Indiana Dunes Visitor Center — Attraction in Porter

Nice building with plenty of maps and brochures. Have a hands-on kid-friendly room and a small auditorium for educational movies. Very nice, clean bathrooms and a place to fill up your water bottle before a hike. Plenty of parking around the building and some nice art displays and places to sit. Only 4 stars because of the lack of communication between the various posts throughout the Dunes. Last year, the visitor's center had no idea when the hiking path at Cowles Bog would be open (it was closed for a bridge repair,) and this year, they have no info on the progress of another closed trail where there was a bridge in need of repair. They said they didn't know if it had been fixed yet, but I could ask the workers at the gate when I got there. I drove to the site and asked. Both girls at the gate said that all trails were open. I asked if the specific trail with the broken bridge was open and they said "all trails are open." I paid $12 with the impression that I could use all the trails...of course the bridge was impassable . Don't know why nobody ever knows what's going on with the trails' repairs. Poor...

The Visitor Center at Indiana Dunes is an absolute must-stop if you want to make the most of your visit to the area. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, providing valuable information about the various hikes, geology, and local wildlife. They are always ready to assist you in purchasing car passes or guiding you to the best spots to visit.

The center offers plenty of activities, keeping visitors informed about the latest events and happenings in the park. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the staff's guidance will enhance your experience.

Aside from the informative staff, the center's artwork is a delightful addition. It's worth taking some time to appreciate the local art that showcases the beauty of the region.

Overall, the Visitor Center at Indiana Dunes is a fantastic resource for any nature enthusiast. With helpful staff, informative activities, and captivating artwork, it's an essential stop for anyone planning to explore the dunes and make the most of...

We visited this location so our Daughter could get her next Junior Ranger Badge. The gift shop is small for a national park & does not have the typical items you would expect from a National Park. They were out of Indian Dunes offical stickers and the 1991 Indiana Dunes Sticker. The young female Ranger in the gift shop said they used to carry them. She was extremely friendly though The other female Ranger at the desk Sandy was excellent and shared several stories with my 5 yr old about why she loved being a Ranger. They have a decent size auditorium with the park film and another room with items for children. They also have a bathroom. Be aware they close at 6PM sharp so make you you plan enough time for the Jr Ranger program to get back before the doors close. We made it with 10 mins to spare. Lastly they do not have a Offical NPS sign on the building or out front. It was a temporary sign it seemed. Not a big deal but we have been to over 50 NPS sites and the picture is a highlight...