Midwest Rail Rangers, Indiana Dunes State Park

All aboard! Learn about the Indiana Dunes State Park through an onboard educational program presented in partnership with the Midwest Rail Rangers. Volunteers will be riding aboard the train between Chicago and South Bend today... providing commentary about Chicago, the historic steel-mill region of Northwest Indiana, the Indiana Dunes State and National Park, and the agricultural area of La Porte and St. Jospeh Counties. The eastbound program leaves Chicago at 8:30am CT, stops at Dune Park Station at 9:35am CT, and arrives in South Bend at 11:36am ET. The westbound program leaves South Bend at 1:18pm ET, stops at Dune Park Station at 1:10pm CT, and arrives in Chicago at 2:24pm CT. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Earn a special junior ranger badge on the train, too! All attendees must have a valid South Shore Line train ticket.

Our interpretive programs are designed to entertain and enrich folks of all ages. Children under 12 must have an adult with them at programs.

Registration is not required for this program.

All our programs are free (unless otherwise noted). They are open to the public after paying the park entrance fee. ($7 in-state & $12 out-of-state)

All our Interpretive programs are listed in Central Time.

The Nature Center's Current Hours: Open Daily 9:00 - 4:00 CT

*Note that during peak visitation times, entry into our park might be delayed. Parking lots around the Nature Center can fill quickly. Please plan accordingly.*