Every spring and fall, the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival in Chesterton, Indiana, calls both novice and experienced birders to encounter wings in motion along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. This festival offers more than just birdwatching—it’s a concentrated adventure across diverse habitats, where forests, wetlands, dunes, and shorelines challenge you to stay alert and engaged.

The festival’s trails wind through terrain that varies from flat lakeshore boardwalks to forest paths that press only gentle elevation gains, averaging under 150 feet. Walks range from easy one-to-three-mile loops to more expansive hikes touching five miles or more, all manageable for most hikers with solid footwear. The ground can shift, as sandy dune ridges settle underfoot and marshy sections invite careful stepping.

Walk early in the day when migrating warblers, hawks, and sparrows are at their most active. The forest breathes around you, branches shaking as chickadees call out, and reed beds sway to the rhythm of Lake Michigan’s breeze. Water bodies spur the flight of herons and gulls, who dart and wheel with unmistakable purpose. Keep binoculars steady—the birds here are fierce in their wildness and unhurried in their ways, daring you to observe and respect their pace.

Planning is straightforward but necessary. Hydration is key, so carry a full water bottle, especially during warmer months when temperatures can climb quickly. Footwear should be sturdy but flexible, with good traction for shifting sands and muddy patches. Timing your visit between late April and early June or mid-September to early October maximizes migratory spectacle.

Beyond birding, the festival’s guided walks and educational booths equip you with knowledge to deepen your engagement. Trails range from paved, accessible paths to more natural single-track routes, allowing for varying levels of challenge without venturing into difficult terrain. Along the way, watch for local wildlife like white-tailed deer cautiously moving through underbrush or the occasional red fox slipping silently near the edges of the dunes.

Respect the environment by staying on designated paths and limiting noise to preserve conditions for both birds and fellow festival-goers. The Indiana Dunes is a place fiercely itself—raw, vibrant, and alive. Here, adventure is about tuning in, observing closely, and pacing your journey in concert with nature’s flow.

Pack your camera, and keep it ready. Sunrise over Lake Michigan paints the dunes in colors worth an early wake-up call, while midmorning light illuminates the forest canopy and reveals hidden flashes of brightly colored plumage. The festival is as much about discovery as it is about appreciation—each moment outside is a chance to connect with this special corner of the Midwest.