Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park

As development along Lake Michigan began, so also began the push to conserve the natural dunes. In 1926 Indiana Dunes State Park was created, the first step in protecting the area. The fight to industrialize and create a Port of Indiana continued and in 1963 JFK proposed both a port and a national lakeshore and in 1966 Congress created Indianan Dunes National Lakeshore. It wasn’t until 2019 that it was redesignated as Indiana Dunes National Park

Visiting the national and state park in early October was, for us, the perfect time to hike amongst the fall colors and enjoy the cooler days. For those wishing to swim in lake Michigan at the beach, summer would also be amazing. As a side note, this park is only about one hour outside of Chicago and makes an excellent launching point for a visit to the WIndy City. If you are entering the state park in an RV, use caution as some of the roads are narrow.

We were lucky enough to get a camping spot in the state park campground. The sites are spacious and have electric only. There is potable water and a dump station available. In early October the park was active and filled with campers.

In the national park, we explored the beaches and did the Riverwalk. We would highly recommend this in order to see the area where the boats enter to the protected marina.

Inside the state park we decided to tackle the “Three Dune Challenge”. This hike is one and a half miles and then you can choose your return or head to the beach. I we found it interesting that the area has so many trees growing on the sand dunes. Those trees were wonderful for us as we were mostly shaded during our hike. Our first mountain was Mount Jackson which is 176 feet above Lake Michigan and contains 32,000,000 ft.³ of sand.

As we headed up Mt. Holdon, discussed that the real challenge is the shifting sands beneath our feet. For every step we took we slid back half a step. We found that sticking to the edge of the trail gave us more traction.

Mt Holden stands at 184 feet above Lake Michigan and contains 53,000,000 ft.³ of sand. From here we had magnificent views of Lake Michigan below the autumn colored tree line.

As we headed back down Mt. Holden we laughed at how easy the downhill slope is because with every step we take we gain an extra two steps by sliding.

Mt. Tom has 105 wooden steps to the top. We aren’t sure if this made the climb easier since we weren’t sloshing through the sand. With the wooden platform mount tom feels like you have climbed into a treehouse above Lake Michigan. Mt. Tom sits 192 feet above Lake Michigan and contains 56,000,000 ft.³ of sand.

At the end of our adventure hike we went pack to the park office for our reward sticker for completing the “Three Dune Challenge”.

Along the lakeshore there is a pavilion with a restaurant where we decided to grab a steak salad and enjoy the amazing sunset. God’s handiwork on display indeed!