at Gibson Woods

Weekly Hikes

Did  you know that spending just 30 minutes outdoors each week can reduce  your risk of depression and high blood pressure by nearly 10%. Get your weekly dose of Vitamin N (nature!) with these weekly nature hikes, and keep scrolling to see even more offerings throughout the spring and summer

Bird Migration

Wednesdays, April 18-June 13 and in the fall August 15-October 3 at 9:30 AM

Spring and fall are great times to see a variety of migrating bird species including thrushes, warblers, sparrows and vireos. Adults can walk with a park naturalist to see who is visiting Gibson Woods. Program is free but registration is required, call 219-844-3188


Dragonfly and Butterflies Hike

Tuesdays May 29-September 25 at 9:30 AM

Gibson Woods is home to 23 documented species of dragonflies, as well as many butterflies. This year’s hikes will include a focus on butterflies as we walk each Tuesday from May 29-September 25 to find out who is flitting about. This adult program is free but registration is required, call 219-844-3188.

Monarch Butterfly

Wildlife Hikes

Northwest Indiana Dragonfly Hunts

2nd & 4th Thursdays in June, July, and 2nd and 5th Thursdays in August 

Practice identifying dragonflies as you walk with a naturalist in various places around NW Indiana Ages 15+.

This is a traveling program. Meet at designated area at 9:30 AM. Call 219-844-3188 for locations, to register or click here to get to the calendar and more detailed information for each outing. 

Each trip is $2 per person.

What's All the Buzz about Pollinators Walk

Friday, June 22, 2018 from 9:30-11 AM

Pollinators are all the 'buzz' in the animal world... but why? Come to Gibson Woods during National Pollinators Week and learn all about the importance of these natural wonders. Hopefully we’ll even see some pollination in action! Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.

Slime, Scales, and Shells Stroll

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 1-2:30 PM

Turtles, snakes, frogs and toads are amazing. Learn about the cool adaptations these critters have for their unique lifestyles as we hit the trail to search for any that might be hanging out in the woods. Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.


Night Hikes

Almost Full Moon Hike

Friday, June 29, 2018

Learn about, and put your night senses to use during this guided trail hike as the (almost!) full moon rises at Gibson Woods. Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.

Friday the 13th Hike

Friday, July 13, 2018 from 8:30-9:30 PM

Nothing spooky about this night when the moon is almost blocked out. Explore Gibson Woods as the sun is setting and learn more about your night senses. Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.

Summer's Ending Hike

Friday, August 31, 2018  from 6-7:30 PM

Summer is winding down for another year. Join us as we enjoy an evening hike around Gibson Woods to steal a few more summer moments. Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.

Gibson Woods Bridge

Nature Hikes

Monthly Family Nature Walk

Every third Saturday in March-November at 9:30 AM

Bring the family to walk the trails with a park naturalist at Gibson Woods and learn about the oak savanna and its inhabitants. Join us each month to experience nature’s fascinating flora and fauna as the seasons change. Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.

Wildflower Walks

Fridays, May 25  and June 8, 2018 at 9:30 AM

More than 300 species of native plants are found at Gibson Woods, including a variety of rare and unique species. Join a park naturalist for a walk through the preserve to learn more about our native flora. See the many varieties of colors and forms that these flowers produce. Gain a few identification tips and discover how flowers are a benefit to the environment. Comfortable shoes and insect repellent are recommended. Please call 219-844-3188 to register. No organized groups please.