Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Rangers To Offer Tours Of Mount Baldy This Summer

Published Date

June 3, 2015

Rangers will guide hikes up onto Mount Baldy at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore this summer/NPS file photo

The National Park Service will offer ranger-guided hikes on Mount Baldy this summer at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana. The hikes will use a trail on the western edge of the dune that has been determined to be safe from holes.

Twenty-two guided hikes are scheduled on selected Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings between June 5 and September 6. The programs are free, but reservations are required to keep groups at a manageable size of no more than 30 people. To learn more about the hikes or to make reservations, call the visitor center's information desk at 219-395-1882.

Lakeshore visitors used to climb the dunes system on their own. But in July 2013 a 6-year-old boy was swallowed by a sink hole in Mount Baldy. The youth was rescued after being trapped for three-and-a-half hours. In 2014, ground-penetrating radar studies by the Environmental Protection Agency identified a large number of anomalies below the dune's surface, but analysis by scientists from the National Park Service, Indiana University and the Indiana Geological Survey has not yielded answers on how these holes form.

All programs will meet at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. After a brief introduction, participants will follow the ranger to the Mount Baldy parking lot. During each one-hour hike, rangers will guide groups to a high point on the dune that overlooks the location where mysterious holes were first observed in July of 2013. Visitors will learn how scientists are continuing to work to unravel the mystery of Mount Baldy's holes and how park staff is restoring the native plants that used to grow on portions of the dune.

These programs will provide visitors with guided access to an area that has been closed to the public since the accident in 2013. All other portions of the 15,000 acres of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the neighboring Indiana Dunes State Park remain fully open to the public. A decision on full public access to the approximately 100 acres of Mount Baldy that is closed will be determined following the completion of the scientific research sometime later this year.

Stories about:

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks