Indiana Dunes National Park Culture Trail Master Plan
Porter, IN

Urban Planner who led the planning and design for the Native American Culture Trail Master Plan at the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center in partnership with Indiana Dunes Tourism. Adam’s role included facilitating stakeholder workshops, developing master plan concepts, and creating a vision for a culture trail master plan that reflect the cultural heritage of the Native American tribes with ancestral ties to northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

The project envisions a Culture Trail that begins on the Visitor Center grounds and serves as an educational and interpretive journey highlighting the stories, traditions, and lasting presence of local tribes. The master plan identifies key opportunities to create and enhance public spaces throughout the site including the repurposing of the rear lawn for community gatherings and demonstrations, the reconfiguration of the front building entrance to create a welcoming plaza and trailhead, and the design of a new front gateway that celebrates the cultural and natural landscape of the region.

Proposed improvements include a circular gathering plaza with a central fire pit for cultural demonstrations, built-in seating, and flexible lawn areas for picnicking and events. The reimagined entrance features new signage, landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly spaces, while two options were developed for the front gateway, one featuring a sensory garden inspired by the snapping turtle, an animal of deep significance to both the Miami and Pokagon Tribes. Together, these elements create a cohesive and meaningful experience that honors Native heritage and connects visitors more deeply to the Indiana Dunes landscape.