If you’ve driven through Gary, Indiana on your way to Chicago, you might not have many positive things to say about the city. It was once a thriving destination where factory workers earned high salaries and enjoyed a bustling city center. It has since fallen on hard times. Some factories remain, but it’s harder to find the town’s beauty today than it was 50 years ago. However, if you know where to look, you will find a magnificent spot that forces you to rethink your opinion of Gary. You won’t believe the beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park.
A Wonderful Strip Along Lake Michigan
Indiana Dunes National Park covers a 15-mile strip along the shore of Lake Michigan. Standing on the beach, you can soak up the sun while staring out into the water. Shift your gaze to the east, and you can see downtown Gary. Look a little north on a clear day and you might spot the Chicago cityscape.
Lake Michigan is big enough that it feels like an ocean. If you live in the Midwest, it’s easy to take a short drive, hang out on the beach, and pretend that you’ve traveled all the way to the East Coast.
Things You Can Do at the Dunes
You can enjoy all of the typical beach activities at the Dunes. Go swimming, build sandcastles, and get a tan. The national park also has 13 designated trails that cover more than 50 miles. Several of the trails are short and easy to walk. You can finish them within half an hour. Others will test your endurance by taking you up and down sand dunes throughout the day.
Other activities include:
- Bird watching
- Horseback riding
- Cross-country skiing
- Fishing
- Boating
- Visiting historical sites
The lake does have some rip tides, so pay attention to any warnings before you go for a swim.
Believe it when we tell you, you won’t believe the beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park. You must visit there yourself to find out just what we mean.
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