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?
Sure looks like quite the spot to relax away. I'd prefer to walk, since I can drive, never liked bikes much.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great place to relax. Very laid back, go at your own pace kind of place.
DeleteThat gazeboo is lovely! I think I'd just stroll by the water, biking and swimming ain't for me!
ReplyDeletePS why do Americans have to put salt on everything, even on icecream? :)
Because there's nothing quite as delicious as a sweet and salty combo ;)
DeleteIndiana Dunes looks beautiful! I love those sunsets. I can see myself enjoying one of those along with a ginormous ice cream cone.
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous! Honestly, I don't think I could pick one activity over another. I think a day full of all of them would be the perfect thing.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so beautiful there! I would love to go on the hiking trails and visit the beach!
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit the Indiana Dunes. I wanna try the Dog Days Ice Cream, that would be my first stop. I love the smallest piece of land owned, that's really neat. I would visit the parks and the downtown area and lastly the beach to watch the sunset.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great place to visit! I love walking so I guess I'll enjoy taking a walk at the park and lakeshore!
ReplyDeleteThis place looks like a wonderful place to visit! Definitely adding on my list of places to go!
ReplyDeleteThis looks beautiful and that ice cream looks so scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteOh what a nice place to spend some time outside. I've been to a lot of Michigan dunes but never to the Indiana Dunes State Park. I'd love to though.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this! I had no idea a place likethe Indiana dunes existed; it has so much to offer. Your photographs are truly a visual feast and are beckoning me to take a trip asap!
ReplyDeleteAll of this is so beautiful and magical! We just got a 5th wheel camper so I'll have to add this to our list of places to visit!
ReplyDeleteWow it's all so beautiful! That bandstand reminds me of the one we have at our local Botanics Garden. I think you'd love to explore that place if you're ever in SG :)
ReplyDeleteAi @ Sakura Haruka
I think I would love everything about SG! It seems so clean and beautiful there, I'd need extra time to soak it all in!
DeleteLooks like it has very pretty scenery. My husband would enjoy fishing there.
ReplyDeleteI love the part of fishing, I've never tried it but it looks really fun experienced!
ReplyDeleteThat place looks so refreshing. I want to go fishing and have an afternoon nap near the water.
ReplyDeletelooks like the place I would love to visit..we always love beaches..and can't get enough of it :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the outdoors so much! I think the beach would be my fave, but we love biking and walking trails too. And I'd def. try the salted ice cream. I've never had it. :)
ReplyDeleteI like to be outside, especially doing together together with my family. You always feel refreshed and renewed after spending time outdoor.s
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty place to visit. I love that you live somewhat close to here. There's a place in western Nebraska that has sand dunes. Our boys loved climbing them. I'd love to go back there. We don't have beaches here though.
ReplyDeleteI've visited Indiana quite a few times and enjoy it quite a bit. I love the black squirrels!
ReplyDeleteI've never spent much time in Indiana but wouldn't mind to get a good visit in sometime soon. Sounds relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Indiana for over 10 years and I've never been to the Indiana Dunes! I really need to plan a trip in the near future! I bet my husband and twins would love it!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous place to visit! I can't wait to check it out!!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Indiana a few times and each time I had a blast. I'm sure I'd have a blast at Indian Dunes too!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect place to relax. I love little towns.
ReplyDeleteWow what an adventure. You took some amazing photos of this venture.
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