Current Programs and Events

 

Your national park adventure begins here!

Get in the know with our current programs and events listed below, which is updated about mid-month. You can also check out our yearly main events listed near the bottom of this page. All events are subject to change without notice.

Just looking for something else to do here at the park? Visit our Things To Do page to learn about many of our outdoor activities. Remember, safety is of upmost importance. Please take all necessary precautions when venturing outdoors. For more information, visit our Safety page.

National Park passes are required. For more information, visit our Fees and Passes page.

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April 2026 Activities

Indiana Dunes National Park has an entrance fee of $25 per car for a 1–7-day pass. A $45 annual pass for the national park is also available. Please purchase passes or pay the entrance fee at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Paul H. Douglas Center, West Beach Entrance Station or at Rec.gov. Veterans/Military/Gold Star Family, Access, and 4^th Grade passes are available for free. For more information on national park passes visit the fees & passes page.

Fee-free days:

• Memorial Day (May 25)
• Flag Day (June 14)
• Independence Day weekend (July 3–5)
• 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25)
• Constitution Day (Sept. 17)
• Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27)
• Veteran’s Day (November 11)

Fee free days only apply to locations within Indiana Dunes National Park, NOT Indiana Dunes State Park.

Friday

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Music Heritage Series Concert at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Friday, April 17
7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and melody with The Save the Tunes Council, a dedicated collective of local musicians, passionate about keeping folk songs alive with an array of traditional instruments. Don’t miss this chance to experience the rich sounds and stories of our musical heritage!

Saturday

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Chellberg Farm Open House at Chellberg Farmhouse

Every Saturday in April
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on site to share the area’s history. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join, visit dunefriends.org.

Stargazing at Kemil Beach at Kemil Beach Parking Lot

Saturday, April 4
8:00 pm–10:00 pm
Join Michiana Astronomical Society and fellow astronomy lovers to enjoy our night sky from one of the darkest spots in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Telescopes will be provided for your viewing pleasure. For safety purposes and to ensure parking, please arrive early.

1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park - Meet at the Trailhead Parking Lot

Saturday, April 25
8:00 am–10:00 am
Heron Rookery East Parking Lot (3.3 mi)
Hike all of the trails in the national park. The challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a new trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year the park was established. Can’t make all of the guided hikes? Look on our website for a link to 1966 Hking Challenge.

Butterflies, Moths, and Plants of the Indiana Dunes at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Saturday, April 25
9:00 am–11:00 am
Join Nathaniel Pilla of Midwest Biological Survey and Steve Sass of Indiana Nature LLC, for an informative and entertaining dive into Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). This program will explore their fascinating adaptations and their relationships with the native plants of the Indiana Dunes region, including many of the plants offered for sale through the Friends of the Indiana Dunes native plant sale.

Woodland Wildflower Hike Heron Rookery East Parking Lot

Saturday, April 25
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
We explore the Little Calumet River flood plain and its great diversity of spring wildflowers. We’ll be listening to the spring songs of birds and frogs. Meet in the Heron Rookery parking lot. Be prepared for muddy conditions.

Sunday

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Chellberg Farm Open House at Chellberg Farmhouse

Every Sunday in April
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on site to share the area’s history. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join, visit dunefriends.org.

Woodland Wildflower Hike at Heron Rookery East Parking Lot

Sunday, April 26
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
We explore the Little Calumet River flood plain and its great diversity of spring wildflowers. We’ll be listening to the spring songs of birds and frogs. Meet in the Heron Rookery parking lot. Be prepared for muddy conditions.

Education and Outreach

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Ranger-Guided Education and Outreach Programs, Parkwide

Available dates and times vary
Is your school or organization interested in a Ranger-guided program or outreach opportunity? Please visit Indiana Dunes National Park’s education webpage for more information and instructions on how to request these experiences.

Volunteering - Drop In

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Trash Trekkers at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and Douglas Center

Visitor Center - Daily 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Douglas Center - Weekends only
9:00 am–4:00 pm
Lend a hand with our drop-in litter cleanup program. Simply check in at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Participants can earn a free, reusable water bottles for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.

Porter Beach Restoration at Porter Beach Parking Lot

Saturday, April 4
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Team up with staff and fellow volunteers to give your local national park some extra care and attention! Equipment and protective gear will be provided - just bring your energy and love for the great outdoors. Let us know you’re coming by calling [phone] or email us.

Drop-in Volunteering Chellberg Farm Care at Chellberg Parking Lot

Saturday, April 18
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Work with a ranger and fellow volunteers to help care for the park’s historic farm. Dress comfortably and get ready to roll up your sleeves—work gloves and equipment will be provided.

Community Park-wide Cleanup for Earth Day at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Wednesday, April 22
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Celebrate Earth Day and show your support for environmental protection by spending the morning with park staff and fellow volunteers at the Indiana Dunes National Park’s 5th annual Earth Day Cleanup. This event is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes.

*These programs are sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes, a non-profit group that is dedicated to enhancing and foster understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Indiana Dunes through the sponsorship of special educational programs and events throughout the park. For more information on how to get become a member, visit dunefriends.org

 

May 2026 Activities

Indiana Dunes National Park has an entrance fee of $25 per car for a 1–7-day pass. A $45 annual pass for the national park is also available. Please purchase passes or pay the entrance fee at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Paul H. Douglas Center, West Beach Entrance Station or at Rec.gov. Veterans/Military/Gold Star Family, Access, and 4^th Grade passes are available for free. For more information on national park passes visit the fees & passes page.

Fee Free Day:

Monday, May 25, will be fee free at all National Park sites in celebration of Memorial Day. Fee free days only apply to locations within Indiana Dunes National Park, NOT Indiana Dunes State Park.

Fee free days only apply to locations within Indiana Dunes National Park, NOT Indiana Dunes State Park.

Special Event

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Logs to Lustrons Historic Home Tour at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Saturday, May 2
All Day
Immerse yourself in the park’s rich history and step through time as you explore a handful of the historic sites that are left nestled among the sand dunes, from log cabins to Mid-Century Modern houses. Tickets are required and are available on www.indianalandmarks.org. This program is made possible through the support of Indiana Landmarks.

Art in the National Park with the Art Barn at the Paul H. Douglas Center

Saturday, May 9
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Learn how to paint your own bird-inspired painting with local artists from the Art Barn. Reservations are required at www.recreation.gov. There is a $25 fee for the program.

Mary Ann Pals Artist-in-Residence Birding Presentation at the Paul H. Douglas Center

Saturday, May 16
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Join Mary Ann Pals, a local pastel and charcoal artist, for a presentation on Mt Baldy Sentinel (Bald Eagle resting on a branch at the top of an oak tree) in honor of the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. Learn about her experience while she was an Artist-in-Residence. The presentation will be followed by a birding hike with park rangers and Mary Ann.

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Wednesday May 14 - Sunday, May 17
All Day
The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an annual event hosted by Indiana Audubon that showcases the abundance of migratory birds in the Indiana Dunes. Tickets are required and are available on www.indunesbirdingfestival.com. This program is made possible through the support of Indiana Audubon.

Weekday

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Music Heritage Series Concert at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Friday, May 15
7:30 pm–9:00 pm
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and melody with Save the Tunes, a dedicated collective of local musicians, passionate about keeping folk songs alive with an array of traditional instruments. Don’t miss this chance to experience the rich sounds and stories of our musical heritage!

Movie Screening: Memorial Day Movie at Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Monday, May 26
1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Enjoy a special a screening of Vietnam Nurses in the Visitor Center’s auditorium. The documentary chronicles the important role that nurses played during the Vietnam war.

Saturday

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Chellberg Farm Open House at Chellberg Farmhouse

Every Saturday in May
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on site to share the area’s history. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join, visit dunefriends.org.

Stargazing at Kemil Beach at Kemil Beach Parking Lot

Saturday, May 2
8:00 pm–10:00 pm
Join Michiana Astronomical Society and fellow astronomy lovers to enjoy our night sky from one of the darkest spots in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Telescopes will be provided for your viewing pleasure. For safety purposes and to ensure parking, please arrive early.

1966 Hiking Challenge: Hike Every Trail in the Park — Meet at the Trailhead Parking Lot, All hikes start at 8:00 am

• Saturday, May 2 - Hobart Woodland Trail (from Robinson Lake) (2.2 miles)
• Saturday, May 9 - Great Marsh Trail and Beverly Drive to the west (4 miles)
• Saturday, May 16 - Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk (1.5 miles)
• Saturday, May 23 - Miller Woods (Paul H. Douglas Center) (3.4 miles)
• Saturday, May 30 - Pinhook Bog Trail and Pinhook Upland Trail (3 miles)

Hike all of the trails in the National Park. The challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a new trail. There will be a total of 19 hikes covering 66 miles to honor the year the park was established. Can’t make all of the guided hikes? Look on our website for a link to 1966 Hiking Challenge.

Sunday

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Chellberg Farm Open House at Chellberg Farmhouse

Every Sunday in May
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Stop by the historic Chellberg Farm to tour the farmhouse and visit the animals. Rangers and volunteers will be on site to share the area’s history. This program is sponsored by Friends of Indiana Dunes. For more information on how to join, visit dunefriends.org.

Mother’s Day Woodland Wildflower Hike at Heron Rookery East Parking Lot

Sunday, May 10
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Go explore the Little Calumet River flood plain and its great diversity of spring wildflowers. We’ll be listening to the spring songs of birds and frogs. Meet in the Heron Rookery parking lot. Be prepared for muddy conditions.

Music Heritage Series Concert at Chellberg Farm Chellberg Farm

Sunday, May 24
5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Come out for a night of music and song. The Save the Tunes Council is a group of local musicians devoted to preserving and passing on folk songs using a variety of traditional musical instruments.

Education and Outreach

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Ranger-Guided Education and Outreach Programs Parkwide

Available dates and times vary and are listed on the website.
Is your school or organization interested in a ranger-guided program or outreach opportunity? Please visit Indiana Dunes National Park’s education webpage for more information and instructions on how to request these experiences.

Volunteering - Drop In

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Volunteer Office Open Hours Volunteer Office

Tuesday-Saturday, Open by appointment
Thursdays, Open 9:00 am–3:00 pm
The Volunteer Office will no longer be open on Wednesdays and will be open on Thursdays. Appointments are still available Tuesday through Saturday. To set up an appointment, call or text us at [phone], or email us at [e-mail].

Trash Trekkers Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and Douglas Center
Visitor Center

Daily 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Douglas Center – Wednesday-Sundays 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Lend a hand with our drop-in litter cleanup program. Simply check in at the Visitor Center to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beach areas or hiking trails to collect trash. Participants can earn a free, reusable water bottles for filling up their bags. Please leave trash at a trash can on the site you hiked.

Porter Beach Restoration Porter Beach Parking Lot

Saturday, May 2
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Team up with staff and fellow volunteers to give your local National Park some extra care and attention!
Equipment and protective gear will be provided - just bring your energy and love for the great outdoors. Let us know you’re coming by calling [phone] or email us.

Drop-in Volunteering Chellberg Farm Care Chellberg Parking Lot

Saturday, May 16
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Work with a ranger and fellow volunteers to help care for the park’s historic farm. Dress comfortably and get ready to roll up your sleeves—work gloves and equipment will be provided.

*These programs are sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes, a non-profit group that is dedicated to enhancing and foster understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Indiana Dunes through the sponsorship of special educational programs and events throughout the park. For more information on how to get become a member, visit dunefriends.org

 

Yearly Main Events

These are our largest park events that encompass multiple ranger-led interpretive activities and presentations, which draw thousands of visitors each year.

Maple Sugar Time Festival: First weekend in March

Enjoy a sweet taste of spring during the annual Maple Sugar Time festival. Take a self-guided tour of the sugaring operation at historic Chellberg Farm which will be bustling with maple sugaring activities.

Logs to Lustrons Tour: First Saturday in May

From rustic landmarks to Mid-Century Modern, experience a century of architecture at Indiana Dunes National Park (IDNP) on our Logs to Lustrons tour, including log structures of early settlement days, frame homes from the Victorian period, and mid-century homes of glass, stucco, and metal.

Indiana Dunes Birding Festival: Third weekend in May

Hosted by Indiana Audubon, the national park plays an important role in this the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. This incredible four-day event showcases dozens of birding spots around the region with expert led outings.

Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival: Early September

The OAF showcases the region’s natural and cultural significance through activities such as hiking, paddling, biking, photography, birding, and others.

Century of Progress Homes Tour: Last weekend in September

Join national park rangers for a two-hour tour of five historic homes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Advance reservation only. There is a fee. Visit IndianaLandmarks.org or call [phone]. Tickets go on sale early in August and usually sell out within one hour.

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For more information on events and other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, contact us or call [phone].

 

Park Calendar

For a different view of upcoming park events, visit our Calendar page.

 

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Donate to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Donations will be used to fund maintenance projects and enhance activities at the park.