Gibson Woods Nature Preserve

Red Admiral butterfly
new fern fiddleheads
spring green
cottontail rabbit

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve is a 179-acre state dedicated nature preserve. The park is notable for its unique and globally rare dune and swale ecosystem. Higher dunes alternate with wetland and swales and provide a habitat to many rare and endangered species of flora. In order to preserve and protect this park, we ask you to leave pets at home as well as follow all other rules.

Address6201 Parrish Avenue
Hammond, IN 46323

Hours

  • Current Park Hours (March through October) 
    • 9AM - 5PM, Tuesdays-Sundays
    • Closed Mondays and Holidays
      • Closed April 7 & 9 for Easter
  • The Environmental Awareness Center (EAC) is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-4PM
  • Closed annually for the winter holidays
  • Private Bird Room reservations available select Wednesdays & Fridays 

Phone

Environmental Awareness Center phone: 219-844-3188

nature preserve rules

While owned and operated by the Lake County Parks, Gibson Woods Nature Preserve is a state dedicated preserve due to its rare plants and animals, some listed as endangered. Because of the rarity of this site, please observe the following rules during your visit:

  • stay on designated trails. For seasonal trail closures and accessibility, please click here for the map.
  • leave pets at home
  • take only pictures, leave only footprints
  • trails are off-limits to bikes, motorized and other non-motorized vehicles


Features of Gibson Woods

  • Environmental awareness center
  • Wildlife viewing room ***limited occupancy due to COVID***  Private Reservations Available.
  • Gift shop
  • Hiking trails
  • Interpretive staff
  • School and group tours
  • Bird, insect, and wildlife hotspot
  • Toilets (flush)

Gibson Woods Events

Related Documents

  1. Gibson Woods Fact Sheet
  2. Gibson Woods Nature Preserve trail map COVID hours