Give Back While You're Here

Step your vacation up a notch and volunteer to have an immediate and positive impact on the environment—it’s easy and rewarding. We've partnered with local volunteer organizations to offer easy drop-in volunteer opportunities that anyone can do.

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.

Take Care in Wild Spaces 

As you explore the Indiana Dunes, be mindful of plants, animals, and the sensitive environment. While it’s tempting to carve out your own path, in this special place, we ask that you stay on designated trails. Just one footprint can trigger erosion that takes decades to reverse. Stay off the dune faces and use boardwalks and marked trails to protect delicate roots and rare habitats.

Our wildlife is cute but can be unpredictable, so 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.

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. 

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.

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:

Make it Official — Make the Promise

It's one thing to talk about ways to love and protect the Indiana Dunes, but to really commit to the cause, you need to make us a promise. Promise to love and care for the Indiana Dunes like you mean it.