PLEASE RSVP and let us know where you’d be meeting: Circle K or Chelberg Farms shelter?      

Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. Known for its striking plant and bird diversity, it's easy to find inspiration throughout the park’s 15,000 acres.

Join the club on an exciting outing to our closest national park, the Indiana Dunes. Get some great pictures!

Indiana Dunes National Park has very diverse habitats and hikes.  The ones put together for this outing should showcase most of the habitats and have opportunities for all types of photography.  If something comes up by the time of the outing (rare bird, scenery, etc), we may change the plan slightly that morning. Landscape, macro, birding and wildlife, and architecture should all be well represented. We’ll have a mix of easy and moderate hikes planned that everyone can hopefully enjoy.    

We have decided to rent a picnic shelter at Chellberg Farms Trail for the whole day from 6am to 11pm. We can use this as a base of operations for the day, and will give participants much more flexibility.

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.

Look at a map of the trip. View the Chellberg Farm Trail, Great Marsh Trail, Calumet Dunes Trail, and the Tolleston Dunes Trail.

Planned agenda:

4:30am: Leave Circle K Parking Lot on Cunningham in Urbana Parking lot.

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

7:30am: Arrive at Chellberg Farms trail (and 3 others).  3.4 miles total, Easy to moderate. Year round restrooms.  We have a shelter reserved there.

NOTE: The rest of the day will be pretty loose as far as where we go.  Where the birds are, and where participants want to go will drive the day.  

11:30am - Noon: PICNIC.  We have a shelter reserved for picnic, or shelter from passing showers.

12:15pm-225pm: Arrive and hike the Great Marsh Trail.  1.3 miles, easy, no restrooms.

2:30pm-3:30pm: Arrive and hike the Calumet Dunes trail. 0.5 miles, Easy, year round restrooms  

3:45pm to ???: Arrive and hike the Tolleston Dune Trail, and visit the overlook. 2.9 miles, Moderate. No restrooms.

7:57pm: Sunset.  Sunset over the dunes?