I Was Pleasantly Surprised by This Marsh Trail in Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the most popular parks in Indiana. Its iconic sand dunes are a bucket list item for many, and it’s easy to see why. The park’s location along Lake Michigan makes it truly one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and it’s an idyllic spot to spend a summer day. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails in Indiana Dunes National Park, and while popular hikes like the West Beach Trail are certainly worth your time, I’m always on the hunt for the hidden gem hikes in parks. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, make your way over to the Great Marsh Trail.

I grew up in Louisiana, so marsh trails are deeply woven into my foundation as a nature lover. If I’m traveling and there’s an opportunity to see another state’s marshy wetlands, I’m sold. The Great Marsh Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park is a 1.4-mile loop trail that takes about an hour to complete. I love loop trails. I’ve gotten spoiled in my outdoor adventures and tend to seek them out. Sorry, out-and-back trails; I just try to avoid repetition at all costs! 

The trail is mostly dirt with a bit of boardwalk mixed in. Boardwalk trails over marshes are the best because they allow you access to parts of nature that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise. Many of our marsh trails in Louisiana are boardwalks, and this marsh trail in Indiana was evoking all the same nostalgic feelings. 

I was pleasantly surprised by how many wildflowers there were on the trail. Pick a color, and they were in bloom! And, of course, all of our favorite pollinators were in full swing, too. Butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds are all frequent fliers here. 

Speaking of frequent fliers, this is an excellent trail for bird watching. I am a big bird nerd, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the different flocks enjoying their day. The area is on the Indiana Birding Trail and is a favorite habitat for all sorts of migratory birds. From ducks and geese to herons and egrets, you’re almost guaranteed to see at least one bird while on the trail. 

It’s not just the feathered friends who enjoy the marsh. Where there is fresh water, there is wildlife. Keep an eye out for turtles, deer, and rabbits while you’re exploring. 

I love watching egrets, herons, and even sandhill cranes stalk the shoreline in search of a tasty snack. There’s a nice open area with some seating that overlooks the marsh. It’s the perfect spot to sit back and watch for wildlife. I call this “watching TV.” It’s the best show ever, and there are never any reruns.

Overall, the path is pretty well maintained, though there can be some overgrown areas where you’ll feel like you’re breaking trail. Keep an eye out for poison ivy and be sure to do a tick check after the hike.

Share this article with someone you want to check out this marsh trail in Indiana with! Visit the Indiana Dunes National Park website for more information, including hours of operation, trail maps, and admission fees. For more outdoor adventures, check out some of our favorite campgrounds in Indiana.