The southern shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana is home to the National Park - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This is one huge National Park that's about 15 miles along the shore and no way we could hike 15 miles with small children.
We did; however, stopped at West Beach of the southern side of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. West Beach is a smaller scale of the whole park itself and there are 3 main trails within the park. There is a park fee of $6 per vehicle per day.
Our goal was the beach and dune so we went on Loop 1 Dune Succession Trail from the nearest parking lot. We followed the trail counterclockwise so we could start with a harder trail at the beginning and end with an easier route on the way back (shorter distance).
(Map courtesy of National Park Service)
Here we go!
Some portions of the trail are well shaded. This is nice especially with the hot summer sun.
Awesome view from the top of the trail.
Finally we made it to the beach facing Lake Michigan! We were amazed by the 2 year old didi, who completed the trail all by himself without being carried! That's almost a mile long hike going up and down the stairs and the dunes to the beach. Great job boys.
Time to take the shoes off and play. What about some dance too?!
So you saw our version of west beach trail during summer. Imagine how it looks like in winter? Gorgeous!
(photo courtesy of National Park Service)
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