Calumet City Prairie And Marsh Nature Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Calumet City Prairie And Marsh Nature Preserve is a 131-acre preserve located in Lake County, Indiana.
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Summary
The preserve is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including over 100 bird species, numerous amphibians and reptiles, and several rare plant species.
One of the main reasons to visit Calumet City Prairie And Marsh Nature Preserve is to experience the natural beauty of the area. There are several trails throughout the preserve that allow visitors to explore the various habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and forests.
Some specific points of interest to see at the preserve include the wetland boardwalk, the bird observation deck, and the butterfly garden. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the preserve's ponds or picnicking in the designated areas.
One interesting fact about the area is that it was once part of a larger wetland complex that covered the entire Calumet Region. The preserve now serves as an important refuge for many species that have been displaced due to development and urbanization.
The best time of year to visit Calumet City Prairie And Marsh Nature Preserve is in the spring and summer months when many of the wildflowers are in bloom and the bird populations are at their highest. However, the preserve is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities during the fall and winter months as well.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Calumet City Memorial Park
Sand Ridge Nature Preserve
Hermits Park
Forest Dale Park
Powderhorn Prairie And Marsh Nature Preserve
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Wolf Lake
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Gary Harbor