Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail

Discover the creative side of the Indiana Dunes area by visiting art centers, galleries, theaters, museums, and cultural spaces that tell the stories of Porter County. The Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail is a free, self-guided experience that connects creative and cultural destinations across the region while celebrating the people and places that shape our communities. 

Check in using the Indiana Dunes app and collect exclusive Sand + Steel postcards at participating locations. Each postcard reflects a unique perspective on the creativity, community, industry, and landscape that shape the Indiana Dunes area. 

How It Works

  1. Download the Indiana Dunes Tourism App.
  2. Find the Arts + Culture Trail.
  3. Visit participating locations.
  4. Receive an exclusive postcard.
  5. Collect all 14 postcards!

The Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail logo. To the left of the text is an artist's palette with a dunescape.

Sneak Peek of the Sand + Steel Postcards

Each stop on the Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail features a unique collectible postcard chosen by the participating venue. These close-up glimpses are just a preview. Can you match each image to its location? Collect the full postcards along the trail and see how many you got right.

Grid of cropped artwork details from the collectible Sand + Steel postcards available at stops along the Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail.

Explore the Arts + Culture Trail Locations

The following arts and culture institutions are participating in the trail. Download the Indiana Dunes Tourism app to start your self-guided tour!

Arts + Culture Trail FAQ

 

1. Getting Started

Do I need to download the Indiana Dunes Tourism app to participate?

Yes. The Indiana Dunes app is the easiest way to follow the Arts + Culture Trail, track your progress, and check in at participating locations. We encourage all participants to use the app for the full trail experience.

Do I need to visit the locations in a specific order?

No. You can visit the Arts + Culture Trail locations in any order you'd like. Whether you're exploring a single community or traveling throughout Porter County, the trail is designed to be flexible and self-guided.

How long does it take to complete the Arts + Culture Trail? 

That depends on how many locations you'd like to visit and how much time you'd like to spend exploring each one. Some people may stop at a few locations in one day, while others may spread the stops out over multiple weeks. The trail is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace and does not need to be completed in a single day.

Is there any cost to participate in the Arts + Culture Trail? 

No. The Arts + Culture Trail is a free experience provided by Indiana Dunes Tourism and the participating arts and cultural institutions. 

 

2. While Participating

What happens if a location is closed when I arrive?

We recommend you check each location’s hours before visiting. We understand that even with the best planning, locations may unexpectedly be closed. Some locations will have postcards accessible outdoors via mailboxes. 

Note: The Brauer Museum will be closed for the summer. If you stopped by the Brauer and were unable to get a postcard, stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. 

I’m having trouble with the Indiana Dunes Tourism app. Who can I contact for help? 

Please use the support link found in the App Store or Google Play Store for technical support.

 

3. About the Postcards

How much do the Arts + Culture Trail postcards cost?

The postcards are free and only available as a reward for participating in the Arts + Culture Trail. They do not require an entry fee or purchase.  

Can I purchase the Arts + Culture Trail postcards online or can you mail them to me? 

No. The postcards are available only as rewards for visiting participating Arts + Culture locations. 

Can I send the Arts + Culture Trail postcards to a friend via the mail?

Yes. The postcards are designed to comply with the United States Postal Service's requirements. Postage can be purchased at your local post office or at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

Where can I get larger versions of the art on the Arts + Culture Trail postcards? 

Each postcard was commissioned by the associated location. For questions about availability, please contact the associated location. 

Who designed the artwork for the postcards?

The participating locations chose the artwork for their postcard. Information about the artists can be found on the back of the postcards. Some of the artwork was commissioned specifically for the trail, and other pieces were part of that location's existing art collection. If you'd like to know more about a specific piece, we recommend reaching out to the participating location! 

 

4. About the Trail

How were the participating locations chosen? 

A steering committee of local arts leaders identified key nonprofit and higher education arts and culture venues. The trail may be expanded in the future. 

What happens if I collect all 14 Arts + Culture Trail postcards? 

You've completed the trail! We suggest framing them (as they are all pieces of art in their own right) or recommending the experience to your friends. The trail may expand in the future, so keep an eye out for announcements from Indiana Dunes Tourism!

 

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