Lake Michigan Coast Week
Indiana Gov. Daniels proclaims Lake Michigan Coast Week!
Governor Mitch Daniels continues to recognize the significance of the Lake Michigan Coast to Indiana by proclaiming Sept. 11th through the 19th, Lake Michigan Coast Week.
In making the announcement, Gov. Daniels noted, "The State of Indiana's Lake Michigan Coastal Program, along with local community initiatives and non-profit partners, is working to preserve this natural and cultural gem for the children of tomorrow."
In addition, the proclamation states, "Lake Michigan ports and harbors link Indiana to markets in the Great Lakes and the world."
Lake Michigan is a source of recreation, drinking water, and industry. The 45 miles of shoreline in Indiana is the most diverse in the Great Lakes region.
The week gives Hoosiers the chance to learn more about the Lake Michigan Coastal Program and celebrate the area's splendor by increasing their awareness of the region's importance. The theme "Celebrate Your Coast: Fresh, Water, Fun!" encourages participants to get outside and explore the Lake Michigan area of northwest Indiana.
Events occur in various area cities throughout the week. An interactive online map shows event locations and a brief summary. A sampling of events includes the Clean Water Fair in Gary; Shipwreck Tales at the Lake Station-New Chicago Branch Library; Trail Creek Fun Float, Michigan City; and Dunes History Hike, Indiana Dunes State Park.
Other events will add flavor. For instance, Valparaiso is host to the Popcorn Festival; Shirley Heinze Land Trust is host to the Ambler Flatwoods Community Hike; Save the Dunes leads a hike at Long Lake and a project dedication; and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City has the last two days of PLACE. The full lineup of diverse and fun Coast Week activities is online HERE.
Center for History
Dunes History Hike
(September 11)Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
10am (CDT)
As part of the Indiana Dunes State Park "History Comes Alive Weekend", special tours will be offered to highlight the unique history of the Indiana Dunes. Topics range from Native American Camps, Civil War Guard Towers, and early settlement towns. The hike will end at a special French fur trading re-enactment provided by the Ouitotenon Brigade at the state park beach. Total hike time approx 1 hour. Wear weather appropriate clothing - casual.
Gary Clean Water Celebration
(September 11)Marquette Park, Near the Lagoons, Area 5
11am - 4pm (CDT)
The 6th annual Gary Clean Water Celebration is an activity of the Gary Storm Water Management District’s Public Education and Outreach Program. The day-long event will include lots of fun and educational activities for youth and adults promoting clean water, including free canoe paddling training and canoeing on the Lagoon, fishing education, water quality information booths/exhibits, an art activity, kite flying, nature therapy and fitness, face painting, entertainment, and refreshments. Everyone who pledges for clean water will receive a free gift. Bring your fishing equipment and/or kite to participate in those activities.
Ambler Flatwoods Community Hike
(September 11)10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (CDT)
A hike designed to raise awareness for one of the most unique and important ecosystems in the southern Lake Michigan watershed. The Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve holds the destinction of being a state-dedicated nature preserve. Currently, Ambler Flatwoods totals more than 300 acres in size and Shirley Heinze Land Trust is in the process of protecting an additional 40 acres at the site.
Directions to Ambler Flatwoods - From the intersection of U.S. 421 and U.S. 20 in Michigan City (near Marquette Mall), follow U.S. 20 eastward. After about 3.8 miles, you will reach the intersection of U.S. 35 and U.S. 20. (DO NOT TAKE ANY OF THE OFF RAMPS AT THIS POINT.) Continue straight on the road, which at this point becomes S.R. 212. Follow S.R. 212 to the second flashing light, which is Tryon Road. There is a Marathon station at this intersection. Turn right (east) onto Tryon Road. Travel east for 1 mile. Turn left (north) onto Meer Road and drive 1/3 mile to the preserve. Park on either side of the road.
32nd Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
(September 11)Downtown Valparaiso
7 am -6:30 pm (CDT)
Held in historic downtown Valparaiso, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is Home to the nation's first popcorn parade and Orville Redenbacher's popcorn empire. Over 200 arts & crafts booths, 30 non for profit food booths, Popcorn Panic run/walk, musical entertainment stage and a kid's inflatables area.
The Care and Feeding of an Indiana State Park
(September 12)Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
10am (CDT)
The Indiana Dunes State Park works to protect the natural and cultural resources in the park. This hike will explore some of the resource management techniques used in the park to protect and restore the natural landscape. Wear weather appropriate clothing - casual.
Celebrate Restoration Efforts at Trail Creek Fen
(September 12)Trail Creek Fen 1 mile south of U.S. 20 on Johnson Rd. in Michigan City
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (CDT)
Save the Dunes will showcase one of its prized properties at an outreach event to be held from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Trail Creek Fen on Johnson Road in Michigan City on August 21. Join us for a tour and some light lunch to celebrate efforts resulting from an intensive restoration project funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Casual attire. Be prepared to hike steep slopes. Long pants recommended. Please RSVP sam@savedunes.org since parking is limited.
Tragedy Beneath the Waves
(September 12)Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center- 2 pm (CDT)
Just beyond the shores of Indiana Dunes State Park lies one of the most tragic shipwreck disasters in Indiana waters. This indoor program will introduce visitors to the story of the J.D. Marshall. Real artifacts will be used, and an optional car pool tour to point out where she lies will be offered.
Shipwreck Tales
(September 15)Lake Station-New Chicago Branch Library
2007 Central Ave.; Lake Station, IN 46405
7 pm (CDT)
Indiana Certified Nautical Archaeologist and member of the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago, Jim Jarecki, will present a collection of interesting true tales of the Great Lakes -a little mystery and mayhem that only history can give you.
Please register online:
www.lcplin.org or by calling 769-3541, ext. 317
Northwest Indiana Paddling Association 4th Annual Trail Creek Fun Float
(September 12)10:00 AM CDT
Return time will be based on individual paddling abilities
The 4th Annual Fun Float is being organized by the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (NWIPA) and has been a part of Coast Week for several years. Participants will launch from Washington Park in Michigan City and travel upstream to International Friendship Gardens. Once there, we will stop for a snack and an opportunity to see some of the Gardens. After the break we will return, traveling downstream back to the original launch point. There is a $10 non-American Canoe Association (ACA) member / $5 ACA member registration fee for this event to cover snacks and paddling insurance.
Some canoes and kayaks will be available on a first-come first-reserved basis for a nominal fee. Canoe and kayakers of any (or no) experience level are invited to participate in the Fun Float. If this is your first time on the water others will be there to help you out. Take a leisurely trip along Trail Creek and enjoy the scenery.
Visit their website at www.nwipa.org
Long Lake Hike
(September 18)Meet at the tennis courts in Ogden Dunes on Diana Rd.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CDT)
Long Lake, a swale that is primarily in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, faces a number of challenges primarily related to hydrology and invasive species. Come on this Save the Dunes guided hike to learn about challenges facing this important coastal wetland, as well as opportunities that may be on the horizon to restore some of its natural features. Wear casual attire and bug spray.
Long Lake Restoration Dedication
(September 18)Meet at the corner of Diana Rd. and Diana Ct. in Ogden Dunes
1:00 p.m.-1:45 p.m (CDT)
This event sponsored by the Ogden Dunes Environmental Advisory Board will celebrate restoration efforts completed to date around Long Lake in Ogden Dunes. Learn about how restoration efforts, started in 2007 utilizing a Lake Michigan Coastal Grant, have helped improve the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of this wetland. This will also be an opportunity to thank the more than 20 volunteers who helped make this project a reality, as well as the important partners involved in this grant including the Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department, the Ogden Dunes Community Fund, Save the Dunes and the Indiana American Water Company. Wear casual attire and bug spray.
4th Annual Ride the Wave Regatta
(September 18)Meet at the Washington Park Boat Ramps
The event begins at 10:00 am (CDT) for the Sea Kayak Races. 12:00 (CDT) for the kids kayak races, & 1:00 (CDT) for the Trail Creek races.
This is event will be held by the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association and includes canoe & Kayak races on Trail Creek & sea kayak races on Lake Michigan. A registration requirement/ fee $15 for racers, fee for kids races TBD.
For more info: dplath@nwipa.org or (219) 871-9559
LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Porter County Convention Recreation & Visitors Commission
Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau