Volunteer Drop-In Program
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!
There are many no-hassle, drop-in volunteer opportunities available for everyone. Just show up! The organization provides the gear and training.
Choose From One of These Great Programs:
In the Field
National Park Volunteer Office
618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter, IN
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am-noon
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
450 W. 100 N., Valparaiso, IN
Second Saturday of every month
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve
109 W 700 N, Valparaiso, IN
With Your Pet
Where:
Paul H. Douglas Center
100 N. Lake St., Gary, IN
Where:
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304
When:
Every day from 9am–4pm
Volunteers and their canine companions can become BARK Ambassadors, informing the public on how to properly enjoy the park with their pets. Drop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center to get your pet enrolled as a BARK Ranger and start the today.
Trash Trekkers
Where:
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Rd. 49, Porter, IN
Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN
When:
Every day from 9am–4pm
Help restore the park to its natural state through our “Trash Trekkers” program! Grab a friend, check-in at the Visitor Center, and pick a place in the park to clean up.
Love & Protect the Indiana Dunes
Meet Ranger Jim, and get a “comical glimpse” into the life of an Indiana Dunes Volunteer.
More Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for other volunteer opportunities? Click one of the options below to learn more about other organizations making a difference in the Indiana Dunes area.
Indiana Dunes Tourism
Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for the Indiana Dunes area. They promote…
Shirley Heinze Land Trust
Shirley Heinze Land Trust has protected more than 2,600 acres across six counties in northwestern Indiana, from…
National Park Service
Indiana Dunes’ volunteer program offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for individuals and groups of all…
Department of Natural Resources
Encompassing the Indiana Dunes State Park, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances…
The Nature Conservancy
The main organization behind the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become…
Porter County Parks & Recreation
Porter County Park preserves, protects, and manages the natural, cultural, and recreational resources within its…
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation, and…
Friends of Indiana Dunes
The Indiana Dunes are priceless natural resources in the midst of the heartland’s largest metropolitan area. The…
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from nine Lake Michigan beaches. It’s 15 beautiful miles of award-winning shoreline on top of…
We believe lakeside fun shouldn’t just be reserved for the two-legged kind. Here, you and your furry friend will find plenty of sites, attractions, and accommodations.
Tales from the Dunes
Read All StoriesValparaiso Popcorn Fest
- 3 minute read
Calling all popcorn lovers! Mark your calendars, and be sure to pop on over to Valparaiso for the annual Popcorn Festival held each September. Recently celebrating its 45th year, the festival…
A Train Lover's Guide to the Indiana Dunes Area
- 3 minute read
It might be a little unexpected, but train enthusiasts, aka railfans, love visiting the Indiana Dunes area. Indiana is, after all, the crossroads of America. What makes our area so great for…
Fun Things to Do in Downtown Valparaiso
- 3 minute read
Valparaiso, or Valpo as the locals call it, is known as the county seat of the Indiana Dunes Region. Located about 20-30 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks, the vibrant…
Bicycling
Calling all leisure riders, mountain bikers, road warriors, and BMX enthusiasts. No matter your…
Birding
Few places in the Midwest rival the Indiana Dunes area for birding.
Fishing
Fishing season? Try seasons . With this many inland lakes, creeks, shorelines, and deep…
Hiking
Lose yourself in the beauty of the Indiana Dunes. Of course, you won’t really be…
Paddling
Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add coastlines, dunes, trails, and plenty of water. Luckily…
Wandering
Why hurry? Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the…
Book a Place to Stay
Bed & Breakfasts
Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods…
Hotels & Inns
A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or…
More Things to See & Do
Outdoor Adventures
Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from…
Dunes Deals
Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of…
Indiana Dunes Shop
Don’t just experience the Indiana Dunes; take it home with you. Find your new favorite T-shirt, hoodie, or…
Pet Friendly
There’s a reason Indiana Dunes National Park was named the #1 pet-friendly attraction in the state of Indiana…
Arts & Entertainment
It’s not all sand-fringed lakes and epic sunsets. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene stoked by a…
Volunteer
Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!