Visit one of our nature preserves in northwestern Indiana, located in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. Examples of the unique variety of natural communities are represented, including dune-and-swale, oak savanna, woodlands, prairies, and a variety of wetland ecosystems.
Preserves open to the public can be visited daily between dawn until dusk. There is no entrance fee for any of our preserves. Please visit our Events page for opportunities to visit and volunteer in our preserves as part of a group.
Preserve Map
Select a preserve on the map to learn more.
Seidner Dune & Swale
This dedicated Indiana state nature preserve is located is located along the Grand Calumet River in Hammond.
Bayless Dune
This 16-acre preserve tucked into the neighborhoods of Miller Beach features steep dunes and ravines.
Ivanhoe South
A remnant of globally rare dune and swale landscape, Ivanhoe South is located on the west side of Gary, just off US 12/20.
Green Heron Pond
Located in the Miller Beach neighborhood of Gary, Green Heron Pond is accessible by special permission or guided tour only.
John Merle Coulter
This state-dedicated nature preserve is located on the northwest side of Portage, between US 12 and US 20 on County Line Road.
Great Marsh
Located within the town of Beverly Shores, Great Marsh is an excellent spot for birding enthusiasts.
Gordon & Faith Greiner
With a diversity of natural habitats, Gordon & Faith Greiner Nature Preserve is located on the west side of Hobart, near I-65 and Ridge Rd.
Hidden Prairie & Ivory Wetlands
Located on the west side of Hobart, these sensitive parcels are accessible by special permission or guided tour only.
Bur Oak Woods
Featuring rare bur oak savanna, Bur Oak Woods is located on the West Side of Hobart, just off 49th and Liverpool Rd.
Cressmoor Prairie
Featuring rare black-soil prairie, Cressmoor Prairie is located in Hobart, off of Lake Park Avenue and 37th Avenue.
Walnut Woods
Walnut Woods is located southwest of Valparaiso, off of 600 W and 50 N.
Meadowbrook
Meadowbrook Nature Preserve features 4 miles of trails, and is located northwest of Valparaiso, just off Meridian and 700 N. The offices of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust are located at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve.
Hildebrand Lake
Located northeast of Westville in New Durham Township, Hildebrand Lake Nature Preserve is accessible by special permission or guided tour only.
Keith Richard Walner
Featuring a paddling launch as well as 1.7 miles of trails, Keith Richard Walner Nature Preserve is located on the north side of Chesterton, off Calumet Road north of Indian Boundary.
J. Timothy Ritchie
Located along the banks of Sand Creek, J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve is on the northeast side of Chesterton, off Indian Boundary and Wake Robin Drive.
Wykes-Plampin
Located along the Little Calumet River, Wykes-Plampin Nature Preserve is on the northeast side of Chesterton, off Indian Boundary and Brummitt Road.
Dale B. Engquist
Located on the northeast side of Chesterton, Dale B. Engquist Nature Preserve is adjacent to the Heron Rookery unit of Dunes National Park, off 1300N and 450E.
Father Basil Moreau
Located near the Town of Pines in Pine Township, Father Basil Moreau Nature Preserve is accessible by special permission or guided tour only.
Barker Woods
Located in Michigan City, Barker Woods Nature Preserve is located just east of Cleveland Avenue on Barker Road.
Ambler Flatwoods
Located on the east side of Michigan City, Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve is located on Meer Road, south of US 12.
Myrna J. Newgent
Located southeast of Rolling Prairie in Wills Township, Myrna J. Newgent Nature Preserve is accessible by special permission or guided tour only.
Lydick Bog
Located west of South Bend, Lydick Bog Nature Preserve is located on US 20.
Get a Preserve Guide
Packed with information about our preserves, trail maps and other details, we invite you to download our Preserve Guide to learn more about the Shirley Heinze Nature Preserves before your visit.
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Leave No Trace Behind
We welcome the public to Shirley Heinze Land Trust Nature Preserves for hiking, birding, nature study, photography and other non-consumptive activities.
Help us protect the natural communities of plants and animals in our nature preserves. Please don’t:
Ride motorbikes, ATVs or other motorized vehicles
Ride mountain bikes
Remove or destroy any plants, animals, minerals, fossils or other natural objects, including activities like mushroom hunting
Hunt or trap, except with special permission
Camp or build campfires
Litter
Please view our Public Use Policy for additional details, and feel free to contact us with specific questions.
With Thanks
to Our Generous Acquisition and Restoration Partners
