Family Friendly

Bailly Homestead/Chellberg Farm and Little Calumet River/Mnoké Trails

Bailly Homestead at Indiana Dunes
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3.4 ml
Duration
2.5 hr
Ascent
120 ft
North of U.S. Highway 20 on Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304

The Little Calumet River, Mnoké Prairie, Bailly Homestead, Chellberg Farm and Bailly Cemetery trail system reveals the rich natural diversity that has drawn people to this area for over 10,000 years. Hike through a forest dominated by maple, beech, basswood and oak trees. Follow a stretch of the Little Calumet River, once a critical transportation route for early regional travelers and explore the recently restored Mnoké Prairie for a glimmer of the vast stretches of pre-settlement grasslands. Explore the historic Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.

Trail Features: River Crossings, Historic Homes, Birding, Fall Colors, Wildflowers and Wildlife
Must See Gems: Bailly Homestead, Chellberg Farm, Mnoké Prairie, Bridge over the Little Calumet River

Hours & Information

  • Hours – Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Passes are required.
  • Hike Length – Outer Loop: 3.4 miles, Bailly/Chellberg Inner Loop: 1.1 miles.
  • Hike Time – 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.
  • Difficulty – Easy to moderate with some changes in elevation and sets of stairs.
  • Trail Surface – Packed soil with wood chips in places; several sets of stairs. Trail can be very wet and muddy.
  • Facilites – Year-round restrooms and potable water at the parking lot.
  • Pets – Permitted on a leash (6' or shorter).
  • Prohibited – Littering, hunting, and removing plants.
  • Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
  • There are 3 covered picnic shelters near the parking lot that are wheelchair accessible. The shelters are reservable at www.recreation.gov starting six months in advance of the desired use date. The reservation is good for day use from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Safety

  • Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
  • Wear adequate footwear. The trail can be muddy and slippery. The morning dew can also be heavy in the prairie section of the trail.
  • Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

  • Trails are not wheelchair accessible. Restrooms and one picnic shelter are wheelchair accessible.

Hiking Trail