One of our most often reminisced adventures happened to take place at one of three National Parks that call Indiana home: Indiana Dunes National Park. Known for its beaches touching Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes was a weekend adventure we absolutely had to do as soon as we got the time.
When we booked the trip, it was obvious we wanted to camp the night we could stay. Dunewood Campground, open April 1st-November 1st (when permitted) was only $25 a night. It was just minutes from the beach side attractions and rugged hiking trails. Lake View Beach, one of the higher volume beaches of the park, was a short 1.5 mile walk or drive from our spot. We were wanting to picnic there as soon as we set up camp, so we pulled the tent and canopy together, and headed that way. After parking and heading to the picnic table…well…I actually wrote and submitted a poem to Press 53’s “53 Word Story” April Contest just this past month. I think it will tell the story best:
When we booked the trip, it was obvious we wanted to camp the night we could stay. Dunewood Campground, open April 1st-November 1st (when permitted) was only $25 a night. It was just minutes from the beach side attractions and rugged hiking trails. Lake View Beach, one of the higher volume beaches of the park, was a short 1.5 mile walk or drive from our spot. We were wanting to picnic there as soon as we set up camp, so we pulled the tent and canopy together, and headed that way. After parking and heading to the picnic table…well…I actually wrote and submitted a poem to Press 53’s “53 Word Story” April Contest just this past month. I think it will tell the story best:
Occupied by the thought of my future lunch, I drove two hours without a stop. Check into the campsite, set up camp, crack a beer; the only things between me and my delicious driving daydream. Creamy mayo, porch grown vegetables, turkey, and a few chips for an extra crunch…too bad we forgot bread.
Good thing a gas station was also on the list of closest things to our campsite.
The next two days and one night were going to be spent here, so we made a game plan over our sandwiches after we finally got the bread. We decided beach day would be the first day, and hiking would be the second. Lounging on Lake View Beach and exploring some of the other beach areas was a relaxing, peaceful first day. Camping that evening was fun; everyone around us seemed to be a regular park-goer, and the welcoming ambiance made us feel at home.
The next two days and one night were going to be spent here, so we made a game plan over our sandwiches after we finally got the bread. We decided beach day would be the first day, and hiking would be the second. Lounging on Lake View Beach and exploring some of the other beach areas was a relaxing, peaceful first day. Camping that evening was fun; everyone around us seemed to be a regular park-goer, and the welcoming ambiance made us feel at home.
The next day, on our way into the area with some of the trail heads we were interested in, we were informed that Lake View Beach and a handful of other areas were closed due to high and dangerous tides. We really lucked out with our planning! We paid the $6 for entrance and continued on our way.
For Anthony and myself, we were looking for a fun challenge with a lot of landmarks to see along the way. We ended up settling quickly on the 3 Dune Challenge. This trail would lead us to the three highest Dunes of the park: Mt. Jackson (176 ft), Mt. Holden (184 ft), and Mt. Tom (192 ft). This specific hike is highly encouraged, and the Visitor’s Center offers gifts and memorabilia along with a free sticker or decal for anyone who completes the Challenge. We did complete it, but decided to skip the gift shop and head to another Dune, Mt. Baldy (150 ft). Once we reached the top, we realized we were looking over the beach where we had spent most of our time the previous day. We snapped some pictures since not a lot of people were around, and continued back to our campsite.
For Anthony and myself, we were looking for a fun challenge with a lot of landmarks to see along the way. We ended up settling quickly on the 3 Dune Challenge. This trail would lead us to the three highest Dunes of the park: Mt. Jackson (176 ft), Mt. Holden (184 ft), and Mt. Tom (192 ft). This specific hike is highly encouraged, and the Visitor’s Center offers gifts and memorabilia along with a free sticker or decal for anyone who completes the Challenge. We did complete it, but decided to skip the gift shop and head to another Dune, Mt. Baldy (150 ft). Once we reached the top, we realized we were looking over the beach where we had spent most of our time the previous day. We snapped some pictures since not a lot of people were around, and continued back to our campsite.
The Dunes are also known for their Outdoor Adventure Festival, scheduled for October 2nd-4th this year. Some activities featured are hiking, geocaching, biking, yoga, and bird-watching. Food trucks, demonstrations, animal presentations, and informative talks are also part of the Outdoor Adventure Festival. Tickets as of now are only $10 for a 3-day pass.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a gorgeous, adventure-filled trip for those of us looking for a challenge and a place to relax all in one. The range of activities, trails, and guided hikes are great for all age groups and experience levels. We’re definitely going to be back, maybe even for a few days instead of just a weekend. But we’ll have to remember the bread next time.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a gorgeous, adventure-filled trip for those of us looking for a challenge and a place to relax all in one. The range of activities, trails, and guided hikes are great for all age groups and experience levels. We’re definitely going to be back, maybe even for a few days instead of just a weekend. But we’ll have to remember the bread next time.