Local author pens pictorial on history, geology of the dunes

Ken Schoon made a career of teaching science, but found one area lacked the materials needed to bring it home to students.

Local author pens pictorial on history, geology of the dunes

Kenneth Schoon

EDITORIAL: Expo Center study opens door for unity

The recent approval by Porter County officials of a feasibility study to analyze possible renovations to the county's Expo Center and fairgrounds signals an important opportunity that tourism officials from the entire region should grasp.

Local geologist takes education on the road

CHESTERTON | Dunes Learning Center and the National Park Service will offer a one-day workshop titled "Geology Road Trip" with Ken Schoon, local educator, geologist and author on Feb. 16. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a review of Calumet Area geology, including the formation of Lake Mich…

GIRLS' NIGHT IN FOR COASTAL COOKING

Galley-style kitchens have always suited me. The one we have in our Indiana Dunes house is efficient, practical, easy to keep clean, and fun, if a little on the cozy side, to share with my four granddaughters, Miranda, Eileen, Allison and Emily, currently ages 9 through 12. When these girls …

Historic preservationist tells history of area parks in new book

In the 1830s, Chicago, though still a village, had aspirations not only to become a city, but one with glorious parks as well.

Increased restoration and research efforts are in place to help stabilize Mt. Baldy

The steep trail up the southern face of Mt. Baldy has been closed since 2007 in an effort to help slow erosion there.

Police rule man's death suicide at Indiana Dunes

BEVERLY SHORES | Officials ruled a man's death a suicide after finding him dead in his car Thursday near the former Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center.

DOUG ROSS: Planning a legacy for Hoosier bicentennial

Each of the three candidates for governor is focused on the state's most immediate need: jobs. But what about later in the four-year term, after -- we all hope -- the economy has recovered?

Protect our national parks for future generations

From Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to the Everglades, our national parks inspire visitors from across the world and support local economies nationwide.

Back to nature

Indiana Dunes State Park naturalist Becky Hughes shows off a garter snake Tuesday to campers at the park's three-day nature camps for students age 7 to 13.

Back to nature

Aaron White, 10, of Valparaiso, joins other campers Tuesday as they search for ant lions under the walkway on Mount Tom at the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Back to nature

Sam Hayes, outreach coordinator for the Indiana Dunes State Park, leads campers to the beach Tuesday following a hike through the dunes to Mount Tom in the park.

Back to nature

Sam Hayes points out poison ivy Tuesday along the trail to Mount Tom at the Indiana Dunes State Park. She was leading the Dunes Explorer Camp participants on a hike to the Mount Tom summit and then to the beach.

PHIL WIELAND: NIRPC 2040 plan great, multimodally speaking

After months of research and listening to hundreds of residents, public officials and others, the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan succeeded for the first time in coalescing the region around a truly awe-inspiring vision of our future with unexpected insights like:

Young residents confer with mayor

Historical presentation to celebrate saving the dunes

OGDEN DUNES | The public is invited to attend a presentation on Sunday about the history of the movement to save the Indiana Dunes, from the early 1900s to today. Susan MiHalo, board secretary and past president of Save the Dunes, will lead the presentation "Why history reveals the Dunes are…

Your go-to guide for hiking and camping in the Lake Michigan area

Venturing into an outdoor weekend getaway or summer excursion can be one of the most memorable experiences. Whether you're brainstorming your options or already planning your itinerary, doing a little research beforehand can help make your trip more unique, enjoyable and safe.

Lakefront park's popularity adds features

PORTAGE | No one knew a few years ago when the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk site of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore opened that it would become one of the Indiana Dunes' most popular destinations.