I Found A Coastal Getaway In The Midwest At Indiana Dunes, Just Outside Chicago
I never expected to find sandy beaches, towering dunes, and Lake Michigan waves just an hour from downtown Chicago.
Indiana Dunes felt like stumbling into a secret coastal paradise tucked right in the Midwest, complete with trails that climb sky-high and sunsets that rival any ocean view. Whether you’re craving a quick escape or a full weekend adventure, this spot delivers nature, history, and those big-water vibes without the long flight.
Disclaimer:
Information reflects research at time of writing. Access, hours, fees, and trail or beach conditions at Indiana Dunes can change; check official NPS/Indiana DNR updates before you go. Obey closures (including dune-restoration areas), swim only where permitted, and heed flag warnings and currents. Leave No Trace and respect wildlife and historic sites. Inclusion is informational, not endorsement. Photo rights remain with their owners.
1. West Beach & The Dune Succession Trail
If climbing stairs feels like a workout video you actually want to finish, this trail is calling your name. The boardwalk zigzags up and over shifting sand hills, and every step rewards you with bigger views of Lake Michigan stretching out like an inland ocean. My calves burned, but my camera roll thanked me.
Once you reach the top, the landscape opens into a textbook example of dune ecology, from beach grass to cottonwood forests. It’s like watching nature’s timeline unfold in real time. After the hike, I cooled off with a swim right at West Beach, the water shockingly refreshing and way cleaner than I expected for a Great Lake this close to the city.
2. Indiana Dunes State Park’s Trail 9 (Highest Dune Ridges)
Trail 9 is the signature ridge walk everyone whispers about, and for good reason. You’ll climb three major dune peaks, each one offering blowout views over the lake that make you feel like you’re standing on top of the world. The famous Three Dune Challenge lives here, and honestly, it’s tough but totally worth the bragging rights.
What I loved most? The lack of crowds compared to other hotspots. You can actually hear the wind and the waves instead of a thousand selfie sticks clicking. Pack water, wear sturdy shoes, and prepare to feel like a nature documentary host narrating your own adventure.
3. Mount Baldy Beach (Living Dune Area)
Mount Baldy is basically a celebrity dune because it actually moves, migrating inland a few feet every year like a giant sandy creature on a slow-motion road trip. The beach itself is open for swimming and sunbathing, and the sand is soft enough to make you forget you’re in Indiana. Just saying, the vibes are strong here.
However, the dune summit remains closed for safety and ecological restoration, so you can admire it from below but not climb it. I spent an hour just walking the shoreline, collecting rocks, and watching sailboats drift past. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and your phone battery lasts way longer than usual.
4. World-Class Birding At The Great Marsh & Longshore Tower
Though I’m not a hardcore birder, even I got swept up in the magic of the Great Marsh during migration season. Hawks, waterfowl, and songbirds funnel along the shoreline in spring and fall, creating a feathered highway that’s downright mesmerizing. Binoculars are your best friend here, trust me.
The Longshore Tower gives you an elevated vantage point to scan the wetlands and lake at once. I spotted a red-tailed hawk circling overhead and a whole crew of ducks paddling through the reeds. If you’re into nature photography or just love watching wildlife do their thing, this spot is pure gold.
5. Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm (History Loop)
Walking through the Bailly Homestead feels like stepping into a time machine set to the fur-trade era. The original log cabin and surrounding buildings tell the story of French-Canadian trader Joseph Bailly, who settled here in the 1820s. It’s quiet, shaded, and refreshingly low-key compared to the beach crowds.
From there, the trail loops over to Chellberg Farm, a Swedish immigrant homestead complete with a big red barn and chickens pecking around the yard. I loved how the trail weaves through forest and along the Little Calumet River, offering a mellow walk that’s perfect for families or anyone craving a slower pace.
6. Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk (Pavilion & Pier Views)
Portage Lakefront is proof that reclaimed industrial sites can become absolute gems. The accessible loop, fishing pier, and pavilion make it easy for everyone to enjoy the water, and the views of the Chicago skyline at sunset are straight-up stunning. I watched the sky turn pink and orange while the city lights flickered on across the lake.
Families were fishing off the pier, joggers looped the path, and I just sat on a bench soaking it all in. It’s the kind of spot where you can relax without any pressure to hike or explore, just be present and enjoy the view.
