Chicago could also be often called the “Windy City”, but it surely turns into a sweltering scorcher come summertime.
While folks historically do not view the Midwest as a seashore haven, superbly blue Lake Michigan is an exception to the rule.
As such, Chicago takes on an entire new vibe this time of yr, the place locals and vacationers alike flock to the lake’s vibrant shores to keep away from the beaming solar on the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier rides, and the Bean’s line of sunburnt selfie-takers.
Those visiting or dwelling in Chicago this summer time ought to think about crossing state traces into Indiana to go to fairly presumably probably the most underrated day journey from the town, Indiana Dunes National Park.
15 Miles Of Vibrant Shores
Who must cope with the trouble of TSA and the brand new money-grabbing Real ID legislation when all you must do is put aside an hour to attain prime actual property alongside vivid blue waters?
That’s the case for Chicagoans and the hordes of vacationers absolutely to flock to certainly one of America’s most iconic cities because it’s set for a record-breaking summer time.
With line-out-the-door crowds invading deep-dish pizza eating places and restricted shorelines amongst the cosy cityscape, Indiana Dunes makes for the very best getaway to keep away from the town bustle.
While this nationwide park is not precisely a high secret, it is definitely far much less recognized than Chicago. You can anticipate finding a spot to park your butt beachside with ample area to atone for a brand new learn or podcast whereas working in your tan.
Indiana Dunes boasts 15 miles of shoreline encompassing 9 separate seashores, so that you’re all however assured to search out the right spot on this lakeside slice of paradise.
In truth, you will discover the coast right here not solely to be just about spotless, however making it extra spectacular is the very fact it is the fifth largest freshwater lake on the earth.
Not solely that, however Indiana Dunes lives as much as its identify with a few of the world’s greatest lakeside dunes, most notably Mount Baldy, a 125-foot “living dune” sculpted by glacial sand mounds.
Don’t miss the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest slated for July twelfth.
Summer Safety Hazards
Despite its magnificence, vacationers needs to be conscious to not fall for Indiana Dunes’ seems alone, like a date with a type of creeps featured on all these Lifetime specials — rip currents can sweep you away quicker than my appeal on promenade evening.
There have been E. coli hazards prior to now too, so it is best to double verify earlier than planning which seashore you go to this summer time.
Lifeguards are stationed on the following seashores throughout busy summer time months:
West Beach (inside Indiana Dunes National Park)
Indiana Dunes State Park (designated swimming seashore)
Adventure Is Calling! Explore 50 Miles Of Scenic Trails
Indiana Dunes is not only a seashore haven; it is jam-packed with pure points of interest and stunning historical past because it was as soon as dwelling to European immigrants, and digging even additional, the homeland for Potawatomi Indigenous Peoples, which may be explored and understood on the park’s Indigenous Cultural Trail.
Moreover, with 50 miles of scenic trails zigging and zagging by means of lush landscapes and elevated outlooks, this park gives a range of adventures by means of historical forests, rugged canyons, open prairies, and sure, aforementioned dunes.
Better but, as summer time humidity blankets Chicago, temperatures right here do not usually transcend the low 80s, changing into way more gratifying with breezy shores and fewer guests.
Where To Stay
Indiana Dunes doesn’t provide lodging on park grounds, however discovering a cushty place to remain remains to be comparatively simple, with quite a few charming small cities close by.
One place you will need to keep away from is Gary, a run-down metropolis previous its heyday and sometimes cited as certainly one of America’s most crime-ridden locations.
That being mentioned, this area of the Midwest is basically protected so long as you keep away from the no-go zones of Gary. The beautiful cities of Beverly Shores and Michigan City are shut by, all providing cozy cabins, old-timey inns, and typical 3-star chain motels to get you by.
Indiana Dunes makes for an important day journey or weekend getaway from Chicago, and it seemingly has cheaper motels than the family names filling the skyline.
For pattern measurement, the flashy Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa in Michigan City goes for $96 all through the summer time.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.