Surrounded by sand dunes and beaches to the north and ancient beaches, wetlands, moraines and even more sand dunes to the south, the Indiana Dunes Great Marsh is an easy hike with great views of the largest Interdunal Wetland in the Lake Michigan watershed. HCH President Pat Fisher will tell the glacial story of The Great Marsh of Northwest Indiana. The National Park Service states that passes are required for the trail.

The trail is a really nice birding hike with views of the largest wetland complex in the Lake Michigan watershed. Flocks of coots, mallards, and wood ducks now glide over the wetland's surface. Kingfishers, tree swallows, and rusty blackbirds rest during migration. Green herons stalk the shoreline while beaver play in the channels. The Great Marsh abounds in the diverse animal activity of a healthy wetland ecosystem. The trail includes an ADA Observation Deck.

HCH has an All-Terrain Rollator which may be reserved for use on our hikes. Reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis by filling out the brief form at Request Rollator.

Wear long pants (preferably tucked-in), hat, sturdy shoes or boots, preferred pest controls, and bring plenty of water. Light precipitation and hot or cold weather don’t ordinarily lead us to call off hikes, but health-threatening temperature extremes and lightning can be causes for cancellation. In case of inclement weather, the day of the hike, check our website, harborcountryhikers.org, or our Facebook page for notice of cancellation or rescheduling.

• Theme: Making of The Great Marsh

• Venue: Great Marsh Trail (IDNP)

• When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 @ 10 AM EDT

• Estimated Presentation Time: 15 minutes

• Hike Leader: Pat Fisher, President HCH

• Estimated Time: ~ 2.0 hours

• Hiking Distance: ~ 1.3 miles (optional scenic walkabout afterwards)

• Physical Difficulty: Easy

• Location: S Broadway, Beverly Shores, IN 46301

• Directions: From the Beverly Shores traffic light on US-12, head north on Broadway. Watch for the southern parking lot and trailhead on the right, less than ¼ mile from the light.

• Parking GPS: 41.674781, -86.986735 (DD)— Google Map provided below.