Some souvenirs collect dust. The good ones tell a story. Tucked between the Indiana Dunes and downtown streets of Porter County, antique shops, vintage boutiques, and consignment stores are less about shopping and more about stumbling into a stranger's past, an unexpected obsession, a find you…
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Planning a visit to the Indiana Dunes starts with picking the kind of stay you want. The region offers a variety of lodging options, from Indiana Dunes hotels and historic bed-and-breakfasts to vacation rentals and nature-focused campgrounds. Each type of stay offers a different experience depending…
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The Indiana Dunes pack more variety into one place than many larger destinations. Strung along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this stretch of national and state parkland ranks among the Midwest's top attractions year-round. Summer draws swimmers and sandcastle builders. Fall turns the forest…
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Have you ever been in a room, heard a person entering, and by the sound of their footsteps, know who that person is without hearing their voice? That’s how it is for me, seated at my desk in the Kankakee Sands office! I can tell who is coming into the office because each of my coworkers has their…
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Looking for an easy spring break outing? The Indiana Dunes makes a great day trip or short getaway for families. Spring weather is typically mild, making it a comfortable time for casual hikes and beach walks. With several easy trails and wide stretches of shoreline, there's plenty of space for…
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Just as the snow starts to melt and trees prepare to bud for spring, Indiana Dunes National Park gets ready to host the annual Maple Sugar Time Festival, March 7-8, 2026. This yearly tradition is a fun way to learn about the process behind making maple syrup while enjoying some quality family time…
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It’s March! And there is so much to be glad about – the great greening up of the overwintered landscape, the songs of birds in the early morning, and the thawing of the land leading to the prairies of Kankakee Sands being soaked with water. How glad I am for these wet, marshy places filling with…
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Top Hiking Trails at Indiana Dunes National Park Indiana Dunes National Park is more than just a beach. It offers a variety of trails that highlight its natural beauty and unique ecosystems. From historical landmarks to towering dunes, wetlands, and prairies, this guide to the top 10 trails will…
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During the summer, the beaches are full of families, couples, and National Park visitors looking to cool off in the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan and enjoy the views. But just beyond the shoreline are hidden gems that showcase the full diversity of the Indiana Dunes landscape. With more than…
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You come for the Indiana Dunes National Park — for the climb up the towering dunes, the steady wind rolling off Lake Michigan, and that first step into cool water after a long drive from Chicago, Detroit, or beyond. But if you stay just a little longer, you’ll discover something more. Some of the…
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