Whether it's blazing hot in summer or a polar vortex is moving through in winter, the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is open 362 days a year. And while yes, we do have bathrooms, there's a lot more going on in our building than serving as a pit stop. Stop by to see us and spend some time here!

Catch a short film

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Take a break from your adventures outdoors to watch Indiana Dunes: Nature's Masterpiece, a 24-minute documentary-style film that showcases majestic views of Lake Michigan and its surrounding dunes, trails, forests, and other habitats. National Park Service rangers take the viewer to various locations in the parks, highlighting examples of the unique plant and animal biodiversity found in the Indiana Dunes. This includes pitcher plants, cacti, and some of the over 350 species of birds that live in or travel through the dunes area. Local historical sites and areas of geological interest are also explored. 

Indiana Dunes Nature's Masterpiece Film

 

View the artwork outdoors

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Stroll the grounds of the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and see five murals, each one created in a matter of hours by the street artist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson, as well as our life-sized Bison-tennial bison and a bench, both painted by ARCY. The seven art pieces depict wildlife and plants native to the Indiana Dunes area. Don't forget to take a selfie and tag @indianadunes!

ARCY_bobcat

Chat with a National Park Ranger

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They’re the experts! Stop in and ask either a Dunes Ambassador or a National Park Ranger any questions you have about the Indiana Dunes and our surrounding communities. We really don’t know of any better hospitality crew!

A park ranger in uniform stands with three women. All are waving.

Take a selfie with our bison

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Take a selfie with our favorite Indiana bison, Benny. Benny was painted by the graffiti artist ARCY. Don't forget to tag @indianadunes when you post it on social media!

A bison statue is spray painted with a landscape

Do a bit of shopping

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Need a Junior Ranger hat or a dunes coffee mug? How about a nature-themed board game or a 3 Dune Challenge t-shirt? The Visitor Center is your one-stop shop for Indiana Dunes gifts and souvenirs. 

Interior of a gift shop with t-shirts, mugs, bags, and more

Get more info than you can handle

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Speaking of info, did we tell you we have tons of it? Whether you speak to someone at our front desk or consult the dozens of brochures in the lobby, you’ll find info about local attractions, events, places to stay, and the yummiest spots to grab a meal.

Two teenagers look at brochure racks

Learn about our water-cleaning landscaping

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Learn about the unique water-cleaning landscaping and how to help keep water clean at home! The signs are a part of the planned Indigenous Cultural Trail.

An informational sign about "Nature At Work" with a sandhill crane picture

Charge your car

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Bonus: You can power up your electric vehicle while you explore everything else on this list! 

A blue car is charging at an electric station in a parking lot.