Sunset at Indiana Dunes State Park
We typically hold out for fall, winter and spring hikes, leaving the summertime to the ticks, tourists and full parking lots. On a crisp fall day, when you reach the top of the 270ish steps at West Beach and see the Chicago skyline across the lake you'll be impressed (with the view AND yourself)! And when you catch a perfect sunset on the lakefront - you'll be posting at least a thousand pics to try to capture the colors.
Within the Indiana Dunes National Park and State park systems, there are miles of trails and since the Dunes have everything from cacti to marshes to Lake Michigan beachfront, it's a great place for a hike - right here in the Midwest. Fun Fact: The National Park site states that "the biological diversity within Indiana Dunes National Park is fourth among all of our national parks."
Most of the hikes are achievable, with only a few being more of a challenge with climbs up dunes in shifting sand.
Being a list person, I wrote these out a couple years ago and have been checking them off as we go, but one thing led to another, and I decided to formalize it with this list you can download to print. So get on those brand new boots and fill that cute Yeti tumbler you bought on your stop at the Bass Pro Shop and get outside!
I left space to keep brief notes on weather, who you were with, date and even rate the trail (I've provided a rating system!). And let me know which trail is your favorite! My favorite National Park trail is the West Beach Dunes Succession, and the State Park Trail 2. Beautiful!
Download the list below (using the button!).
You can download the pdf here:
Happy Trails to You!
Purchase the Indiana sticker and other merch from: The InCoast
Find out more info on the National Park here (mileage for trails sourced from their site): Indiana Dunes National Park
Birdwatching is a MUST in the area, as its a main migratory route in spring and fall. Need tips on birdwatching? Here's some tips from a pro: How to Start Birding
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