As a native Hoosier (no, I don’t know what the word “Hoosier” actually means), I can honestly say I’ve never been asked to describe Indiana beaches. In fact, most people probably don’t even realize the state has sandy waterfront property.

Well, it does…and thanks to a recent AAA Home & Away magazine fact-finding mission, I’m now keenly aware of not only the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore coastline that hugs Lake Michigan in Northern Indiana but also the botanical melting pot that simultaneously exists there. Just 50 miles southeast of Chicago, this vastly diversified area, which stretches from Gary, Indiana, to Michigan City, Indiana, provides an easily-accessible opportunity for visitors of all ages to gain an appreciation of nature and the great outdoors.

During this particular Seiter family weekend getaway, my 10-year-old son, Preston, and 7-year-old daughter, Alaina, were amazed to discover that clean, family-friendly beaches are a mere two-and-a-half hour drive from Indianapolis. In fact, we could have spent the entire weekend chasing shorebirds and building sandcastles and they would have been perfectly content. However, what I found so astonishing about the place was the seemingly endless ecological menu there.

I grew up in Indiana and I know what the state is primarily recognized for—corn, basketball and the Indy 500; not necessarily in that order, so keeping those stereotypes in mind, I was understandably shocked to learn the Dunes Lakeshore area hosts more than 1,400 different plant species and ferns and more than 350 species of birds (no, I’m not talking about famed French Lick, IN basketball player Larry’s Bird’s family). Wetlands, bogs and forests are plentiful throughout the lakeshore and climbable sand dunes can be found in many locations along the area’s eight beaches.

We braved a moderately-sized dune while visiting Porter Beach and while Preston and Alaina garnished enough energy to climb to its peak multiple times, it was everything I could do just to navigate the soft, caramel-tinted sand once. Muscle fatigue isn’t supposed to be associated with a vacation, is it?

Anyway, while there, we also visited the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, a one-time trading post and family property that holds many secrets to the area’s initial settlement and ongoing development throughout the 1800s. Access to these historical monuments can only be attained by foot via long winding paths through somewhat heavily wooded areas, however, so if you plan to visit, here are three suggestions:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes
2. Bring something to drink
3. Don’t forgot sun block and bug spray

My wife, Denise, and the kids were also pleased to discover that the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore boasts much more than ecotourism and history.
The city of Chesterton, for example, is home to a well-known seasonal European Market and though we didn’t make it to Valparaiso, we read that art galleries and theatrical entertainment can be found there. We also just couldn’t find time to visit the 120 stores that comprise the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets Mall just up the road in Michigan City. Darn…sorry honey!  I’ve already been informed however, that shopping is going to be a much higher priority during our next visit.

Oh, I can’t wait. Do you sense my enthusiasm?

Regardless, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is diverse and affordable with literally something for everyone. We’ll definitely be going back soon.