National Public Lands Day

Event Information

Indiana Dunes National Park is hosting a park clean-up for National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at West Beach. Join park staff, Mermaid Straw, REI, and Imperfect Produce for a day of stewardship focused around reducing single-use plastic waste. This event is an extension of Trash Trekkers, a drop-in trash collection program in the park.

The event will kick off at West Beach at 9:00 am, where volunteers will sign in and pick up supplies, though visitors may participate anytime before noon. This event is family-friendly and will feature “live,” professional mermaids available to meet! Each volunteer will also receive a fee-free coupon that grants single-day entry into federal public lands.

In the spirit of the event, please remember to bring your own reusable water bottles. Trash bags and other safety gear will be provided. Please wear appropriate footwear for the beach and trails.

West Beach is located at 376 North County Line Road in Portage, just off of Hwy 12.

For more volunteer opportunities, please visit nps.gov/indu/getinvolved/volunteer.htm, email parkconnection@gmail.com, or call (219) 221-7098.

- FAQ -
Q: Is there an entry fee into the National Park?
A: No, entry and parking will be free at this time.

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: You may want to bring insect repellent and sun screen. We will have refill stations to fill your own water bottles.

Q: What's this fee-free coupon?
A: As a "thank-you" for volunteering on National Public Lands Day, each coupon grants fee-free entrance into federal public lands—this includes National Parks, National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal agencies.