Discover the Dunes

Ready to get the scoop? Dig the Dunes uncovers where to go, what to do and all the secrets of the dunes. Visit this page frequently to find out all the latest happenings in the Indiana Dunes National Park and the surrounding areas.

What's New

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whatsnew

What's New

Meet your Duneside Hosts at the Indiana Dunes State Park Pavilion.

Jonna and Gary are excited to slow down and meet more of the locals! This past summer, Jonna and Gary took over the lower level of the Dunes Pavilion and quickly discovered just how busy beach season can be. After a whirlwind few months serving the summer crowds, they’re excited to slow down a bit and focus on the locals. Get to know the friendly faces behind Jonna's Beach Bar and Cafe and see what they have planned for the months ahead. When did you open Jonna’s Beach Bar &

goiu1989

Oct 14, 20252 min read

The dangers of shelf ice and why you should enjoy the beauty from afar.

Winter has settled in, and with the cold temps brings the freezing of Lake Michigan. The crashing waves become still, and the sight of...

Eve Landsman-Wierzbicki

Jan 19, 20252 min read

2025 52 Week Challenge

By: Jane Bachman and Kathie Nichols (who completed 52 challenges... two years in a row!) Want to get out and do something fun every...

goiu1989

Jan 11, 20253 min read

Local author to appear at bookstore for book signing of new “Lost East Chicago and Indiana Harbor” history book

Award-winning author and journalist Joseph S. Pete will appear at a Northwest Indiana bookstore to sign copies of his new history book,...

goiu1989

Jul 16, 20242 min read

A Guide to Spring Flowers in the Dunes

Submitted by: Donna Lind Spring can be elusive in Northwest Indiana; the calendar will say it’s spring but the weather may not always...

goiu1989

Apr 11, 20243 min read

Jason Taylor selected as new superintendant of Indiana Dunes National Park.

The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Jason Taylor as the new superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park. Taylor is an...

goiu1989

Mar 8, 20242 min read

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highlighted

Highlighted Posts

Four Gifts You Can Give YOURSELF from Dig the Dunes This Holiday Season

The holidays are often filled with gift lists, shopping carts, and wrapping paper, but Dig the Dunes has a little something for YOU. We believe experiences matter. They recharge and reconnect us. Whether you’re craving inspiration, connection, laughter, or self-discovery, these four upcoming events offer beautiful ways to give yourself something lasting in the new year. Create Your Best Year Yet: Vision Board Workshop with Randi Light If you’re feeling ready to step into the

goiu1989

Dec 16, 20252 min read

Craft, Sip & Celebrate: Two Festive Dig the Dunes Workshops Coming Next Week

Dig the Dunes is bringing plenty of holiday cheer next week with two creative, hands-on workshops designed to get everyone into the spirit of the season. Whether you love making décor or enjoy a fun night out with friends, these events offer something for every holiday mood. Build a Holiday Gnome at Marina Shores Yacht Club. The week kicks off on Wednesday, December 10 at 6:00 PM with a Holiday Gnome Workshop at Marina Shores Yacht Club . Participants will create a three-foot

goiu1989

Dec 2, 20251 min read

2026 Dig the Dunes Calendar Winners announced!

Every year, since 2017, Dig the Dunes has held a calendar contest. This year is no different. We collected hundreds of entries and went through three rounds of judging to pick our top photo for each month. We are excited to announce the winners for 2026. Calendars are now available for pre-order , and you can get the early bird price until November 15. Cover - Peggy Carter Peggy got serious about her photography only about 15 years ago. But since that time she has been an ac

goiu1989

Nov 3, 20254 min read