Winter Event Offers Opportunities to Learn and Explore

Winter-EventsA Day of Free Family Fun at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Don't let shorter days and cooler temperatures keeping you inside! Dunes Learning Center has a day of adventures in nature planned for their annual Winter Open House on Saturday, January 11.

Families are invited to sample a wide range of activities and explore Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore during this free one-day event. Themed hikes and winter survival skill demonstrations are among the outdoor activities that will be led by Dunes Learning Center's naturalist staff.

Inside the center's Cowles Lodge, visitors can "make and take" nature crafts including bird feeders, star gazers ornaments—even snowshoes! Grown-ups will appreciate an indoor "campfire," cocoa, a popcorn bar and an impromptu jam session with members of "Save the Tunes." Amateur musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and come ready to play.

Dunes Learning Center is not generally open to the public, but more than 5000 school children each year participate in the year-round, hands-on, learning experiences offered at the former Good Fellow Youth Camp. This open house event offers a rare opportunity for the general public to explore the center's unique facilities and sample the programs that more than one kid has called, "awesome."

"We are thrilled to be able to open our doors to the community and provide a day of fun and learning in nature," said Dunes Learning Center Executive Director, Geof Benson. "I encourage families to come out and take advantage of this local gem in their own backyard."

The event will take place on Saturday, January 11 from 11:00-3:00 (central time) at Dunes Learning Center in Chesterton, Indiana. Admission is free, but pre-registration is requested. Visit the center's website at www.duneslearningcenter.org to learn more.