Special Events this Fall at Indiana Dunes State Park
OutdoorHub 08.29.11
Whether you’re looking to experience history first-hand, view migrating birds up close, or listen to scary stories, Labor Day is hardly the end of fun. Catch up with the fall season and all its beauty during many of the activities planned at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Join the Indiana Audubon’s Youth Birding Club on Sunday, Sept. 4 for a day of bird watching fun. Members will be offering special bird hikes, crafts, activities, bird banding and more to celebrate our migrating fall birds.
History comes alive on Sept. 10 and 11, with the re-enactment of the landing of the Ouiatenon Brigade along the beaches of Lake Michigan. Portraying the French-Canadian voyageurs of the 1700s, the brigade prides itself in its authenticity of dress, food and general lifestyle. The group encampment will be located near the pavilion and will be available for visitors to experience throughout the weekend. Interpretive naturalists will also be leading hikes to the encampment from the nature center.
A special performance of “Songs of the Great Lakes,” by noted Great Lakes musician Lee Murdock will be offered on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Wilson Shelter.
The feature event of fall takes place Saturday, Oct. 8, with the Northwest Indiana Storytelling Festival. The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the nature center auditorium, capped off with two special ghost story sessions at the Wilson Shelter.
From mid-October through mid-November, join state park naturalists at the nature center in the evening as they capture, band, and release the smallest owls in Indiana, the northern saw-whet owl. Exact dates and times are determined from forecasted weather conditions. Visitors can inquire with the nature center as the banding season approaches.
“Howl”oween returns to haunt the state park on Oct. 29. Spook your campsite for prizes and dress the goblins for trick or treating in the campground. Special programs on owls, bats and spiders will occur throughout the weekend, and will culminate in special spooky night hikes to various park locations.
Camping reservations fill fast and can be made at www.camp.IN.gov or by calling 1-866-6CAMPIN.
All events are free after paying the standard gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $10 per out-of-state vehicles.
For more information about these events, call the nature center at (219) 926-1390
