Borrow a Free Nature Backpack for Your Indiana Dunes Adventure

Looking for family-friendly things to do at Indiana Dunes? The Explorer Backpacks program offers free backpack kits you can borrow for the day—perfect for kids, families, and curious hikers who want to learn more about nature while exploring the park.

The Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the most biodiverse parks in the United States, with miles of scenic trails, birdwatching spots, and natural habitats. These free backpacks are packed with tools to enhance your outdoor experience. It's like having a park ranger in your pocket—ready to guide you through the landscape and help you uncover the park's natural wonders.

Inside each Explorer Backpack, you’ll find:

• Binoculars for bird watching
• Field guides to help identify local trees, wildflowers, and animals
• Fun activity cards and ideas for exploring trails, beaches, and preserves

Whether you're hiking with kids, visiting for the weekend, or planning a nature-based educational outing, these backpacks make it easy to turn your visit into a learning adventure.

Visit any of the locations below to check out a backpack and start exploring.

How to Use the Backpack

Ready to turn your park visit into an outdoor adventure? Follow these simple steps to borrow a free Naturalist Backpack:

1. Pick a location
   Visit one of the participating pick-up spots listed below. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID.

2. Reserve your backpack
   Fill out a quick reservation form at the location.

3. Leave your ID (if asked)
   Some locations may hold your ID while you explore. Please check with the staff.

4. Head outdoors and explore
   Take your backpack to a local trail, park, or nature preserve. Inside, you'll find field guides to help you identify birds, trees, wildflowers, and even animal tracks. Binoculars let you spot wildlife up close, and the outdoor adventure cards offer fun, hands-on activity ideas for all ages.

5. Return the backpack
   When you're done, simply return the backpack to the same location where you checked it out.

Bonus Tip: Make it a family outing or a classroom field trip! The backpacks are perfect for kids, parents, teachers, and curious explorers of all ages!

Explore the Dunes Your Way

We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring the Backpacks for Naturalists program to you. We’d especially like to thank Friends of Indiana Dunes for their support.

We hope you’ll take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore all the Indiana Dunes area has to offer.