Duneland Photo Gallery

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Fireworks on the Lakefront (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 7/2/10)

Shoppers browse at Friends of Indiana Dunes annual Native Plant Sale.

Shoppers browse at Friends of Indiana Dunes annual Native Plant Sale.

Shoppers browse at Friends of Indiana Dunes annual Native Plant Sale.

Westchester Public Library recently hosted Krafts with Karyn in the Children's Department at Thomas Library in Chesterton. Two different February days focused on different crafts. Attendees created birdfeeders from pinecones and peanut butter and also made valentines. (2/16/10)

Children from Chesterton's Little Stars of Bethlehem Preschool got a close-up visit with Benny the turkey at a recent visit to Chesterton Feed & Garden, 400 Locust Street in Chesterton. Benny will be at the store now through the Thanksgiving weekend. (11/13/09)

Children from Chesterton's Little Stars of Bethlehem Preschool got a close-up visit with Benny the turkey at a recent visit to Chesterton Feed & Garden, 400 Locust Street in Chesterton. Benny will be at the store now through the Thanksgiving weekend. (11/13/09)

Children from Chesterton's Little Stars of Bethlehem Preschool got a close-up visit with Benny the turkey at a recent visit to Chesterton Feed & Garden, 400 Locust Street in Chesterton. Benny will be at the store now through the Thanksgiving weekend. (11/13/09)

Photos from the Dune Clothiers fashion shoot at the Indiana Dunes, featuring local models! Pictured above is our very own Linda Gray. (Alexander Charles Zaideman, Sept. 2009)

Photos from the Dune Clothiers fashion shoot at the Indiana Dunes, featuring local models! (Alexander Charles Zaideman, Sept. 2009)

Photos from the Dune Clothiers fashion shoot at the Indiana Dunes, featuring local models! (Alexander Charles Zaideman, Sept. 2009)

Photos from the Dune Clothiers fashion shoot at the Indiana Dunes, featuring local models! (Alexander Charles Zaideman, Sept. 2009)

Photos from the Dune Clothiers fashion shoot at the Indiana Dunes, featuring local models! (Alexander Charles Zaideman, Sept. 2009)

Elites' Jr Co-ed All Star Cheer Team of Chesterton placed 3rd at the Midwest Champion cheer competition in Chicago on Sunday January 10, 2010. They looked amazing during the routine which consists of dancing, cheering, tumbling, jumps, and stunts. Head Coach Courtney Brown and Lakeshore Elites Cheer Director Shelly Surber are very proud of this teams performance.

Back Row-left to right: Johna Pruit, Alana Molnar, Elaine Laczkowski, Seth Highlen Next Row: Marrisa Morey, Monica Murray, Samantha Flisiak, Kate McCarthy, Next Row: Coach Courtney Brown, Tatum Kosiara, Tori Hallischak, Danielle Johnson, Jonna Schulte, Jessica Manley, Kenzy Rivas, Kat Merrit, Raquel Dinger Front holding plaque: Hanna Reed(captain) Cheer Director Shelly Surber not in photo

Lakeshore Elites Sr. Coed and Sr. All Girl Teams both took second place at The Holiday Classic cheer competition in Chicago on 12/6/09. Lakeshore Gymnastics & Dance of Chesterton has an amazing group of male and female athletes. They work hard as a team to perform a 2 1/2 minute competitive cheerleading routine to music including cheering, dancing, tumbling, and stunting.

Back Row left to right: Jena Oviatt, Sabrina Oberle, Brielle Warnock, Taylor Ziants, Jessica Klopfer, Cryslin Arcuri, Courtney Barwin Next Row: Mallory Diehl, Amanda Lemons, Braeylyn Molenda, Jessica Manley, Madi Surber, Coach Courtney Brown, Sam Dehoyos, Britney Kress, Liz Zeese, Kendra Becker

Lakeshore Elites Sr. Coed and Sr. All Girl Teams both took second place at The Holiday Classic cheer competition in Chicago on 12/6/09. Lakeshore Gymnastics & Dance of Chesterton has an amazing group of male and female athletes. They work hard as a team to perform a 2 1/2 minute competitive cheerleading routine to music including cheering, dancing, tumbling, and stunting.

Back Row left to right: Coach Penny Ballestero, Justin Tessler, Travis Hutts, Jeff Michiaels, Roby Surber, Jenna Oviatt Next Row: Kerbi Bowen, Cryslin Arcuri, Brittnay Tassler, Charlotte Coto, Trinity Klein, Braelyn Molenda, Brielle Warnock, Next Row: Madi Surber, Chloe Hill, Coach Courtney Brown, Nina Albin, and Kayla Turley

Jeffery Michiaels (La Porte) and Madison Surber (Chesterton) tumbling side by side while representing Lakeshore Elites All Star Cheer Sr. Coed Cheer Team. Jeff and Madi have been tumbling in sync for two seasons. Courtney Brown is their head coach and is very impressed with their ability to tumble side by side flawlessly. They were born to cheer and are proud to be LSE (Lakeshore Elites)!

Lakeshore Elites is proud of their Coed Cheerleading Teams in Chesterton!
There is no denying that male cheerleaders sometimes get a bad rap. Some say that cheerleading is just for girls and real men play sports like football, basketball and baseball. Cheerleading is a sport! Unless you have tried it or have paid close attention, you would probably be surprised how much athletic ability is required to be a cheerleader. One must have tremendous strength, skill and coordination. Throwing a cheerleader in the air is no easy task and neither is holding mutiple people at the bottom of a pyramid. If you thought catching a baseball was difficult, try catching a human who is high up in the air doing flips and making sure you time it right so that he or she does not get hurt. Now that's coordination! Tumbling and dancing take agility, endurance and athleticism. Lakeshore Elites is proud to have 2 coed teams and is coached by Courtney Brown & Penny Ballestero.

Names from left to right. Jonha Pruit, Seth Highlen, Travis Hutt, Jeff Michiaels, Roby Surber, and Justin Tassler. Head Coach Courtney Brown not in photo. (2009)
More info >

The Good Time Cloggers perform during the Harvest Festival at Chelberg Farm.

The Good Time Cloggers perform during the Harvest Festival at Chelberg Farm.

Sarah Bennet and father Keith practice hammering skills at Chelberg Farm.

Meg McCarel of The Gecko Girls demonstrates glass bead making during the Harvest Festival at Chelberg Farm.

Joan Baruffi demonstrates spinning sheeps wool during the Harvest Festival at Chelberg Farm

Mason Forrester anticipates a snack during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Cubmaster Jerry Scott, son Conor and fellow scout Cam Fancher sell popcorn with the help of a furry companion during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Victoria Valent shops for doll clothing and accessories at Lolo Doll's in Chesterton.

Abby Sabella presents her Dorothy costume for judging at the Wizard of Oz Festival's Dorothy Look-Alike Contest.

Young girls line up to compete in the Dorothy Look -Alike Contest during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Young girls wait for the judge's decision during the final round of the Oz Festival's Dorothy Look-Alike Festival.

Downtown Chesterton fills with vendors and eager patrons during the annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Young monkeys examine each other's costumes during a "flying monkey look-alike contest" in Thomas Centennial park.

Mary Sabourin eagerly awaits the beginning of the Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz parade.

Brandi Morales enjoys her new costume mask during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Sisters Alana Barker and Kaylinn Woolever enjoy the moonwalk bounce during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

A young girl practices clicking her heels at the Dorothy Look -Alike Contest during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Young girls line up to compete in the Dorothy Look -Alike Contest during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

A cutie poses for a scarecrow look-alike contest in Thomas Centennial Park.

Acrobatic street performers Jon Nowarzyk and Katie Rabbit entertain a crowd during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Acrobatic street performers Jon Nowarzyk and Katie Rabbit entertain a crowd during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Families gather in Thomas Centennial Park to take photographs during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Friends and family gather in Thomas Centennial Park during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Jon Leetz and son Ian visit with a very tall tin man (Matt Mullin) during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Fest.

Jason Yaros of Wagner's Ribs prepares a feast during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Gymnast Kaylinn Woolever performs a 30-yard walking back-bend down Calumet Avenue during Chesterton's Wizard of Oz parade.

Local children enjoy a colorful tractor ride during Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Kemil Beach, part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. (Martin R. Lucas 9/07)

Waves crashing on the shore at Kemil Beach, part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Chicago skyline in the background. (Martin R. Lucas 9/07)

Sun behind the mausoleum cross at the Bailly Cemetery, part of Bailly Homestead. (Jim Jones 11/7/09)

Members of Lakeshore Elites All-Star Cheer perform a stunt at the Indiana Dunes at sunset.

Indiana Dunes State Park (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 2/15/09)

Indiana Dunes State Park (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 2/15/09)

Porter Beach (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 4/08/08)

Dunes Creek at the Indiana Dunes State Park (Geoffrey Hudson, www.geoffreyhudson.com, 2/15/09)

"Looking West", by Robert Gray, original creator of Duneland.com

Indiana Dunes (Craig A. Berg, dunesphotos.com)

Indiana Dunes (Craig A. Berg, dunesphotos.com)

Indiana Dunes (Craig A. Berg, dunesphotos.com)

Indiana Dunes (Craig A. Berg, dunesphotos.com)

Indiana Dunes (Craig A. Berg, dunesphotos.com)

Indiana Dunes (Craig A. Berg, dunesphotos.com)

Aerial photo of Pinhook Bog, part of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (photo courtesy NPS)

Aerial photo of Pinhook Bog, by Bob Daum (1980, photo courtesy NPS)

Chellberg Farm, part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, by Elizabeth Hertel (2002, courtesy NPS)

Pinhook Bog, part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, by Elizabeth Hertel (2003, courtesy NPS)

Boardwalk in Pinhook Bog, by Elizabeth Hertel (2003, courtesy NPS)

Great Horned Owl at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. (Marty Lakatos, 9/07)

Blue Wing Teal, by Robb Quinn (Beverly Shores, 2006, courtesy NPS)

Blue Bird, by Robb Quinn (Beverly Shores, 2007, courtesy NPS)

Cedar Waxwing off of the West Beach Bird Trail, by Robb Quinn (courtesy NPS)

Cardinal in Cowles Bog, by Robb Quinn (courtesy NPS)

Marsh-Marigolds growing in the Indiana Dunes (courtesy NPS)

Jack-in-the-Pulpit growing in the Indiana Dunes (courtesy NPS)

Columbine growing in the Indiana Dunes (courtesy NPS)

A pair of fly catchers in a Chesterton backyard (submitted by Jessica Reagor, summer 2009)

My husband rescued a Hummingbird tangled in a spinders web in the garage. She ate off the feeder after we cleaned her off and flew away! (submitted by Jessica Reagor, summer 2009)

Male bluebird feeding his young ones in a Chesterton backyard (submitted by Jessica Reagor, spring 2009)

A woodcock on its nest in a Chesterton backyard (submitted by Jessica Reagor, summer 2009)

Freshly-hatched robins in a Chesterton backyard. (SH, 6/09)

Sandhill Cranes at sunset at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife area. (Marty Lakatos, 11/6/09)

Sandhill Cranes at sunset at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife area. (Marty Lakatos, 11/6/09)

Hummingbird in a Chesterton backyard. (Marty Lakatos, 8/08)

Hummingbird in a Chesterton backyard. (Marty Lakatos, 8/08)

Deer in Coffee Creek Park (Abigail Grossbauer, 5/10)

A dragonfly takes the time to sun itself in Chesterton. (Jim Jones, 9/9/09)

A spider awaits prey in its web among the wild flowers in Chesterton. (Jim Jones, 9/9/09)

Unidentified bug, shortly before becoming praying mantis food... see next photo! (Marty Lakatos, 8/09)

Praying mantis eating in Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. (Marty Lakatos, 8/09)

Bee on a flower in Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve. (Marty Lakatos, 8/09)

Albino possum in Chesterton. (Marty Lakatos, 6/09)

Albino possum in Chesterton. (Marty Lakatos, 6/09)

Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) seen near Bailly Homestead in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. (Marty Lakatos, 3/14/09)

Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) seen near Bailly Homestead in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. (Marty Lakatos, 3/14/09)

Tree frog in Chesterton. (Marty Lakatos, 3/14/09)

Squirrel on a Duneland-area porch. (Marty Lakatos, 9/07)