This Underrated Lakeside National Park In Indiana Boasts Great Beaches & Outdoor Adventure

Imagine unwinding in a national park with pristine beaches that span several acres of land, soaking up the sun, digging your toes in the sand as you inhale the fresh breeze and embrace the stunning views around you. Or perhaps exploring different types of trails that glide through wildlife-filled wetlands in the morning, taking a cooling dip in a crystal clear lake in the afternoon, and then witnessing majestic sunset vistas in the evening as the day draws to a close!

Welcome to Indiana Dunes National Park, a stunning paradise tucked along the shoreline of Lake Michigan about 38 miles southeast of metropolitan Chicago. It offers a wide array of outdoor activities blended with breathtaking natural beauty, featuring scenic beaches, different types of wildlife, prairies, dunes, unique wetlands, rivers, and multiple varieties of trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The park, which hugs about 15 miles of Lake Michigan, was officially classified as a national lakeshore in 1966 after a 67-year struggle by a group of protectionists. However, it was not until 2019 that this lush, Midwest state park favored by hikers and campers became America's 61st national park.

With around 15 miles of beaches, Indiana Dunes National Park has no shortage of sandy shores and waters for beach lovers to explore. Whether relaxing by the beach on a lawn chair as you soak up the rays or enjoying different watersports, the park will not disappoint. West Beach, one of the many beautiful beaches in the park, offers scenic shores with warm sand. You can take a relaxing afternoon dip or soak up rays on the shores if you visit during summer. It also has boardwalk trails that meander through woodlands and dunes, ideal for spotting different types of wildlife. It features showers, locker rooms, picnic shelters, restrooms, portable water, and a parking lot, making it one of the best places for a day trip if you're staying in Chicago or visiting a place nearby.

Another notable beach in the park is Lake View Beach. As the name suggests, it has a great view of the lake, and visitors can enjoy picnicking, strolling, and swimming. If you are an angler, visit during spring for an opportunity to catch smelt. These are tiny, shiny, silverish aquatic creatures found mostly in lakes and rivers. They not only play an important role in balancing the aquatic ecosystem, acting as prey for bigger animals, but are also a delicious seafood treat for humans.

Just note that you will need a valid Indiana fishing license before you can cast your line legally. If you are a boating enthusiast,you can try kayaking or canoeing along the Lake Michigan Water Trail, Burns Waterway, or the Little Calumet River. The park allows boaters to launch their kayaks from any beach around the park, apart from the lifeguard-patrolled swimming area in West Beach.

Besides pristine beaches, fishing, and boating, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy in this popular American tourist destination. If you are a trailblazer, the park features 15 diverse trails, each with different levels of difficulty, lengths, and views. One popular trail is the 4.7-mile Cowles Bog. The bulb-shaped trail begins at the north parking lot, with a 202 feet elevation, and takes about four hours to complete. The hike will reward you with breathtaking views of different plant ecosystems, including black oak savannahs, marshes, and ponds, making it perfect for plant enthusiasts. It was classified as a National Natural Landmark in 1965, thanks to its impressive plant variety.

For something more challenging, you can take on the Three Dune Challenge. It's about 1.5 miles long and involves hiking three dunes as you climb to the summit of Mount Tom (about 742 feet in total). The best part? Each dune peak leads to stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes. Unfortunately, the challenge is not recommended for novices or kids, as the terrain is a bit steep, rough, and slippery. Don't forget to bring water and wear the right boots if you would like to give this a shot.

Birdwatchers, there is something here for you, too! Areas such as the Cowleg Bog trail, Miller Woods, and Pinhook play host to more than 350 bird species. You can visit the park in spring or fall when birds are migrating for a chance to see the song weavers in their unique ecosystem. The lake serves as a resting point for most of the birds on their way to the north or south, thanks to its strategic position the furthest south of Lake Michigan.