Love and Protect the Indiana Dunes: Sustainability Travel Tips

LOVE THE INDIANA DUNES LIKE YOU MEAN IT

The Indiana Dunes is a story of sand and steel. It's a tale of industry and preservation. The movement to protect the Indiana Dunes started back in 1899 and still continues to this day. Each one of us plays a part in protecting the stunning scenery 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

Sustainable Travel Tips

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 before you arrive. You’ll fall in love with our parks, communities, and the people who make this place so special. Once you're here, pick up a free explorer backpack and see the parks in a whole new way.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Backpacks for Naturalists

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. When experiencing the outdoors, remember to Leave No Trace.

Forgot your reusable water bottle at home? You can pick up a free Indiana Dunes water bottle when you sign up for the Trash Trekkers program at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Porter County Recycling

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.

Indiana Dunes Parks

Shirley-Heinz Preserves

Porter County Parks

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 activities for all different types of riders, no vehicle required.

Bike Trails

Hiking Trails

Bikes on Trains

Support Locals

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned how important it is to support local businesses. As you spend time in the Indiana Dunes area, 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

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

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.

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

Sponsored

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable and regenerative tourism practices are spreading across the country, and Indiana Dunes Tourism is committed to ensuring tourism is a force for good in our community.

Love and Protect the Indiana Dunes: Sustainability Travel Tips

LOVE THE INDIANA DUNES LIKE YOU MEAN IT

“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

Love the Indiana Dunes

Plan Your Visit

Give Back

Learn About Indigenous Culture

Eat at Local Restaurants

Support Local Shops

Stay at Our Hotels & Inns

Sustainable Travel Tips

Fall in Love

Don't Leave Your Good Habits at Home

Protect Your Natural Surroundings

Be a Jewel, Save on Fuel

Give Back While You're Here

"I became a National Park Volunteer because the Indiana Dunes is such an important part of my life. I wanted to give back and help make the Dunes a better place for everyone. — Michelle

Support Locals

Be a Good Guest

Take the Plunge — Commit to Zero Emissions

Leaving the Indiana Dunes Better Than You Found It

Profess Your Love for the Indiana Dunes

Make it Official — Make the Promise

Sustainability Partners

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Travel Care Code Initiative

Indiana Dunes Tourism

Travel Deeply & Experience More

Learn About Indigenous Culture

Be a Trash Trekker

Have Eco-Friendly Outdoor Adventures

Sustainable Tourism