Program Overview

The Indiana Dunes project is designed to introduce students to Indiana Dunes National Park, which protects 15,000 acres of ecologically diverse habitat. This three-night (four day) trip provides an affordable opportunity for students to explore the biodiversity of the lakeshore, engaging in an ecology-focused volunteer project with park staff, kayaking the Little Calumet River with the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, hiking diverse park trails with veteran ranger guides, and building community while camping at a remote group campsite near the shores of Lake Michigan.

During their time in the Indiana Dunes National Park, students will learn about the ever-changing dune topography and the area's glacial history, identify the area's unique flora and fauna, and understand the unique challenges and threats posed by nearby industrial facilities. Students will be introduced to national park management and stewardship as well as leave no trace camping and engage in outdoor recreation in a supportive environment.

Registration Details

Program Size: 8-10 Students

NCHC Member Price: $575 (does not include airfare); Non-Member Price: $1150 (does not include airfare)

Registration Deadline: July 7, 2026

Tentative Itinerary

Tuesday, August 4th 

• Students arrive at Indiana National Dunes Visitor’s Center by 1PM. (Note: Students may drive themselves or take the South Shore Train line from Millenium Park Station in Chicago. The Beverly Shores and Dune Park train stops are within the park boundaries; staff will coordinate a van pick up for students taking the train.
• Park cars and travel together to group campsite; set up camp/snack/welcome activity
• Succession Trail Loop (NPS Ranger, dunes science) (1 mile- 30 min)
• Long Lake Trail (2.2 miles)
• Beach swim
• Cook dinner
• Campfire building/intro to leave no trace camping
• Community building activities

Wednesday, August 5th

• Breakfast (pack lunch)
• Hike Mount Baldy (NPS/Friends) (out and back 1 hr)
• Explore Pinhook Bog (NPS/Friends) (1 hr)
• Portage Lakefront w/ranger (NPS/Friends volunteer)
• Beach lunch
• Park service project (NPS) (river mussels or invasive species) (3 hrs)
• Dune Ridge Trail (30 min), Great Marsh Trail (30 min), Century of Progress Homes (15 min)
• Free time
• Dinner
• Group reflection/campfire

Thursday, August 6th

• Breakfast
• Kayaking Little Calumet River with NW Indiana Paddling Association
• Bailly-Chellberg Homestead/Indigenous experience /Dunes Learning Center
• Lunch
• TBD Bike ride- park trail loop (as abilities allow), rentals via Friends of Indiana Dunes (est- 1-hour)
• Dunes pavilion
• Cowles Bog Trail or Heron Rookery
• Dinner
• Closing fire- learning share-out

Friday, August 7th

• Breakfast/break camp
• Departure (9:30

Facilitators

Tentative Itinerary