Our latest adventure took us to the scenic Indiana Dunes National Park and the bustling city of Chicago as the early spring began to bloom. Cameron and I embarked from Boston to Chicago, then made the brief drive to Indiana Dunes. After soaking up the natural beauty there, we reunited with Cat and Collin in Chicago for a delightful weekend exploring the city’s many wonders.
Indiana Dunes, nestled in northwestern Indiana, was initially designated as Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966 before being elevated to national park status in February 2019. Spanning about 20 miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the park covers 15,349 acres. Despite its modest size, it boasts remarkable accessibility. The surrounding area is a tapestry of residential homes, commercial spaces, and even heavy industry. Notably, a steel plant disrupts the park’s continuity on its eastern edge, and on the opposite end, a large coal plant stands where a vast dune once sprawled, creating a unique juxtaposition of industrial and natural landscapes.
The conservation efforts for this area trace back to 1899 when a campaign was launched to protect the dunes’ ecosystem. The sand was once extensively mined for glass production, depleting many of the larger dunes. By 1926, Indiana Dunes State Park was opened to the public. In the 1950s, the Save the Dunes Council was formed to halt further industrial encroachment on the dunes and lakefront. A significant victory came in 1966 when Congress passed a bill establishing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which has since expanded four times, further preserving its ecological heritage.
We chose to stay in Chesterton, a quaint town just a 15-minute drive north of the park. The area was replete with dining options and shops, offering convenient access to and from the park. We visited in early spring, braving the chilly winds to avoid the summer crowds that flock to Lake Michigan. This timing afforded us a peaceful experience, often feeling as though we had the park entirely to ourselves.
During our three-day exploration, we trekked across the dunes and wandered around the marshes. From the beach on a clear day, the Chicago skyline is visible, adding a dramatic backdrop to the natural scenery. A highlight was Mount Baldy, a towering 123-foot sand dune that migrates about four feet each year. Although the dune itself is off-limits for hiking, surrounding trails offer ample exploration opportunities. Cameron, ever the beach glass enthusiast, was delighted to find several pieces here, making it a memorable part of our visit.
Regrettably, Indiana Dunes might rank as one of the less captivating parks we’ve explored, similar in that respect to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. However, in summer, the park transforms into a vibrant beachfront hotspot cherished by locals.
After our stint at the Dunes, we drove two hours back to downtown Chicago. We settled in with some iconic deep-dish pizza before capturing a breathtaking sunset over the city skyline, enhanced by a break in the stormy weather. Later, we picked up Cat and Collin from the airport.
We leveraged the City Pass to explore major attractions efficiently. The first evening was relaxed due to late arrivals. Starting bright and early the next day, we were among the first to enter the Museum of Science and Industry, a must-visit that ranks as one of the most fascinating places we’ve experienced. Our adventure continued at the Shedd Aquarium, followed by a visit to the Skydeck Chicago atop the Willis Tower, which offers unmatched city views. We concluded the day at The Weber Grill, a personal favorite eatery.
Our final day began at the Field Museum, where we managed to explore four major exhibits before time constraints cut our visit short. Just a short walk away, the Adler Planetarium provided a perfect spot for lunch and an engaging show. The City Pass proved invaluable, offering significant savings and fast-track entry to many sites.
Chicago is a city that invites longer stays, and I eagerly anticipate our return, this time with the entire family in tow.
