Indiana Dunes National Park is the newest park in the national park system and, with its easily accessible location just south of Chicago (there’s even train service available from the city), it makes for a perfect visit when you’re in the area.
Pristine Beaches
Given the park’s setting on Lake Michigan, it goes without saying it comes with some pretty fantastic beaches. There are 15 total miles of sandy beach within the park, open year-round, in case you want to sunbathe in the summer or just admire the icy lake in the winter. If you don’t mind a bit of a hike to get to the beach, go to Mount Baldy Beach, where you get awesome views of the park’s notable dune system (including the largest dune, Mount Baldy), as well as views of the Chicago skyline in the far distance on clear days. Visit in the late afternoon for minuscule crowds. If, though, you want a few of the typical beach amenities, like showers and lifeguards, go to the more popular West Beach.
Can’t-Miss Hikes
This park isn’t only about the beaches. There are magnificent spots to hike as well, with landscapes a world away from the sandy shores. There are 14 trail systems and 50 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous all-day endeavors. The Cowles Bog Trail System features one of the more difficult hikes, but it also gives you an up-close look at the park’s amazing plant diversity, with views of swamps, marshes and black oak savannas. For something easier, try the Great Marsh Trail System for wetland views and plenty of bird-watching opportunities. If you have smaller children, though, and need a short, easy hike, the Dune Ridge Trail System is the way to go. The hike is less than a mile and only takes a half-hour.
A Little History
For a bit of history, visit the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. A unique park feature unlike anything you’ll see in any other national park, these homes were part of an early 20th-century housing development, a marketing ploy by two developers who wanted to attract potential buyers to the area. The homes were on display during the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, as examples of futuristic accommodations. After the fair, they were moved via barge to this spot in the Indiana Dunes region, where developers gave potential buyers tours of the homes until the development was abandoned. Now, the homes have been wonderfully remodeled (all except for one, which is still under construction) and the exteriors alone attract many visitors interested in their unique history.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations
Apr 16, 20243 of the Best Hotel Lazy Rivers for Summer Fun
What better way to both escape the heat and soak up the summer sun than floating down a lazy river? From Mexico to South Carolina, these hotels invite family travelers to book a stay to relax but and take on the calming currents of the lazy river.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Cruising
Apr 15, 2024Some of Europe’s Best Day Cruises
A week cruising along the Danube or the Rhine may be the stuff of dreams for many, but family travelers can enjoy views from the water in ways kinder to the family budget. Many riverside cities offer scenic cruises, and some Baltic or Mediterranean ports have daytrips to nearby islands or coastal attractions. In several cities you can cruise the canals, and in Switzerland you can spend a day cruising on Lake Geneva, with sightseeing stops in lakeside towns.
Multigenerational
Apr 15, 2024Enjoy Multigenerational Travel in New York with Motto by Hilton
Family Travel Agent recently found family travel will continue to grow this year, as 81 percent of families expressed their likelihood of traveling in 2024. Of that group, more than 50 percent plan to take part in multigenerational travel. If that multigen travel is taking place in New York City, two hotels, Motto Times Square and Motto Chelsea, prove ideal options.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / Europe
Apr 12, 2024Learn About Bavarian Kings at Museum of Bavarian Kings in Germany
If your family travel happens to take you to Schwangau, Germany, to tour Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, you might want to also visit Museum of Bavarian Kings before to learn a little more about the Bavarian kings who once lived there.
ShareThis