A federal government shutdown started Oct. 1. Typically a shutdown results in the closure of or limited access to resources at National Park Service sites, which includes the Indiana Dunes.
Can you still visit the Indiana Dunes during the government shutdown? Here’s what to know.
Is the Indiana Dunes a national park?
Yes, but it is important to note the Indiana Dunes has both a state and national park.
The Indiana Dunes State Park, has not historically been affected by federal government shutdowns, while the Indiana Dunes National Park has.
The Indiana Dunes National Park, made up of 15,000 acres in northwest Indiana, became the country’s 61st national park in February 2019, just after the last federal government shutdown.
Story continues after photo gallery.
Will the Indiana Dunes be impacted by the federal shutdown?
Since the Indiana Dunes has both a national and state park, mainly the national park will be impacted by the government shutdown.
The Indiana Dunes State Park remains open for visitors and at the time of publication the Indiana Dunes National Park is still open.
“As of right now, the Indiana Dunes National Park remains open,” Digital Marketing Director for the Indiana Dunes Michelle Senderhaufand told IndyStar on Oct. 1. “Visitors will have access to its trails and shoreline.”
While visitor centers at national parks around the country might close during the shutdown, the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is owned by Porter County government and will remain open.
According to Senderhaufand, National Park Service law enforcement will continue to patrol the Park, but educational and informational programs hosted by National Park Service staff and volunteers will not take place during the federal shutdown.
“We encourage visitors to visit with care and, as always, practice leave no trace principles, such as taking their trash with them and only hiking on marked trails,” Senderhaufand said.
How will national parks be impacted by the federal shutdown?
Thousands of park rangers across the country are expected to be furloughed if a shutdown begins, meaning they will be unable to work and get paid. Staffing levels to help in emergencies and maintain trash, restrooms, campgrounds and roads are not guaranteed, according to the National Park Service.
During the last government shutdown in 2018-19, there were reports of trash piling up at national park sites and the organization relied on nonprofits and volunteers to keep up certain services. The last shutdown lasted 35 days and took place during President Donald Trump’s first term.
How to visit Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park is located at 1600 N. 25 E. in Chesterton. The phone number for the park is 219-926-1952. You can find more information at www.in.gov/dnr.
CONTRIBUTING: Former IndyStar reporter Brittani Carloni.
Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is Indiana Dunes closed during the federal government shutdown? Here’s what the park said
Reporting by Katie Wiseman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
