Located on the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan, West Beach is a popular and unique public beach with a collection of hiking trails. Part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, West Beach is a stone’s throw from Gary and Portage, Indiana, and an accessible 45-minute drive from Chicago, making it ideal…
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Have I got a dare for you… complete with physical challenges, scenic views, and even ghost stories! Sound interesting? If so, then be sure to add the “Diana of the Dunes Dare” to your Indiana Dunes National Park itinerary. The “Diana of the Dunes Dare” is a hike located at West Beach, inside the…
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There's more to the Indiana Dunes than warm sand, blue water, and miles of hiking trails. For example, as of 2021, it's the fifth most biodiverse national park in the United States, right behind Yosemite! The Indiana Dunes' environment, ecology, and history are really what make it a special place…
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There's no better way to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes than camping. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent for the weekend, settle down for a while in your RV, or stop for a few days while on your van life road trip, the Indiana Dunes has great camping options…
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Once the Indiana Dunes area is blanketed in a few inches of snow, you'll start to see people traversing the parks' trails on snowshoes. I've lived near the Indiana Dunes nearly all my life, but I've never even tried on a pair of snowshoes. Now that I'm working for the Indiana Dunes, I figured it was…
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Starting around mid-October, the trees in the Indiana Dunes area explode with vibrant autumn colors. Here are five places you can view the canopies of warm reds, oranges, and yellows that blanket the dunes and the surrounding communities every fall. Whether you're looking to take in the stunning…
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Even if the Indiana Dunes National Park closes on October 1, the Indiana Dunes State Park will remain open and fully staffed during the federal government shutdown. Visitors will have full access to the state park, its paths, and the shoreline. Additionally, the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center will…
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Each fall, local organizations come together to lead over 100 events in ten days to celebrate the wide variety of outdoor adventures you can have in Northwest Indiana. The Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival highlights the natural and cultural significance of the region through outdoor…
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Thinking about visiting the Indiana Dunes and wondering which beach you should visit? With nine different beaches along 15 miles of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, it's easy to get confused! This guide will help you decide which Indiana Dunes beach is best for your visit. The Indiana Dunes is…
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Main Streets TV visits the Indiana Dunes The Indiana Dunes is now a television star! John McGivern's Main Streets visited the Indiana Dunes to film an episode of their travel show about the main streets of Midwestern communities. John McGivern talked to locals, business owners, park rangers, and…
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