Indiana Dunes & Crane Dances
Tour Description
Travel to northern Indiana to discover the quiet beauty of the world-famous Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and observe the gathering of thousands of sandhill cranes. Wander the trails from the Lake Michigan beaches to the tops of the sand dunes to quiet old growth forests. Then head south from the dunes to the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area, where thousands of greater sandhill cranes and the rarely sighted whooping crane gather in resting and feeding grounds near the Kankakee River. From your ringside seats, you'll watch the cranes land and take off just a few feet overhead and observe their spring "courtship dances" in between.
ParkScapes Highlights
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Only about 30 miles from Chicago's city center, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore feels a world away. Known for its windswept beaches, the Lakeshore houses marshes, prairies, and old-growth forests. This diverse natural habitat is famous for its assemblage of unique plant communities, providing habitat for a variety of animals.
Wildlife Watching
Just south of the Dunes thousands of greater sandhill cranes gather in resting and feeding areas near the Kankakee River in Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area. On occasion, a few endangered whooping cranes have been observed mixed with the sandhill cranes. A variety of other waterfowl and raptors also are found in the area.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
March 21: South Bend, Indiana to Portage, Indiana
Gather in the late morning at the South Bend, Indiana airport to transfer to Portage, Indiana. We'll quickly settle into our lodging and then visit the national park visitor center and the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline for our first taste of the beauty of the Dunes. Late in the afternoon we travel south for our sunset rendezvous with the greater sandhill crane gathering. Spring House Inn (L,D)
March 22: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
After an early bird/nature walk we regroup for a full day of exploring the National Lakeshore. We will climb stairs to the top of some of the smaller dunes, hike in the old growth forest and explore the unique ecology of this famous landscape. This is the beginning of the spring raptor migration and the lakeshore is always an area that the birds of prey follow avoiding the open waters of the lake. You will also visit a restored homestead farm that brings history alive. After a full day of exploring, you will return to the hotel to prepare for your leisure dinner and an evening National Parks Conservation Association presentation. Spring House Inn (B,L,D)
March 23: Transfer to South Bend
After a very early breakfast we depart for the spectacular morning crane "lift off" at the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Area. The spring dancing season for the cranes will be in full swing. After observing the morning dance-a-thon we are off to the South Bend Airport for afternoon departures. (B,L)
NOTE: With fewer than 8 participants, a small-group surcharge (typically $100-300 per participant) will apply.
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Trip Details
NPCA Member Price
$1,465 per person double occupancy; $150 single supplement.
Price Includes
Airport transfers, transportation during the journey, all accommodations, meals specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, or drinks from the bar; or gratuities for porterage, professional guides, and personal services.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $300 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 60 days prior receive a refund, less a $200 per person handling fee. Cancellations within 60 days of departure could result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance. Ask your travel advisor for more details.
Arrive/Depart
South Bend, Indiana (Amtrack Accessible)
Length of Tour
3 days/2 nights
Pace
Easy and at your own pace. Walking on sandy trails at the Dunes with an option for dune climbing, if interested.
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