Indiana Dunes National Park

The Living Mountain: Mount Baldy

We started our trip at the park's most famous "living" landmark Mount Baldy. Mount Baldy is a massive wandering dune that stands 126 feet tall and is constantly on the move—shifting inland at an average of about four feet per year.

The hike to the beach is a fascinating one because the trail surface itself is a constant reminder of the dune's power. Trekking through the loose sand on the trail can be a workout, but emerging onto the shore makes it all worth it. The way the sand has "expanded" over the years to bury everything in its path—from trees to old park infrastructure—is a vivid display of Lake Michigan's raw energy.

Beach Hopping: Central Avenue & Lakeview

While many visitors flock to the main West Beach, our favorites are the true hidden gems of the Indiana coast:

• Central Avenue Beach: This is a spectacular spot for birdwatching. If you look up at the dune faces, you can often see bank swallows darting in and out of their nests. The "buried forest" vibe here, where trees are slowly being engulfed by sand, makes for a surreal and beautiful landscape.

• Lakeview Beach: True to its name, this spot offers some of the best panoramic views of the lake. It's the only beach in the park with a covered picnic shelter right on the bluff, making it a perfect place to relax while watching the waves.

Pinhook Bog: A Fragile Secret

It’s a bummer that the timing didn’t work out for the Pinhook Bog tour! Because it is a "National Natural Landmark" with a very fragile ecosystem (including insect-eating pitcher plants and rare orchids), the floating boardwalk is only accessible via ranger-led open houses. It’s essentially a 10,000-year-old "raft" of sphagnum moss floating over an ancient glacial lake. Hopefully, we can catch the "bog walk" on our next loop through!

A Step Back at Chellberg Farm

To round out the trip, Chellberg Farm offered a great change of pace. Walking the trails through the maple forest and seeing the 1885 brick farmhouse gave a wonderful glimpse into the life of the Swedish immigrants who settled here in the 1860s. Between the historic barn, the "Sugar Shack" where they still make maple syrup in the spring, and the resident farm animals, it’s a peaceful reminder of the region’s agricultural roots.

Indiana Dunes has a way of making you feel like you've visited three different states in one afternoon—moving from a coastal beach to a glacial forest and then to a historic farm.