Fall is my favorite time of year to travel. Last year we took a fun, extended trip to Colorado, but we are looking to stay a bit closer to home this year, which is why I’m excited to share today’s post about the Indiana Dunes.
To be honest, I had never heard of the Indiana Dunes before I was asked to research it for this post. However, after reading about it, it’s definitely on my bucket list of travel ideas for fall. Here’s why:
1. Distance
The Indiana Dunes are easily accessible for most of the midwest.As I mentioned, we are looking to stay a bit closer to home this year. We are not taking a long vacation, so a weekend getaway would be perfect. From Columbus, the Indiana Dunes is less than 5 hours away. They are also close to many other Midwestern cities – like Chicago (less than 1 hour), Indianapolis (less than 3 hours), and Cleveland (less than 5 hours).
2. The Beaches
I love a beautiful beach and sometimes it can seem like we are a bit land-locked in the Midwest. Located along Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes have been named one of the top 5 best US beaches for families. There are over 15 miles of shoreline and plenty of beach access points. You can click here to read more about the beaches.
3. Natural Beauty
Whether it’s the colors of the changing leaves or the blue waters, there is no denying the beauty of the Indiana Dunes.
4. Variety of Outdoor Activities
In addition to spending time on the beach, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and paddling.
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, you can explore a mix of terrains on such as a beach, wetlands, prairies, and forests. There are trails that run over 70 miles.
Cycling
If you enjoy cycling, there are nine loops for you to choose from that take you past a variety of the natural and historic sites.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is another popular activity as there are over 350 migratory species that pass through the area. With the varied landscapes such as the lake, the dunes, and the woodlands, the area draws over 350 migratory species. It’s one of the top places for birdwatching in the midwest. They also offer a program called Backpacks for Birders in which you can reserve a backpack with birding essentials like a set of binoculars and a bird ID book. That best part? It’s free!
Paddling
If the weather is warm enough, you can rent canoes, kayaks, or boats from any number of the marinas.
5. Mild Weather
Fall at the Indiana Dunes is mild – perfect for your outdoor adventures. In September, high temperatures average in the 70’s and in October, the temperatures average in the 60’s.
Isn’t it pretty? Will you be adding the Indiana Dunes to your fall travel bucket list?
