Whether you’re a nature lover, someone who enjoys hiking, or are simply in need of a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, we’ve got just the place for you. Only a short drive from Chicago is Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the country’s newest national parks and a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path destination for your next day trip.
And what better way to explore one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets than with Toyota’s own best-kept secret?
The Toyota bZ4X is the trusted brand’s first all-electric SUV, equipped with features to give you confidence on the road during your journey to the Dunes. Keep reading to learn more about this Chicago hidden gem and the Toyota bZ4X.
Uncover more Chicago hidden gems with our Toyota bZ4X map here.
About Indiana Dunes National Park
If you find yourself needing a little rest and respite, hit the road for a mini trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. In addition to its iconic sand dunes and over 15 miles of beaches along Lake Michigan, the park is home to a unique ecosystem of wooded wetlands, prairie, and a black oak forest.
In 1966, the former state park was authorized by congress as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, comprising just over 8,300 acres of land and water. However, the park continued expanding over the decades until reaching its current size of about 15,000 acres, ultimately becoming the 61st U.S. national park in 2019.
Indiana Dunes National Park is most known for its many beaches along Lake Michigan’s southern shoreline. Here, visitors will find parking and access to hiking trails, in addition to recreational activities like swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and more. Or, for a completely different Indiana Dunes experience, you can also venture off the beaten path and through the park’s shaded woods or wetlands via hiking trail. The Dune Succession Trail is one of the most popular, culminating in an unbeatable hilltop view of Chicago’s skyline.
Indiana Dunes State Park is ultimately an ideal destination for Chicagoans who want an escape from the city but don’t have time for a big getaway. It’s a hidden gem just an hour from Chicago by car, and offers scenic views you won’t find anywhere else.
Toyota’s secret worth sharing
The Toyota bZ4X is designed to make your trip to Indiana Dunes effortless and enjoyable. Thanks to its all-wheel drive capability, the SUV handles unexpected rain and winding roads with confidence, keeping you on track no matter the conditions. Features such as rain-sensing wipers and strategic sound insulation also bring added convenience and a touch of sophistication to every drive.
This innovative all-electric SUV combines everything you love about Toyota with the convenience of skipping the gas station. Plus, with an EV charging station located just 15 minutes away in Porter, IN, you can easily charge up before heading back home.
So what are you waiting for? Venture off the beaten path by planning a visit to the Indiana Dunes!