BREAKING: The Indiana Dunes Tourism has just launched an ambitious new initiative called “Sand + Steel” aimed at integrating the region’s industrial and natural legacies. This project, spearheaded by Christine Livingston, seeks to promote tourism while celebrating the rich heritage of Northwest Indiana.
Livingston, who has deep roots in the area, emphasizes that the initiative is crucial for both preserving the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes and honoring the steel industry that has shaped the region. “We’re celebrating our industrial heritage, and we’re celebrating the Indiana Dunes,” she stated. The initiative aims to forge partnerships among local businesses, artists, and community leaders to create a cohesive narrative that promotes both tourism and local pride.
The Sand + Steel initiative is now gaining traction, with support from various organizations, including the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) and the NWI Forum. Heather Ennis, president of the NWI Forum, noted, “Seeing all the voices at the table… is really exciting.” This collaborative effort is expected to produce new marketing materials, like a poster showcasing the unique blend of the region’s industrial and natural assets.
In a significant step forward, the initiative will feature local artisans, including Jeff Layman from RustiX, who created a stunning piece that merges the imagery of a beach with a steel mill backdrop. Layman remarked, “It’s super exciting to be part of this… the dunes are ingrained in the region.”
Additionally, Fluid Coffee Roasters is set to introduce a special coffee blend at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. Founder Alison Scates highlighted the coffee’s unique flavor profile, which includes notes of apricot and cocoa butter, appealing to coffee enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Moreover, the city of Gary is actively involved, with plans to update signage and art installations that reflect the Sand + Steel theme. Christopher Harris, the city’s redevelopment director, emphasized the importance of reclaiming the city’s narrative, stating, “Sand and steel are our roots.”
The initiative is not only about tourism; it aims to foster community pride and environmental awareness. Kris Krouse of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust remarked on the importance of showcasing preserved natural areas, saying, “We have so many rare and unique ecological gems in the region.”
As the Sand + Steel initiative rolls out, residents and visitors can expect to see new wayfinding signs and discovery hubs guiding them to explore the region’s offerings. Heather Becerra of the SSCVA stated, “We’re excited to support their vision and help tell the story of Northwest Indiana’s past and future.”
What’s next? Over the coming months, the initiative will continue to expand, with new projects and partnerships expected to emerge. This is a critical moment for Northwest Indiana—an opportunity to embrace and promote its unique identity and natural beauty.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Sand + Steel initiative unfolds, impacting tourism and community pride in Northwest Indiana.
