Indiana Dunes State Park, IN

In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.

Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.  

This is our typical camping set-up time-lapse. We stayed inside the state park this week. There is a daily entrance fee which also allows campers beach access. The facilities were good, but no cellular coverage.

We picked up a second camera when our first camera had swimming issues in the Porcupine Mountains. On this trip, we had two cameras after our first one was replaced by GoPro. So, naturally, we set-up dueling cameras for time-lapse. See which version you like better.

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We came to the dunes to follow a hike in our 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Chicago book. The book does not cover everything and we discovered the 3-Dune Challenge. Not particularly difficult but a nice way to acquaint yourselves with the Indiana Dunes.

Mt. Jackson is either the first or the last dune on your 3 Dune challenge. We liked starting here and ending with Mt. Tom because Mt. Tom is a bit more exciting. If you find yourself on Mt. Jackson, take a look at the forest behind the dune, it’s impressive.

Mt. Holden has a nice view of the lake. You’ll quickly find out that the Challenge is walking up and down in the sand. Interestingly, the sand changes texture, making walking either easier or more difficult.

Mt. Tom is very impressive. Take a look around and visualize the lake at the height of this dune.

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Doing a park quest to earn a park pin. I highly recommend a stop into the Nature Center to see what’s happening on your day. Ask about doing a challenge, it’s fun and worth it.

Trail 9 takes you to several ‘blow outs’ or areas where the wind has literally blow the sand away. Its fun to run around and a great view.

You’ll want to move the video around, the views are pretty great. Trail 9 is 3.75 miles but the sand makes it somewhat challenging.

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Be prepared to jump into the lake on a hot day. The water is great and we had a blast. Be sure and move the video around to see the beach and landscape from a distance.

The video speaks for itself. Ryan is possessed.

We talk about a great hike and our work picking up trash so we can earn a pin. This is the same video as below except this is centered for a video and the next is the original 360.

We Talk about our good work picking up trash so we can earn a pin. You’ll need to move the video around to see everything.

Our tradition of Mexican Food after our hike continues. Full day recap.

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