Preserves

Visit a Preserve

Experience Nature

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.