PORTER — The federal government shutdown is resulting in the closing of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Fortunately, visitors can still enjoy hiking, birdwatching, nature programs, camping, numerous trails, and walking along the shores of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park.

“This is actually an opportunity for us to point out the unique setup of the Indiana Dunes, which is a State Park within a National Park,” said Indiana Dunes Tourism Executive Director Lorelei Weimer.  “Most people don’t even realize the differences between the two, because both places allow you to enjoy the majestic dunes, trails, wildlife, and Lake Michigan shoreline. We are especially fortunate to have both because people can still have the Indiana Dunes experience during the National Lakeshore closing,” Weimer said.

The closed access points are Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, Central Avenue Beach, Cowles Bog, Dunbar, Douglas Center, Dunes Learning Center, Dunewood Campground, Glenwood Dune (Ly-co-ki-we) Trail, Great Marsh Trail, Heron Rookery Trail, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Headquarters, Kemil Beach Area, Lake View Picnic Area, Little Calumet River Trail, Mount Baldy, Pinhook Bog, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, Porter Beach, Tolleston Dunes (Inland Marsh) Trail, and West Beach.