Small-town charm? Check. Small-town vibes? Check. Small-town heart? Triple check! Dune Acres, Indiana, is a peacefully quiet small town with big beauty and even bigger dunes.
This gorgeous little town is overlooked so often that it sometimes seems forgotten in time.
Located in Westchester Township, Porter County, Dune Acres overlooks the southern shore of Lake Michigan. It's a sleepy, quiet little place where there isn't much ado about anything- or so it seems.
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Dune Acres is most famous for the Dune Acres Clubhouse, a historic hub of activity with plenty to do.
The Clubhouse organizes dozens of social gatherings and events every year, but only Dune Acres residents can reserve the building. Visitors are always welcome to the town, though.
The town itself is tiny, with just 165 homes as of the 2010 census.
Amazingly, Dune Acres sits perched atop the tallest dune on Lake Michigan, and it also possesses incredibly diverse plant life and wildlife in the surrounding environment.
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In fact, Dune Acres currently boasts the highest amount of natural plant diversity in North America!
Hundreds of plant and animal species call this region around life-giving Lake Michigan home, and Dune Acres is no exception. The abundance of natural life adds to the overall quality of life in this pretty little slice of paradise.
On a clear day, one can make out the downtown Chicago skyline across the water.
The cycle of life remains uninterrupted here as it has been for thousands of years. This quiet, quaint little town situated up high on the dunes is just waiting for you to come and explore.
Have you ever seen this beautiful little gem of a town? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments!
Editor’s Note: Occasionally, portions of Highway 62 Indiana can be closed due to construction or roadwork. We encourage you to always check the current Highway 62 Indiana closures on the Indiana Department of Transportation website before you leave for your trip.
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There’s something timeless about the call of the open road. Whenever we feel that itch for adventure, road-tripping seems to be our go-to remedy, especially in the Hoosier State. Whether it’s the promise of sunny days or the charm of a comfortable evening drive, there’s a road waiting to be explored. And if you’re searching for some of the best scenic highways in Indiana, don’t miss the iconic Highway 62 Indiana. This gem stretches for an impressive 223 miles, winding its way from the Illinois state line right through to Dearborn County.
You'll begin your trip at the Wabash Memorial Bridge between the Illinois and Indiana state lines. Travel east, and you'll continue to discover all sorts of fun spots. You'll pass through small towns and big cities, and you'll get to see a little bit of everything Indiana has to offer.
You'll pass through the towns of Mount Vernon, Boonville, and plenty more, and we definitely recommend stopping in each new place and getting a feel for it. Each and every town has a unique and intriguing history, much like the rest of Indiana.
History buffs will find intrigue in plenty of the old towns; for example, the town of Corydon is historically significant.
How, you ask? Well, we suppose you'll just have to visit and find out for yourself - we definitely don't want to spoil it for you!
We think it's a great idea to make an entire vacation out of Highway 62 Indiana; stay and explore the various towns and shops, and book cozy Airbnbs you won't find anywhere else.
There are also lots of adorable bed and breakfasts scattered throughout the towns you'll journey through, and we love them all! There's a unique charm to every place you could possibly stay, and we are totally here for it.
Whether you decide to do the whole 200+ mile stretch or just a segment or two, Highway 62 Indiana is a perfect way to get out and explore the Hoosier State.
So, what do you think? Have you ever trekked the entire, 223-mile-long route that is the wonderful Highway 62 Indiana? For more of the best scenic drives in Indiana, you might want to check out this article for some road-tripping inspiration.
There is so much to do in Indiana, especially once it gets warm outside. From sporting events to cultural exhibits, fine dining to the great outdoors, Hoosiers have so much to do it can almost be overwhelming. Don't worry! We've put together a bucket list of all of the best and top-rated things to do in Indiana. If you're lost on what to do this summer, use this bucket list for inspiration.
Any Hoosier who hasn't eaten at the famous St. Elmo's Steakhouse should try out this restaurant at least once in their lifetime. Find out what all the hype is about at this Indianapolis staple.
The popular Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is one of the best places in the state to entertain kids and adults alike. Come explore the 1,000+ animals in this highly acclaimed zoo.
This amazing museum, located in Speedway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers race lovers a glimpse into racing history. Learn more about your favorite drivers and view some of the most famous cars in this museum.
The gorgeous West Baden Springs Hotel is a place everyone should visit, especially those of us who live in Indiana. Explore historic French Lick while you're there...that is, if you can bear to leave this beautiful hotel.
Want to show your kids where milk or cheese come from? Bring them to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks to explore a real working dairy farm and meet some of the cows.
If you've never seen the amazing that is the University of Notre Dame up close, you absolutely need to check it out. Explore the stunning architecture and take a stroll around South Bend while you're there.
Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with wild animals? At Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue, you can. Visit these stunning rescued wolves, pet them, and learn more about wild animals.
Indiana Beach Amusement Park in Monticello is an awesome place to bring the family for a day trip. Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and amazing food.
Hardin Ridge in Heltonville is located within the Hoosier National Forest, and is a popular place for camping. If you're looking for a fantastic rustic spot to escape to, you'll love Hardin Ridge. They offer nature walks, picnic areas, swimming, and boating.
The Indiana State Fair is a staple for Hoosiers and if you haven't been, you absolutely have to check it out this year. From amazing food and rides to animals, vendors, and musical acts, you won't be disappointed.
This amazing state park in Madison, Indiana showcases the beauty of the southern part of Indiana. Camp in the park, hike along the numerous trails, and take in the gorgeous falls. Explore downtown Madison while you're there, too.
This stunning cave offers two different tours that are great for groups of friends, couples, and even kids. Prepare to be amazed by checking out Marengo Cave this summer.
The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival takes place in September, and you absolutely need to be there. If you've never attended one before, get ready for great food, great fun, and a ton of popcorn.
Columbus, Indiana is well known for its architecture, including its famous churches, North Christian Church and First Christian Church. If you've never explored these buildings, you have to add them to your list.
Nashville, Indiana is a charming small town in Brown County that you have to check out at least once. This historic artists colony has amazing antiques and crafts shops, fantastic art galleries, and lovely theaters and music venues.
Which of these awesome Indiana bucket list items do you want to check off first? How many have you completed so far? What would you add to the list? Let us know! Need a place to stay while you're exploring the Hoosier State? Check out all the amazing options on VRBO.
