Indiana Dunes tourism staff brief commissioners on lease, new gift shop and county video

Christine Livingston, representing Indiana Dunes tourism, updated the Porter County commissioners on March 10 on several tourism initiatives aimed at longer-term stability and local economic benefit.

Livingston said lease negotiations with the National Park Service for a longer-term agreement remain in progress after an extended federal shutdown paused talks; the county previously approved a temporary extension. She described ongoing map and contract work and said she expects a resolution within months.

She highlighted completion of an expanded, sustainability-focused gift shop at the visitor center, delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. "Our gift shop looks amazing," Livingston said, and noted the space will highlight local artisans, include winter farmers markets and will feature upcycled and recycled products. The project also included sidewalks and other visitor-access improvements; Livingston said a grant paid for half the cost of adding electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Livingston and county partners also completed a Porter County promotional video after work by a county steering committee. She reported the broader campaign has generated roughly 22 million impressions, and that tourism staff are coordinating with state and regional partners to target audiences. The county video was approved by the steering committee and will be shared digitally as part of the campaign.

Commissioners had no objections and thanked Livingston for the updates. The tourism office asked for continued collaboration with local businesses on co-branding and promotional opportunities.