Come Explore Beautiful Indiana Dunes This Fall! #IndianaDunes #BeachesandBeyond

Be honest. When you think of Indiana, you think corn. It's true, we have a ton, but I'll be the first to tell you that there really is more than corn in Indiana, and I'd like to encourage you to stop by for a visit this fall. There's really nothing more beautiful than the Midwest in autumn, and if you love the great outdoors like my family does, you'll want to hit up Indiana Dunes because there's so much to explore!

One of my family's favorite outdoor activities is biking, and you'll find some of the best bike trails in Indiana Dunes. If you don't have your own, pop over to the visitor's center where you'll find Pedal Power Rentals. You can choose from several different styles of bikes to rent at very affordable rates. Additionally, this fall they are offering special group tours. Choose to roll through the European Market, Century of Progress Homes, or take a Sunset Beach tour.

If you prefer to walk, there are many scenic foot trails in the area.

I adore the beach, so I highly recommend a stop at Indiana Dunes State Park where they are in the process of building an amazing lookout right now. Climb the stairs and on one side you'll get a spectacular view of the beach, and on the other you'll get a great view of the land.

Or, if you are a little more athletic, skip the stairs and challenge yourself to a hike up many of the sand dunes for an equally spectacular view.

If nature hiking isn't your thing but you still love to walk outdoors, Historic Downtown Chesterton has many fun and unique locations to explore. Get your shop on, eat in the diner, or take a stroll through the quaint park.

If you don't stop at Dog Days Ice Cream parlor and treat yourself to a Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cone, you are really missing out on one of life's little blessings.
 

In Historic Downtown, you'll also find the world's smallest piece of owned land:

Indiana Dunes has some of the most beautiful and well-maintained parks I have ever visited. From the trails, to the fun playground equipment, to the beautiful landscaping, you'll really want to spend some leisure time in any of the Dunes parks.

I don't know much about Pokemon Go, but Allison was squealing with delight about all of the Poke Stops and Pokemon Gyms she was finding in the area. If you are into Pokemon Go, I think you'll have a lot of success collecting them at Indiana Dunes!

Fishing at Indiana Dunes is also a really popular activity. There are more than 15 great fishing locations at the Dunes. Be sure to check out the fishing section on the Indiana Dunes website to plan ahead.

The Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk is one of my favorite areas to visit for a sunset stroll.

A new concrete cap and and handrails on the breakwater make it easy to fish, bird watch, and is a beautiful spot for sightseeing. Off in the distance you get an amazing view of the steel plant as well as Chicago!

You'll get to see many people taking advantage of the weather, frolicking in the water or spending time boating on it, all the way until the sun goes down.

If you are looking for a great place to spend time outdoors this fall, be sure to come to Indiana Dunes. Bike, hike, paddle, fish, dive into the historic parts of town, bird watch, or fitness buffs- push yourself on the 3-Dune Challenge. There's really something for everyone at Indiana Dunes.

What areas of Indiana Dunes interests you? Do you prefer the laid back beaches, the biking and hiking trails, or a low-key sunset stroll by the water?