Have you “herd”?! You can see North America’s largest native land mammal grazing on fields in Northwest Indiana! Nestled in the Indiana Dunes region, and minutes from the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks, is Broken Wagon Bison farm, home to over 100 American Bison. Every Saturday from June…
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Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is a serene escape for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. With its expansive trails, diverse gardens, abundant wildlife, and vibrant events, Gabis Arboretum offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a walk or hike…
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Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes are a national treasure. The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park offer something for everyone—hiking scenic trails, relaxing on beautiful beaches, immersing yourself in historical sites, and exploring diverse habitats for…
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Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan is an urban park with towering sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. It's the birthplace of plant ecology, with over one thousand native plant species—more than Yellowstone! It's a birding hotspot where people travel from around the world to…
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Located on the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan, West Beach is a popular and unique public beach with a collection of hiking trails. Part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, West Beach is a stone’s throw from Gary and Portage, Indiana, and an accessible 45-minute drive from Chicago, making it ideal…
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Have I got a dare for you… complete with physical challenges, scenic views, and even ghost stories! Sound interesting? If so, then be sure to add the “Diana of the Dunes Dare” to your Indiana Dunes National Park itinerary. The “Diana of the Dunes Dare” is a hike located at West Beach, inside the…
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The Indiana Dunes is a 2,000-acre state park surrounded by an even larger national park, encompassing 15,000 acres of beaches, prairies, wetlands, savannas, and forests. The dunes, which are essentially massive mounds of sand reaching nearly 200 feet high, were formed when glaciers passed through…
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Valparaiso Events’ Summer Outdoor Movies series premieres Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, with a showing of the family favorite Toy Story at Central Park Plaza, home to Northwest Health Amphitheater, in downtown Valpo. The series runs every Tuesday evening from June 4th to July 2nd and features other…
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Spring has sprung and that means our Kankakee Sands wetlands are teeming with activity. The Kankakee Sands Bird Viewing Area on the west side of US 41 is a particular fan favorite right now due to the wide-open wetland filled with glistening water and critters galore. One needn’t walk through a…
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The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival happens each May when migrating birds converge near the southern coast of Lake Michigan. Birders from across the country (and world!) travel to the Indiana Dunes for the event. While not out looking for birds, learning from experts, or attending festival social…
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