleston Dunes, a dotted Black Oak Savanna that offers a short or longer loop hike, which is very colorful and shady this time of year.
TOLLESTON TRAIL AT STAGECOACH ROAD PIX
You may also want to do the elevated overlook hike of wetlands at the Dunes Ridge Trail with great views at Kemil Beach parking lot (near Great Marsh Trail).
OVERVIEW ON DUNES RIDGE PIX
The Great Marsh trail is flat and offers platform viewing of birds, butterflies, other animals, along with abundant horsetails and various foliage. On-site parking is limited, check site for parking suggestions.
SANDHILL CRANES AT GREAT MARSH PIX
Please note our other dunes park, the Indiana Dunes State Park, established in 1925 is at North end of State Rd 49, has carload entrance fee, beach pavilion, and programs at their onsite Nature Center 219-926-1390, trails, campgrounds. They are offering a full moon hike at 6pm this Saturday. Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, 926-1952, in.gov/dnr Hours: 7am-11pm.
FULL MOON PIX (from stock)
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
