From Sand Dunes To Glittering Shoreline, This Lakeside Route Offers A Whole New Side of Indiana

Starting off in the northwest corner of Indiana, just a stone’s throw away from Illinois, Whihala Beach is a great place to start. Stroll along the Whihala Beach Trail, which runs from the beach to Whiting Lakefront Park. The whole trail is about three miles, but don’t feel like you have to tackle the whole trail – we’re just getting started!

It's time for our next stop: the Miller Woods Trail in Gary, Indiana. Here, you’ll find the southernmost point in Lake Michigan and our first entrance into Indiana Dunes National Park. The Miller Woods Trail is a scenic little 3.5-mile trail that will take you through the wetlands and over to the beach. It’s a really cool trail where you get to watch the landscape and ecosystems morph as you make your way to Lake Michigan. 

This cabin in Portage, Indiana, is just 10 minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park and a great place to end the first leg of our road trip. The three-bedroom cabin is situated on two acres and offers beautiful views, large windows, and plenty of games (including a ping pong table) for endless hours of entertainment. There are also two fire pits, and boy oh boy do I love sitting around a fire pit after a day of exploring. 

Rise and shine! We’ve got another day of beaches and dunes to explore. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is a great spot to pick up brochures and check out the educational displays, watch orientation videos, and maybe even pick up a souvenir to remember the road trip. You can also pick up an America the Beautiful National Parks pass, which can save you a ton of money if you’re planning on visiting more than a couple national parks this year. 

To take in the views, lace up your shoes and tackle the Indiana Dunes Trail 3, a 1.4-mile loop trail full of sand and shoreline that's considered an easy, accessible hike. This trail is a favorite among birdwatchers, and if you're looking for a dog-friendly hike in Indiana Dunes, you'll be pleased to learn that this trail is dog friendly as long as Fido remains on leash.

After hiking, it's time to eat! There are some great options in the area: Porter itself is a charming little town in Indiana that’s delightful; Chesterton is the town next door and Octave Grill has some of the best burgers in Indiana. Burgers and beaches are the ultimate combo, so add this eatery to your list.

There’s a reason we made this road trip in a west-to-east fashion. It’s because this last stop is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Indiana. Welcome to Washington Park Beach! Kick off your shoes and take a leisurely stroll along the Indiana Beach Walk at sunset—you won’t regret it!

Just in case you’re worn out from your second epic beach day, this cabin in Michigan City has got your back. Tucked away on 170 acres of beautiful nature, this remote cabin in Michigan City is the perfect spot to rest your head after a day of enjoying Indiana’s beaches and dunes.