There are so many things to love about Chicago. First, there are the city’s beautiful beaches along its shoreline. Second, there is a magnificent Riverwalk filled with bustling restaurants. Third, there is a lakefront trail that encircles the entire city.
We could talk about Chicago’s lakefront trail for days. It features bars for R&R pit stops and a separate path for bikers and walkers.
Our only qualm is the lack of variation along the trail, but that’s okay because we don’t really need more options, especially since a national park is within driving distance from Chicago.
Enter the Indiana Dunes: this national park has been shaped by the waves and wind of Lake Michigan for thousands of years, resulting in rich biodiversity along 15 miles of Indiana’s coast. The park features over 50 miles of trails that wind through shifting sand dunes, peaceful woodlands, sunny prairies, and lush wetlands.
Favorite hikes in the Indiana Dunes
Cowels Bog Trail
Explore a variety of distinct habitats, such as ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas, and beaches. However, the steep sand dunes near Lake Michigan can make hiking the Cowels Bog Trail quite strenuous.
Many visitors bring lunch to enjoy at the shoreline while taking a break before the return trip.
Trail length: 4.7 miles
Hike Time: 4 hours
West Beach Trails
West Beach is a much easier trail that combines hiking and beach relaxation. The trails are diverse and have various habitats, and the top of the Dune Succession trail stairs offers stunning views.
Explore a beautiful stand of jackpines and a bird-watching opportunity along the lake. After the hike, unwind and swim at the beach.
Hike Length: 3 loops totaling 3.4 miles. Dune Succession – Loop 1: 0.9 miles. West Beach – Loop 2: 1.2 miles. Long Lake – Loop 3: 2.2 miles.
Hike Time: 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Paul H. Douglas Trail
The Paul H. Douglas Trail in Miller Woods meanders through various habitats, including wetlands, a globally rare black oak savanna, open dunes, and a beach.
Within the oak savanna, native grasses and wildflowers, such as lupine, flourish in the sunlight and on the open forest floor. However, be cautious of the abundant poison ivy along the edges of the trail and make sure to stay on the path.
Trail Length: Douglas Center loop: 0.9 miles. Beach trail: 3.4 miles.
Hike Time: Douglas Center loop: 30 minutes. Beach trail: 2 hours.