Porter in Porter County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Prairie Club Fountain

Photographed by Lou Donkle, January 8, 2024

1. The Prairie Club Fountain Marker

Inscription.
Indiana Dunes State Park exists in part because of the efforts of the Prairie Club. This fountain was donated to the State of Indiana in 1932 by the Prairie Club in thanks for the State's decision to create Indiana Dunes State Park.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Jens Jensen
One club member and the fountain's designer was prominent Chicago landscape architect Jens Jensen. Jensen, a native of Denmark, was very concerned about the disappearance of native landscapes. Jensen began using native plant species in his landscape designs, a style that remains popular today.

The Prairie Club
Originating as a hiking club, the Prairie Club of Chicago formed in the early 1900s. Their hikes in the Dunes became so popular that a special train was designated to transport members. The club's love of the Dunes moved them to take a leading role in conserving them. Their efforts led to this portion of the Dunes becoming a State Park.

The Fountain
The fountain was originally located near the Wilson Shelter at Trail

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8. In the early 1990s, the National Park Service funded the restoration and relocation of the fountain at the Nature Center.

Through generations of evolution our native landscape becomes a part of us …
Jens Jensen

Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Jens Jensen series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 41° 39.574′ N, 87° 2.971′ W. Marker is in Porter, Indiana, in Porter County. It can be reached from Trail 7 north of County Road 100, on the right when traveling north. The marker is at the Nature Center of the Indiana Dunes State Park located at the north end of Indiana State Road 49. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chesterton IN 46304, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Indiana,

specifically on the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan Shore,

and in the Calumet Region.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Prairie Club Fountain to left of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lou Donkle, January 8, 2024

2. Prairie Club Fountain to left of marker

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Civilian Conservation Corps Flagpole (within shouting distance of this marker); Dunes Nature Preserve (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Works of a Public Nature" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mt. Tom: A View of Ancient Shorelines (approx. 0.4 miles away); Indiana State Parks: the First 100 Years 1916-2016 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Le Petit Fort (approx. 0.7 miles away); Daylighting: Getting Dunes Creek Out of the Pipe (approx. 0.7 miles away); Dune Creek Watershed: What Makes It Special? (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Porter.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The J.D. Marshall (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Plaque on Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lou Donkle, January 8, 2024

3. Plaque on Fountain

In appreciation of many happy days, this fountain is dedicated - to these dunes - The Prairie Club

The Prairie Club Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Daniel Barriball, March 24, 2025

4. The Prairie Club Fountain

Photographed by Daniel Barriball, March 24, 2025

5. The Prairie Club Fountain

Close-up of the snake in the fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Daniel Barriball, March 24, 2025

6. Close-up of the snake in the fountain

This is where the water comes out.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2024, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2024, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 25, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.