If you were to ask someone who’s never visited Indiana what they think it’s like, chances are incredibly slim that you’ll find a whole lot of people who will mention sand dunes. But, it’s true: there most certainly are sand dunes in the Hoosier State, and they just so happen to be nestled right up along the banks of the most beautiful lake in Indiana, too. And should you treat yourself to a day at Indiana Dunes National Park (do it), you’ll want to explore as much as you can – so why not take a hike? Explore some of the most truly unique landscapes in the Midwest on this awesomely unique hiking trail in Indiana: it’s the Indiana Dunes Trail #9, and it’s an epic adventure. Come see why this trail is 100 percent one of my favorite hikes of all time and it might just become one of yours!

Indiana Dunes Trail #9 is an adventure unlike any other in this state, even other trails in the same park.
Karen Isley/AllTrails
It might just take the crown for being THE best hike in the entire region; along the way, you'll see all sorts of interesting geographical features, stunning lake views, and so much more.
For example, you'll pass by three intriguing features called blowouts, and they're hard to miss.
David Joy/AllTrails
A blowout is a dramatic-looking depression in the sand caused by erosion thanks to wind. It's not exactly what anyone might expect from Indiana... but most especially people who have never been.
The sand is soft and supple, and the trail is very well marked.
Greg M./AllTrails
It's a little challenging at parts thanks to the fact that you need to traverse up sand dunes though, well, sand - but we promise it's worth breaking a sweat for.

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Though much of the trek is sandy, beachy, dune-y goodness, there are some bits and pieces that are different... almost forest-like.
David Dalby/AllTrails
It feels like something out of a fairy tale, or maybe an adventure movie... definitely not the American Midwest.
But that's part of the amazing thing about this place: it's so diverse, so beautiful, and SO much fun to explore.
Jason Hoff/AllTrails
To find the trailhead, park in the Nature Center parking lot. There is a fee to get into the park, so plan accordingly ($7 per car for Indiana residents, $12 per car for out of state. $2 walk-in and bike fee). It's open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Few things are more amazing than a sunrise - or a sunset - from the dunes.
Gren M./AllTrails
Indiana Dunes Trail #9 will lead you to new heights - literally - and it'll blow your mind along the way.

For more information about this stunning, unique hiking trail in Indiana, check out the official website for Indiana Dunes National Park. What would you say is your favorite hiking trail in Indiana? Let us know in the comments! 

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Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA