Welcome to Wonder Walks!
I am thrilled to offer guided Nature and Forest Therapy walks in our beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park beginning May 2025.
Forest Therapy, also known as “forest bathing” as it is translated from the Japanese term “shinrin-yoku,” is a health and wellness practice that began in Japan in the 1980s to address stress caused by rapid urbanization and the technological revolution. By slowing down and enlivening our senses to the abundance of the natural world, Forest Therapy walks create space for exploration and engagement with the more than human world. These gentle Wonder Walks include guided invitations and opportunities for play and for-rest for an experience of embodied relaxation and renewal. Come experience what a deep sense of connection and kinship with nature can offer to you!
Forest Therapy has numerous health benefits including increased immune function, lower blood pressure, restorative effects on mental focus, memory and learning, enhanced sleep and much more. Phytoncides, which are naturally occurring chemical compounds secreted by plants and trees to protect themselves from bacteria, insects and other threats, promote the production of natural-killer white blood cells in the human body, offering protection from a variety of infections and viruses, including against cancerous cells. As a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, I partner with nature in offering Wonder Walks where “the forest is the therapist and the guide opens the doors.”
Upcoming Wonder Walks:
Saturday, October 4th Forest Therapy Wonder Walk cosponsored with Dig the Dunes! This event will take place at Ambler Flatwoods in Michigan City, Indiana from 1-4 p.m. Walk details and tickets are available at Forest Therapy Walk at Ambler Flatwoods Tickets, Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite.
Wonder Walk FAQs
Duration: 2 1/2-3 hours
Cost: $35 pp or two people for $60 when you buy two spots; discounted pricing offered on holiday weekends.
Location: Please see the specific location which is included under the date of each walk.
Walk description: Wonder Walks are slow, mindful walks in nature. They are not naturalist walks or heart-pumping hikes.
Accessibility: Walks are accessible and appropriate for people with mobility limitations. If a walk includes stairs or other elements that impact accessibility it will be included in the walk description. Please do not hesitate to share special needs you have so that we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you.
Parking: Permits are required to park in Indiana Dunes National Park parking lots. Please visit Fees & Passes - Indiana Dunes National Park (U.S. National Park Service) for additional information and to obtain your national park permit.
How to sign up for a walk: Register for the walk you would like to participate in and sign and submit the walk waiver. Your payment secures your spot in the Wonder Walk, and you will receive an email confirming your registration as well as a reminder email the day before the walk that will include any special information that may be helpful to you.
What to bring: It is recommended you wear long pants, socks and closed toed shoes (sneakers or hiking boots) plus insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring a hat and/or sunglasses as well as a water bottle that you can bring with you on the walk or leave in your car. If there is a chance of rain, a light raincoat and/or umbrella is always a good idea. If you have a sit-upon (small outdoor cushion, towel or other item to sit on) to use to sit on the ground, you can bring that as well and you’ll also be provided one to use during your walk.
Personal safety: If you have allergies to specific plants or insects, and/or if you have a prescription for an EpiPen, please bring what you would need in case of an unexpected emergency.
Guidelines: Walk participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian who is 18+ years of age.
Cancelation Policy: Walks begin promptly at the time indicated. If you are not able to meet your group for the walk within 5 minutes of the walk start time you are invited to please join us on a future walk.
Walk evaluations: Participants are requested to please fill out and mail back a walk evaluation in the pre-stamped envelope that is distributed at the conclusion of each walk.
Resources: Here are a few of the many articles and studies that detail how Forest Therapy supports health and well-being.
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits
Cleveland Clinic- December 6, 2023
What Is Forest Bathing? Potential Benefits
Can forest therapy enhance health and well-being?
Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School)- May 29, 2020
Can forest therapy enhance health and well-being? - Harvard Health
Scientific Review: The Benefits of Forest Bathing
Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
Research | Science-Based Benefits Of Forest Bathing Therapy
Past Wonder Walks:
Thursday, July 3rd Forest Therapy Wonder Walk on the Calumet Dunes Trail at 8:30 a.m.
