Festival Information

Listed below are locations, maps, links and contact information that will help make your stay in the Indiana Dunes the best that is possible. We have several festival locations, hotel accommodations, camping and restaurant options to choose from. If you have any other questions about your visit during the bird festival, please feel free to email us.


Best Western Plus Portage Hotel & Suites
Hotel Sales Manager: Roberta Newlin
6200 Melton Road
Portage, IN 46368
PH: 219-734-6727

The Best Western PLUS is located is located directly off I-94 Exit 19 and 1.5 miles from I-80/90 Exit 23 in Portage, Indiana. It is less than ten minutes from the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Headquarters. The restaurant offers a complimentary full-hot breakfast, family aquatic center, and free high-speed internet access.

IDBF Rate:
Double Queen Bed Room: $119/night
Double Queen Bed Room (w/ government ID): $89/night

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Hotel Sales Manager: Margaret Land
1251 Silhavy Road South
Valparaiso, IN 46383
PH: 219 464-9395

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is conveniently located near SR 49, 13 miles south of the birding festival headquarters. Enjoy a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet with their signature cinnamon rolls. All rooms include a flat screen television, wireless Internet and coffee station. There is also a laundry facility on site.

IDBF Rate:
Double Queen Bed Room: $109/night



Best Western University Inn Book Online!
Hotel Sales Manager: Lori Guilfoyle
760 Morthland Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46385
PH: 219-850-1100

The Best Western University Inn is located is located along US 30 in nearby Valparaiso. It is less than twelve minutes from the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Headquarters. The restaurant offers a complimentary breakfast, 24 hour fitness center, and free high-speed internet access.

IDBF Rate:
Double Queen Bed Room: $89/night
King Bed Room: $89/night​



Country Inn and Suites- Portage
Hotel Sales Manager: Karen Todd
1630 Olmstead Drive
Portage, IN 46368
PH: 219-764-0021

When you stay at Country Inn & Suites By Carlson in Portage, you'll be within the vicinity of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park. This family-friendly hotel is only a ten minute drive to the birding festival headquarters. The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center, game room, and wireless internet access. A complimentary buffet breakfast is also included.

IDBF Rate:
Double Queen Bed Room: $109/night



Best Western Indiana Oak
Hotel Sales Manager: Amanda Jamieson
558 Indian Boundary Rd
Chesterton, IN 46304
PH: 219-926-2200

The Best Western Indian Oak is located is located in the heart of the bird festival area. It is the closest preferred accommodations for those going on the early tours! It is less than three minutes from the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Headquarters. An indoor swimming pool and hot breakfast are offered each morning.
IDBF Rate:
Double Full Size Bed Room: $85/night
King Bed Room with sleeper sofa: $89/night
Double Queen with Sleeper Sofa: $100/night
Mention Birding Festival to receive room and rate.​

Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso
Hotel Sales Manager: Alicia Russell
1451 Silhavy Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Ph: (219) 464-9395

The Hampton Inn is located conveniently near State Road 49 in Valparaiso. The Hampton Inn is 13 miles from the festival headquarters. It is conveniently near Taltree Arboretum and Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. Each room has complimentary wi-fi. A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is included.
IDBF Rate:
Double Queen Bed Room: $129/night



Songbird Prairie Bed & Breakfast
174 North County Road 600 W
Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 759-4274
http://www.songbirdprairie.com

This romantic bed and breakfast offers exceptional lodging, ideal for romantic getaways, romantic weekends away – even a fun girlfriends’ getaway at one of the finest luxury inns anywhere.

Discounted rate. Mention "Birding with Indiana Dunes Tourism" for 25% off room rental.

Inspiration Wood Cottage Inn and Cabins
642 E Inspiration Rd
Westville, IN 46391
(219) 983-9922
http://www.inspirationwood.com

Inspiration Wood Cottage Inn & Conference Center is a serene, private environment perfect for your retreat, meeting or reunion sleeping up to 40 guests. Whether you’re planning a business meeting or a family celebration, you will be enchanted by the surroundings.

Discounted rate. Mention "Birding with Indiana Dunes Tourism" for 25% off room rental.

The Blue Butterfly Vacation Home Rental
1035 N. Vanderburg St.
Gary, Indiana 46403
(312)-217-5324
http://www.vrbo.com/591042

This spacious 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath vacation home sleeps up to 12 guests. It's located in Lake Michigan's hip but family friendly Miller Beach, and is the best bang for the buck at under 1.5 blocks from the beach. As one of only four beach communities nestled between the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park. Miller Beach’s blue waters, towering dunes and diverse ecosystems are ideal for beach goers, families, hikers, nature enthusiasts and those looking for a couple’s getaway or even a brewery tour.

Discounted rate. Mention "Birding with Indiana Dune Tourism" for 25% off property rental.





Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
1600 N. 25 E.
Chesterton, IN 46304
(219) 926-1952

For online reservations visit: http://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/indiana-dunes-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570035

Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Dunewood Campground
101-107 Golf Wood Rd
Chesterton, IN 46304
(219) 395-1882

Reservations are not accepted at this property, campsites are on a first come , first served basis. Lake Michigan is located 1.5 miles north of the campground. Several beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station/convenience store is located ¼ mile north of the campground at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway. A South Shore Railroad station, with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend, is located on Broadway, ¼ mile north of the campground.


Breakfast
Third Coast Spice Cafe
761 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton

Bob Evans
475 Gateway Boulevard, Chesterton

Sunrise Family Restaurant
475 Sand Creek Drive, Chesterton

Northside Diner
100 North Calumet Road, Chesterton
Lunch & Dinner
Rolling Stonebaker
Broadway & 12, Beverly Shores

Red Cup Cafe and Deli

115 Broadway, Chesterton

Smokey's Southern BBQ
375 U.S. 20, Chesterton

El Saltos Mexican Restaurant
757 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton

George's Gyro Spot
315 North Calumet Road, Chesterton

Popolano's Restaurant
225 South Calumet Road, Chesterton
Duneland Pizza
520 Broadway, Chesterton

Wagner's Ribs
520 Broadway, Chesterton

18th Street Brewery

5725 Miller Avenue, Gary

Shoreline Brewery

208 Wabash Street, Michigan City

The Craft House
711-2 Plaza Dr, Chesterton


Festival Headquarters

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Nature Center

Visitors can access the national lakeshore via I-94, the Indiana Toll Road, I-80/90, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Highway 12, and various state roads. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center is located off of Indiana Highway 49 between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94, Chesterton, Indiana.

For more information on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the properties they manage, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm


Festival Base Camp

Indiana Dunes State Park

The Indiana Dunes State Park is located at 1600 N. 25 E. • Chesterton, IN 46304. It was established in 1925, as Indiana's 5th state park. The rare collection of habitats and associated plants and animals has long been recognized as one of the most biologically rich areas in the country.

For more information on the Indiana Dunes State Park, please call (219) 926-1952 or visit: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

 

South Duneland Fest Station

Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve

Conveniently located in Chesterton, Indiana, this 157-acre preserve features trails, scenic overlooks, amphitheater, pavilion, and a plethora of birdwatching, hiking, native plant discovery, and rippling water opportunities. The park is open dawn until dusk every day.

For more information about the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, please visit: http://www.coffeecreekwc.org/getting-here.html

 

West Duneland Fest Station

Paul H. Douglas Center •  Miller Woods

The Paul H. Douglas Center is located at 100 North Lake Street • Gary, IN 46403 and is in the western part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, contact the Douglas Center at 219-395-1821 or check the park website at http://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/index.htm

 
The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society whose mission is to promote birding throughout Indiana. For detailed information regarding birding locations, birdwatching tips and membership privileges, please visit www.indianaaudubon.org
v