Outing - Indiana Dunes State Park

Saturday, June 13, 2026
4:30 AM 5:30 PM 04:30 17:30

Miller Woods/ Paul Douglas Environmental Center Chesterton, IN, 46304 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Indiana Dunes National Park has very diverse habitats and hikes. This trip showcases most of the park’s habitats and provides opportunities for all types of photography. Landscape, macro, birding and wildlife, and architectural photography should all be well represented. A mix of easy and moderate hikes are planned that everyone can hopefully enjoy.

RSVP to Steve Heater here if you plan to go.

NOTE: Fees or passes are required for entry.

National Park:

https://home.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm

State Park:

https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/rates-and-fees/entrance-fees/

Most of us will pay $12 to enter if we decide to go there.

Safety suggestions. Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. Use tick and insect repellant. Stay on marked trails for the protection of fragile habitat ( and yourself). Bring plenty of water, food and snacks for energy.

4:30am: Leave QuikTrip, I74 and Neil Street, Champaign.

6:10 to 6:25am: Loves at Grant park (potty stop, snack, etc)

7:30am: Arrive at Miller Woods/ Paul Douglas Environmental Center. Start the hike. The goal is to do the full out and back trail to the beach. We will encounter many habitats, offering abundant photo and birding opportunities. See the link for Miller Woods below for detailed information.

The Great Marsh Trail. 1.3 miles, easy, no restrooms

The Calumet Dunes trail. 0.5 miles, Easy, year round restrooms

Cowles Bog trail. 3 to 5 miles depending on route. Easy to moderate

Travel map link:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WhqVAbr4G7wrZJ8LA

Main Indiana Dunes National Park Page. There's a wealth of information on here.

https://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm

Chellberg Farm Trail (and 3 others) information:

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/bc16.htm

Great Marsh Trail:

https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/gm16.htm

Cowles Bog Trail: