LOVE THE INDIANA DUNES
LIKE YOU MEAN IT

The Indiana Dunes is stunning scenery, indigenous culture, and thousands of acres of adventure-filled wilderness nestled between urban landscapes and flourishing northern Indiana communities.

The natural spaces here are special so please tread lightly on the land and help keep the water clean. Respect and support surrounding local communities and cultures. Each of us who visit the Indiana Dunes can also help protect natural heritage, biodiversity, and local culture by taking some of the simple steps below.

“Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us.” – Jane Goodall

Step 1: Fall in Love

The more you know, the more there is to love, so start building your foundation for a long-lasting relationship with the Indiana Dunes by learning more about our natural environment, culture, and history. You’ll fall in love with our parks, communities, and the people who make this place so special. Start exploring, and pick up a free explorer backpack (available for daily use).

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Backpacks for Naturalists

Step 2: Don't Leave Your Good Habits at Home

Consider ways to conserve energy and water. Be prepared to recycle where possible, dispose of your trash properly, and reduce your plastic use whenever you can. You can pick up a reusable Indiana Dunes water bottle at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Step it up a notch and drop in and volunteer to have an immediate and positive impact on the environment—it’s easy and rewarding.

Drop-In Volunteering

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Step 3: Be a Jewel, Save on Fuel

These days fuel efficiency doesn’t just help the environment; it positively impacts your bottom line. Thankfully, the Indiana Dunes is perfect for pedal-powered adventures. You can take advantage of accessible bike-friendly train cars and bike routes throughout the area. Enjoy the wide variety of bicycling and hiking activities for all different types of riders, no vehicle required.

Bike Trails

Hiking Trails

Bikes on Trains

Step 4: Make Informed Decisions

Sustainable and regenerative tourism practices are spreading across the country, and Indiana Dunes is committed to ensuring tourism is a force for good in our community. When you are here, seek out organizations that engage in energy efficiency or recycling programs and take actions to preserve communities and the natural environment.

Porter County Recycling

Step 5: Be a Good Guest

We’re glad that you have come to visit the Indiana Dunes and surrounding communities. You’ll find Indiana Dunes locals to be friendly and welcoming. Getting to know them will be a highlight of your visit but don’t forget to also respect their traditions, privacy, and local communities.

Our Communities

Step 6: Spread Kindness & Support Locals

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned how important it is to support local businesses. As you explore the Indiana Dunes, the money you spend supports local artisans, farmers, and business owners whose livelihoods depend on patrons like you. You can show your appreciation and support by being kind, exercising patience, following guidelines, and tipping well.

Local Shops

Local Eats

A small white feather sits on the sand near beach grass

Leaving the Indiana Dunes Better Than You Found It

A weekend of traveling sustainably and making a difference through the eyes of Robert Annis.

Step 7: Protect Your Natural Surroundings

The Indiana Dunes is a unique ecosystem that needs to be protected for generations to come. As you explore, be mindful of plants, animals, and the sensitive environment. While it’s tempting to carve out your own path, in this fragile ecosystem we ask that you stay on designated trails. Our wildlife is cute but can be unpredictable — avoid feeding the animals and keep a safe distance. Like our friend Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” — so strictly follow all fire restrictions. To learn more about protecting our natural places check out:

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Shirley-Heinz Preserves

Porter County Parks

Step 8: Take the Plunge — Commit to Zero Emissions

Follow our lead and read and learn more about your impact. Read A Traveler’s Guide to Low Carbon Travel, published by Purdue University. You’ll discover additional ways to reduce your carbon footprint and learn about purchasing carbon credits to offset your impact on the climate crisis.

A Traveler's Guide to Low Carbon Travel

Step 9: Profess Your Love for the Indiana Dunes

Once you’ve fallen for the Indiana Dunes, you’ll want your family and friends to experience it as well. Share the innovative ways you helped our communities through sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. Even better, implement them in your community. Here are some ideas to share so everyone visits with care:

Drop-In Volunteering

Monarchs

Backpacks for Naturalists