Photo Courtesy of Indiana Dunes
Living in North Carolina, I have easy access to the Atlantic coast beaches — even taking regular day trips to the shore. But, growing up in the Midwest, we didn’t take many beach vacations. It was just too far to travel. I wish we had known about Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan’s south shore. With 15 miles of coastline and wide sandy beaches, we could have enjoyed a great beach vacation on the Great Lakes!
If you’re not familiar with Indiana Dunes, allow me to introduce you. I’d hate for you to miss out like I have all these years.
Photo Courtesy of Indiana Dunes
5 reasons to visit Indiana Dunes
1. Indiana Dunes State Park
With 16.5 miles of trails (easy to hard), there’s lots to do at Indiana Dunes State Park. Mt. Tom stands 192 feet tall, and is the tallest sand dune on Indiana’s lakeshore. Throughout the year, the park also offers naturalist programs, camping, kayaking, birding, biking and, of course, swimming. Pets are allowed, though not on the swimming beach. Believe it or not, you can even play in the waves! Who knew?
Kayak — Hilton Head… or Indiana Dunes! You choose.
Adventurous families might enjoy the 3 Dune Challenge, a climb up the three tallest dunes in the park — with rewarding views at the top!
Photo Courtesy of Indiana Dunes
Biking at the beach
2. Kid centered attractions
Besides the beach, Indiana Dunes offers families a variety of entertainment options. Some that look great for families are Seven Peaks Waterpark (in Porter), Taltree Arboretum Railway Garden, 49er Drive-in Theater (through October), and Inman’s Bowling and Recreation (these three in Valparaiso).
3. Craft brewery tours (and vineyards too)
Independent breweries have learned that parents take kids on vacation, so they’ve expanded to include unique dining experiences and even some non-alcoholic brews for kids. Family friendly standouts in the area based on ratings include Figure Eight Brewing (menu includes their homemade bread and root beer for the kids) and Anderson’s Vineyard and Winery (free wine tasting for adults, a sculpture garden and an onsite bakery).
Photo Courtesy of Indiana Dunes
4. Historic fun
If you’ve read my blog before, you probably know I like history — and you’ll find it here. Start at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, then drive by the Century of Progress Homes featured in the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Stop in at the Valparaiso Central Park to snap a pic with a statue of the city’s native son, Orville Redenbacher. Did you know he was a real person? Aspiring firefighters might enjoy a visit to the Valparaiso Fire Museum as well.
This statue is in Asheville, NC — but I’d love one of Orville Redenbacher!
5. Sweets and Treats
I admit I have quite the sweet tooth — so this is a great place for me. With lots of places to choose from, I recommend these two. Valpo Velvet has fed the people of Valparaiso for more than 60 years. With sandwiches, soups and ice cream considered one of the ten best in the state, this is the place to go for a malt or sundae. For chocolate, head to South Bend Chocolate Company for premium chocolates and hot chocolate. You can also enjoy fresh coffee, soups, salads, sandwiches, cheesecake and ice cream — but really, go for the chocolate.
Photo Courtesy of Indiana Dunes
I may not have known about Indiana Dunes as a child, but I am happy to know that midwesterners (and transplanted southerners like me) can enjoy a beach vacation on beautiful Lake Michigan. With beaches, hiking trails, kayaking, sweets and treats, it’s just like going to a coastal beach — only without the salt! Or sharks.
Any guesses where this sunset is?
What do you think? Doesn’t a beach vacation at Indiana Dunes sound great?
Photo Credits: Indiana Dunes Beaches & Beyond, used with permission.
That’s really awesome! I think it’s nice to bring the entire family here especially during Thanksgiving. There’s a lot of activities for everyone!
I’d enjoy the beach the most, I think! Especially in summer.
Wow, I remember when we were little we have a fun vacation and we visit the sand dunes park. It is really a fun moment.
Was it this sand dunes park or another one?
Great photos and a wonderful vacation spot for sure! We visited the area a few times. It is so much fun.
I love any place that combines adventure, good food, history and fun!
wow what a beautiful place this is. I would love to come for a visit. adding it to my must see list.
Does your must see list keep growing like mine does? 🙂
That does sound like a great vacation! I’ve never ever heard of the Indiana Dunes but it looks absolutely beautiful with lots of fun things to do there.
There are so many beautiful places in the United States that people have not discovered. This is definitely one of them!
I have family in Michigan and the next time I head up that way, I will have to check out Indiana Dunes. It looks like here are so many great things to do there. I love seeing historical sites and it would be great to end the day at a winery. Great fun.
I agree! We are from the Midwest and plan to visit our next trip north.
wow, so pretty! It is so cool to get to see so many great spots we have in our country to visit. I would love to visit here! Thanks for sharing!
I know! It’s on my list too! And so many more places. It’s like the more I travel, the more I want to see. 🙂
This looks like such a fun spot! 🙂 The 3 dune challenge sounds particularly fun to do as a family!
It looks like Indiana has something for everyone in the family. My hubs would be all over the craft beer tour and me I would be kayaking!
Sounds like so much to do and super family friendly! My kids would enjoy it!
We love getting outdoors with our family and this looks like a gorgeous place to visit!