At the time of printing, we don’t know if we have a government shut down or not. But, just in case . . . If the Indiana Dunes National Park closes on October 1, the Indiana Dunes State Park will remain open and fully staffed during the federal government shutdown (1600 N. 25 E. Chesterton, IN 46304).
Patrons will have full access to the park, its hiking paths and the beaches. Additionally, staffed by employees of Indiana Dunes Tourism (a department of Porter County government,) the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center will also remain open. Indiana Dunes Tourism will continue to update the media and general public as information becomes available.
“We’re disappointed to see any type of government shutdown, especially our National Park Service partner, which is an integral part of the Indiana Dunes area,” said Dustin Ritchea, the Production Director for Indiana Dunes Tourism, “but we want to remind visitors that the Indiana Dunes State Park’s trails and beach will remain open to the public. Also, the Indiana Dunnes State Park and many other exciting opportunities, including our area’s communities, events and attractions, will still be available during this time.”
The Indiana Dunes State Park, comprised of over 2,182 acres of beach, dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood forests and white pine groves, will not be affected by the government shutdown. The Indiana Dunes State park’s Nature Center and 16.5 miles of trails will continue to allow visitors to explore diverse habitats, learn about remarkable animals and see astonishing views of Lake Michigan.
The Indiana Dunes State Park is also home to Trail 9, which USA Today named one of the top scenic hikes in the nation, and the 3 Dune Challenge, a 1.5-mile challenge trail with 552 vertical feet to climb, including the three tallest sand dunes in the Indiana Dunes area.
The Indiana Dunes area provides outdoor adventure, climbs up ancient sand dunes. Hiking, cycling, birding and other natural adventures and historical venues and local attractions. For more information about the Indiana Dunes area’s exciting events, theater productions, culinary experiences, attractions, and outdoor adventures, visit IndianaDunes.com or call 219-926-2255.
Again, federal media questions will be handled by the Washington Communications Office. The media can e-mail them at newsmedia@nps.gov or visit doi.gov/shutdown to see the most up-to-date contingency plans.
See Our Indiana Dunes Video,
narrated by indiana Dunes Naturalist Ron Seman talking about: about His Hiking Adventures at the Indiana Dunes! #Beachesandbeyond Learn about #ShirleyHeinze Land Trust #BioBlitz; Indiana Dunes National Park; #Monarch Butterflies #Migration; Salamanders; Wolf Lake Hammond In; Heron Rookery; Native Plant Sale at Friends of Indiana Dunes, Inc. Office (New Location) Porter County Parks and Recreation; Great Lakes Marsh Marsh in Miller Beach; Ambler Flatwoods Hiking Trail and Sandhill Cranes at Miller Beach, Gary, IN
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National Park Announces Project 1966 – Hike Every Trail
Join a ranger and hike all the trails in Indiana Dunes National Park. This hiking challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a ranger-led hike on a different trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year, 1966, when the park was established. Can’t make them all or want to do some self-guided hikes instead? Then ask for information about the hikes at the Visitor Center, the Paul H. Douglas Center, or look on our website CONTINUE READING . . .
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.
