Chellberg Farm Picnic Shelters

Overview Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 16,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

A short (50 sec) video description of the picnic area at Chellberg Farm is available on the park website

Recreation There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes. 

As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

Facilities Please visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/west-beach.htm for facility information.

Natural Features Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead ) are located within its boundaries.  

The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource. 

For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.

Nearby Attractions Chellburg Farmhouse is open to the public during festivals, demonstrations, and ranger-guided tours. Contact the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the park calendar for dates and times.

There is so much to do we can't list it all here! Be sure to also check the Nearby Attractions page on our park website. 

Charges & Cancellations A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation 14 days in advance prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time will also incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (group shelter reservations cancelled less than 14 days before arriaval) will forfeit the entire use fee. 

For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.

The picnic shelters are located at 618 North Mineral Springs Road (North 100 West), Porter, IN 46304

For detailed directions to the park, visit the Directions page on the park website.