Songbird Prairie and Autumn on the Lake Michigan shoreline

Autumn on the Lake Michigan shoreline known worldwide – trees glow in a blaze of crimson, orange, yellows and gold, while the sound of crunching leaves breaks the silence of the fall woodlands. There are few places in Indiana that match the autumn splendor that is the Dunes. Of course, no visit to the park is complete without a trip to the Nature Center to take in one of many diverse, educational, and fun interpretive programs. Plan a visit to enjoy the fall weather and join us for any of the great programs being offered this month!

Here's a quick glimpse at some of the fun programs coming up this month:

Join us for a special, evening candlelight stroll through the woods at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2. Meet at the campground gate to start your exploration of the amazing stories that the twilight holds.
The Northwest Indiana Storytelling Festival is taking place Saturday, Oct. 9. Special storytelling sessions will take place throughout the day at the Nature Center. Saturday night, enjoy some apple cider and ghost stories at the Wilson Shelter. Check the October Interpretive Schedule for specific times. Join us!
The Dunes Saw-whet Owl banding station opens mid-October. Throughout the month, folks can get a glimpse of this rare, tiny, and secretive owl as it migrates through the dunes. There are two designated night programs for the public on Oct. 23 and Oct. 30. For information on informal banding nights, which occur throughout the month, call the Nature Center at (219) 926-1390. These nights are weather dependant.
"Howl"oween returns to haunt the dune woodlands on Oct. 30. Enjoy trick or treating, campsite decorating, and special spooky themed programs all weekend. Be sure to sign up for one of our spooky night hikes, it’s sure to be a frightening good time!

Want to stay frequently updated on park happenings, park news, and more? Become a fan of the Indiana Dunes State Park Facebook page. Check out photos and videos from other Indiana Dunes visitors, take part in discussions, or just share your Indiana Dunes experiences. Visit http://www.facebook.com/INDUNES to become a fan.

You can also keep up to date on our owl banding on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/indianadunessp.

The complete October Interpretive Schedule can be found at: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Dunes_October.pdf

The Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services

Contact the Interpretive Service of Indiana Dunes State Park at (219) 926-1390 or dunesnc@dnr.IN.gov.
BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM biking birding Chicago Romantic Getaway
dunes national lakeshore Girlfriends Getaway Indianapolis Romantic Getaway Metro Indy Girls
Northern Illinois Getaway Indiana Dunes Hotel trails Valparaiso Valparaiso B&B
Featured in Midwest Living in the Out and About Chicago section
Romantic Bed & Breakfast Songbird Prairie in Northwest Indiana Online Reservations 877-766-4273

Songbird Prairie offers $20 gift card with every $200 Gift Certificate purchased

Complimentary Gift w/ Gift Certificate Purchase

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Surprise your loved one with the gift of a getaway! Gift certificates are available for purchase and are a very thoughtful gift idea. As an added bonus, with every $200 gift certificate purchased you will receive a $20 gift certificate for use in our gift shop. Add it to your gift or use it yourself when you pick up your certificate. Two birds with one stone!

Experience the beauty of Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Valparaiso, Indiana, one of the finest luxury inns in the Midwest. The natural beauty of the grounds, including the certified wildlife habitat, the common areas, and of course the grand guest suites, demonstrate that you have entered a true luxury bed and breakfast.

For a romantic weekend getaway, you’ll find no better lodging choice than our romantic bed and breakfast. And for a fun-filled girlfriends’ getaway, this bed and breakfast in Northwest Indiana is the optimum choice. Our convenient location makes access to many dining, shopping and entertainment options easy, but our secluded location virtually assures your rest and relaxation - and perfect romantic getaways.

Located just fifty minutes from downtown Chicago and just twenty minutes from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, this Lake Michigan bed and breakfast puts you within close proximity to so much! Imagine an Indiana Dunes bed and breakfast close enough to enjoy the lakeshore but far enough to ensure your solitude.

Songbird Prairie is one of the finest award-winning romantic inns in the Midwest. Our awards and accolades speak for themselves – and comments from past guests who have experienced romantic weekends away in our inn are testament to the fact that Songbird Prairie truly is one of the best luxury inns in the Midwest.

Named “one of the 20 perfect summer getaways for 2008” by Travel & Leisure Magazine
Named “one of the top 25 ‘Best Undiscovered Incredibly Romantic Inns” by BedAndBreakfast.com
Recipient of the coveted “2008 Top 10 ’ Award” from American Historic Inns, Inc.
2008/2009 winner of "Best in the Midwest" from BedAndBreakfast.com
Winner of the “2004 Hotel of the Year for the Casual Coast of Indiana” as selected by the Porter County Convention and Visitors Commission

bed and breakfasts indiana, Chicago Romantic Getaway, Girlfriends Getaway, Indiana Bed and Breakfast, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Midwest Living Out and About Chicago, Northwest Indiana Bed & Breakfast, Romantic Bed & Breakfast, Romantic Getaway, Taltree Arboretum, ultimate luxurious getaway, Valparaiso Bed and Breakfast |

Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail Stay at Songbird Prairie B and B

Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail
www.indianabeyondthebeach.com

Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail Northern Indiana Historical Power Association brings Steam Engines, Shingle Mill, Saw Mill, Field Tillage, Corn
Shelling, Rock Crushing, Dynamometer, Sorghum Cooking, Parade of Power, and
Antique Cars and Trucks to Sunset Hill (site 33) this weekend! September 24,25 2010
http://www.indianabeyondthebeach.com/
www.songbirdprairie.com 877.766.4273 that's 877 SONG BRD
Valparaiso Hotel Valparaiso B&B Taltree Arboretum Chicago Romantic Getaway Best in the Midwest "Out and About Chicago, A weekend on the Lake as seen in Midwest Living"
Southern Michigan Getaway Indianapolis Getaway

Scenic Drives in Northwest Indiana stay at Songbird Prairie

Scenic Drives

1st day take a scenic drive along the coast of the Dunes National Lakeshore. This drive is sure to deliver great leaf peeping-fall drama. Climb Mount Baldy which stands an imposing 123 feet tall and is the largest "living" dune that marram grass and cottonwood trees cannot hold in place. This giant mound of sand actually moves south at a rate of four to five feet each year, burying all woodlands in its path. Or for the fainter in heart, walk the Prairie Duneland Trail and return to the Inn for a 30 minute massage and the original JellyBath experience! The 2nd day visit Valparaiso’s own Anderson Winery and return to the Inn for a light dinner with your vino. Package additional $250.00 to your choice of guestroom. 877.766.4273

Stay at Songbird Prairie, then take a road trip to see the Quilt Gardens

Stay at Songbird Prairie, then take a road trip to see the Quilt Gardens

After a restful sleep, awaken to a 3 course hot breakfast. Then roll down the windows and head for Amish Country to see the flower quilts. Our hardy breakfast will allow you time to see them all before enjoying an Amish dinner. You may also have time to get in some shopping. Then return to the Inn for a relaxing whirlpool bath. Afterwards enjoy the company of your friends while sipping hot tea or cocoa and cookies. Browse our on site gift shop with many unique items such as Mary Frances purses, Tokyo milk soap, Baubble Lulu beads, little giraffe blankets and so much more. www.songbirdprairie.com 877.766.4273
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM, birding, Chicago Romantic Getaway, Girlfriends Getaway, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Metro Indy Girls, Rural Destination, Valparaiso B&B, Valparaiso Bed and Breakfast, Valparaiso hotel | Leave a Comment

Stay at Songbird Prairie, then take a road trip to see the Quilt Gardens



Quilt Garden
After a restful sleep, awaken to a 3 course hot breakfast. Then roll down the windows and head for Amish Country to see the flower quilts. Our hardy breakfast will allow you time to see them all before enjoying an Amish dinner. You may also have time to get in some shopping. Then return to the Inn for a relaxing whirlpool bath. Afterwards enjoy the company of your friends while sipping hot tea or cocoa and cookies. Browse our on site gift shop with many unique items such as Mary Frances purses, Tokyo milk soap, Baubble Lulu beads, little giraffe blankets and so much more. www.songbirdprairie.com 877.766.4273
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM, birding, Chicago Romantic Getaway, Girlfriends Getaway, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Metro Indy Girls, Rural Destination, Valparaiso B&B, Valparaiso Bed and Breakfast, Valparaiso hotel | Leave a Comment »

Tall Ships in Chicago stay @ Songbird Prairie just 45 minutes from NavyPier

Tall Ships on Parade at Chicago's Navy Pier

FOX Chicago News Chicago - Navy Pier is launching their latest exhibit, Tall Ships. Delores Robinson joined us to talk about the event. The ships are moving in at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24. They will parade along Chicago’s lakefront and all 20 ships will dock at Navy Pier. Once at Navy Pier, the ships can be viewed, boarded and explored. It's $15 to view, $20 to board and excursions start at $44. The ships are from around the world Canada, Germany, Netherlands, to name a few. Hollywood has dropped its anchor here. The "Bounty" will be there which once hosted such famous people at the helm as Cary Grant. Then it was taken off of the ship and put in a sound stage and used in every nautical movie from 1935-1962. John Wayne stood in front of it in Sea of the Red Witch. Marland Brando used it in Mutiny on the Bounty, Charlton Heston in Treasure Island, Monty Python in Yellowbeard and Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. And let's not forget Spongebob Square pants either.

The cost is $15 for a viewing $20 for ship crawl and to board and sail to fulfill a pirates fantasy, a sailaway excursion starts at $44. Exit the hustle and bustle and come to the country to relax and reminisce from your adventure. Guestrooms start at $169.00 whirlpool and 3 course plated breakfast served here: no chance of scurvy! www.songbirdprairie.com 877.766.4274

In addition to the parade there will be a festival lasting six days. Fireworks are planned for each night.

For more information visit www.navypier.com .

Chicago Fireworks, Chicago Lakefront, Chicago Romantic Getaway, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Indianapolis Getaway, Indianapolis Romantic Getaway, Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Metro Indy Girls, Navy Pier, Northern Illinois Getaway, Romantic Bed & Breakfast Songbird Prairie in Northwest Indiana Online Reservations 877-766-4273, Southern Michigan Getaway, Tall Ships, The Bounty |

Rural Destinations for Fall Foliage at Songbird

Songbird Prairie has some beautiful vistas for fall foliage. The rustling grasses and the russet-tone hydrangeas catch the fall dew and sparkle in the sunlight. Stroll down the path to the meadow ripe with fall berries which the birds nab as one of their last suppers. During these golden days, you may site a monarch butterfly as the last of the sunflowers, goldenrod, ironweed, asters, Joe Pye weed and black-eyed Susans wane in splendor. Songbird Prairie is close to Taltree Arboretum and the Prairie Duneland trails, not to mention the Dunes National Lakeshore. You may hike or bike these trails to see the splendor in the grasses! As you are reminded that fall has sneaked up on us again. Don't be caught with the frost on the pumpkin before you get out and walk in Nature. It is truly invigorating. Book your two nights now for October and receive an American Historic Inns book as our gift. Rooms must be booked by September 3, 2010. 877.766.4273 www.songbirdprairie.com
Rural destinations, Fall Foliage, Best in the Midwest by BB.com, Taltree Arboretum, Dunes National Lakeshore, Prairie Dunland Trails, Romantic Getaway, Valparaiso Hotel, Valparaiso B&B, Inn at Valparaiso

Midwest Living A weekend on the Lake Stay at Songbird Prairie

Songbird Prairie is featured in Midwest Living in the section “Out and About Chicago”. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is just an hour from the Loop; And so is Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast! We are a federal style home with five Luxurious Suites. Each room has a warming fireplace for winter enjoyment and double sized whirlpools to ease the cares of everyday life. We are tucked in the woods just 6 miles from downtown Valpo and a short drive from the sandy beaches of the Dunes National Lakeshore, great birding and easy bike trails. (Prairie Duneland Trail)

http://www.indianatrails.org/Prairie_Duneland_Trail_Portage.htm

Five show homes from Chicago’s 1933-34 World’s Fair arrived in Beverly Shores 75 years ago on a Lake Michigan Barge. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are in various stages of restoration and will be open for Century of Progress tours October 22-24. tickets for the October 22 preview tour and reception are $75 remaining dates tickets for tours are only $15 (574-232-4534 indianalandmarks.org) Make your reservations for your stay now at Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast $169-$249 www.songbirdprairie.com 877.766.4273 219.759.4274
Chicago Romantic Getaway, Northern Illinois Getaway, birding, Indianapolis Romantic Getaway, bluebirds, hiking, Taltree Arboretum, Indianapolis Getaway, Girlfriends Getaway, biking, dunes national lakeshore, Valparaiso B&B, Southern Michigan Getaway, hummingbirds in Northwest Indiana, Indiana Dunes Hotel, Metro Indy Girls, BEST IN THE MIDWEST BY BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM, Valparaiso hotel, Valparaiso Bed and Breakfast, Featured in Midwest Living, Rural Destinations for Fall Foliage