OIN Spring Wildflowers at Indiana Dunes National Park

When & Where:

Saturday May 13 from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Indiana Dunes National Park

Heron Rookery Main (East) Lot

1336 600 East, Michigan City, IN 46360

About Indiana Dunes National Park:

Established by Congress as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966, the name was changed to Indiana Dunes national Park in 2019. "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" (Indiana Dunes National Park).

On March 31st, 2022 Indiana Dunes National Park began requiring a valid entrance pass or receipt. The entrance fee is $25 for a non-commercial family-sized passenger vehicle or $15 per-person for walk-in / bike-in / boat-in and is valid for 7-days from the date of purchase. The Indiana Dunes National Park Annual pass is $45 and is good for a family for one year. The America the Beautiful - Interagency Pass Program: Annual, Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, Access, Military, Volunteer in the Park, and Every Kid Outdoors (4th grade) passes are also accepted. All passes are sold at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, Paul H. Douglas Center, and online at www.recreation.gov" (Indiana Dunes National Park).

There are no restrooms at the Heron Rookery Trailhead. Participants should use restroom facilities at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Glenwood Dunes Trailhead.

Trail Description:

The heron rookery is an inland section of the national park along the southern bank of the Little Calumet River. While no longer an active nesting area for great blue herons, the woodland environment is the site of spectacular spring wildflower displays.

The Heron Rookery Trail is a 3.3 mile out-and-back trail. It is primarily flat. There are two bridges, one at the far end with two steps to access it. The trail is often muddy and can be slippery. The trail crosses many tree roots.

Transportation:

For this event participants will travel on their own and park at the Heron Rookery Main (East) Lot at 1336 600 East, Michigan City, IN 46360. The GPS coordinates are 41.627043, -86.952446 (Decimal Degrees).

Need a ride or willing to offer one to another attendee? Join the Out In Nature WhatsApp group to coordinate a carpool!

Accessibility:

The Heron Rookery Main (East) Lot is gravel. There is designated accessible parking. The trail we will hike is mostly flat.

There are some tree roots in the trail. It is often muddy and slippery (we will walk carefully across these portions as they arise). Shoes with even small amounts of traction should suffice, and Out in Nature will wait for all participants to cross as well as accommodate and/or offer support for anyone who requests it. The trail is not accessible for persons using wheelchairs.

Masking will not be required for this event, though people are encouraged to do so according to their needs and comfort level, especially as this is a mostly indoors event.

Questions/Concerns:

Information about Indiana Dunes National Park is available at 1-800 Park Tip. For Out in Nature queries about this event, contact Brian Forist at [email protected] or (219) 916-7830.

Want more? Keep in touch with Out in Nature here:

https://outinnaturechi.wordpress.com/link-in-bio/

Host or Publisher Out In Nature