Engquist will be closed to the public November 12 – December 12 for deer management.
Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve consists of riparian habitat along both banks of the East Branch of the Little Calumet River. Floodplain, upland forest, and old oxbows are present. Located adjacent to the Heron Rookery unit of Indiana Dunes National Park and Reynolds Creek State Gamebird Habitat Area, it creates an area of nearly 2,000 contiguous acres of protected land, a boon to the many common mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians which live here.
Spring is the best time to visit the preserve. A variety of spring wildflowers cover the forest floor in April and May. Migratory birds are attracted to woodland and wetland habitats.
Visit the Preserve
Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve is located on the northeast side of Chesterton, off of 450E and 1300N, adjacent to the Heron Rookery unit of Dunes National Park.