Welcome to August in the Indiana Dunes

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Dunes

What's new at Indiana Dunes                            August 2015

One Hummer of a Bird

Join us on Aug. 8 for our annual study into the smallest bird in the world. We invite master hummingbird bander, Allen Chartier, to capture, band, and research these winged jewels of the dunes. Learn about current research being done, as well as see these amazing birds up close during our live banding sessions starting at 9 a.m. at the nature center. 

Download your own copy of the Birds of the Indiana State Parks.

hummingbird

Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Coming

Our annual night of snoring on the sand is fast approaching! Join us for this spectacular night of star gazing as we welcome the Perseid Meteor Shower on Saturday, Aug. 8. Events take place on the Pavilion west side. Sky constellation talks take place after early American skylore on the beach. Take a peak in the park telescope at other celestial objects throughout the night. 

It’s the one night of the year that stargazers may stay all night on the beach. Please note: this is not a camping event. No tents, canopies, tiki torches, campfires or similar camping equipment allowed. Get more information about the annual Perseid Meteor Showers from Earthsky.com.  

sky

Help Celebrate 90 years of fun at Indiana Dunes State Park

In 1925, the Indiana State Legislature designated funds for the purchase a piece of the dunes as Indiana’s fourth state park. Today, 1.2 million people make it the second highest visited state park in Indiana, and USA Today’s vote as the 7th greatest State Park in the US. Help us celebrate our birthday on the beach with cake, ice cream, and more. Join us under the big tent on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. We’ll have historic photos and guided nature hikes for those interested in our 90 years of fun! 

View this and more programs on our complete monthly interpretive guide


S’mores in the Outdoors returns

Your favorite small characters (non-minion, of course) are back for another summer of fun in the state parks! Guess where each s’more is at for chances to win various prizes from the Indiana State Parks during the month of August. All s’mores are posted on the Indiana State Parks Facebook page. Download the game piece to play along all month. Watch for special s’mores from the Indiana Dunes State Park! 

You can also join us for National Smore’s Day. We pig out on Friday, Aug. 7 at the park’s Wilson Shelter. Bring your appetite for our s’mores buffet, starting at 7 p.m. We’ll have s’mores trivia and s’mores crafts too!

smores

Book your Fall Camping Soon

Fall means cooler temperatures, warm campfires, and no mosquitoes. Time is running out to book your fall campsite in the dunes. While most of September is already taken, there are plenty of sites for October for the dunes explorer. Plan your visits now for fall storytelling, great tree colors, and the ever popular owl banding nights.   

Visit the Central Reservations System to book your campsite or call 1-866-6CAMPIN to secure a site! 


Quick Links

Indiana Dunes State Park

Teacher Education Guide

August Program Schedule

2015 Calendar of Events

Beach Pavilion Restoration and Rehab FAQ


Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana State Parks DNR

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