Dune: Indiana

It's not one of the most popular National Parks, but Indiana Dunes National Park is as unique and special as any of the others.

I first experienced this landscape many years ago from the window of Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited traveling to Chicago. Recent travels allowed for a couple days to explore and it did not disappoint.

The first day we went for a hike at West Beach and learned quickly how fine grained and soft the sand is. 

You could see the Chicago skyline on the horizon.

You go up and down the dunes a few times as you work your way towards the beach.

We also went to Chellberg Farm and the Bailly Homestead.

We got some ice cream at Dari Dip.

Across the street was this perfect little mid-west house.

On our final day we hit up the beach and the clearest water I have ever seen. It was simply beautiful. 

I love the X-Pan captures I got.

It's amazing to see heavy industry and the park coexisting. 

I definitely want to go back and spend more time here. The one thing I'd change about our stay is lodging location. We stayed south of Gary near the interstate in a perfectly nice hotel, but staying within the park would have been nice.

If you're thinking about going, go. Bring your suit!