Parks, dunes and a resort town make Indiana a midwestern destination
By Bryn Dippold
When thinking of Indiana, Indianapolis might be the first thing that comes to mind, but there is so much more to the Hoosier State. The state of almost 7 million people has 24 state parks, three national parks and a lot of room for adventure. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, or even looking to rediscover Indiana as a resident, check out these can’t-miss destinations.
White River State Park
As the nation’s largest urban state park at 250 acres, White River State Park offers visitors a 3-mile journey around downtown Indianapolis and access to any of the surprising seven attractions within the park. There is even an Attraction Pass available for purchase that gives visitors access to many of the museums within the park at a discounted rate.
In White River State Park, you can also catch a baseball game at Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, attend a concert at the Everwise Amphitheater, explore Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art or visit the Indianapolis Zoo, the only zoo in the country that is triple accredited as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden.
Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park is located near Chesterton in northern Indiana and on the shores of Lake Michigan, which has crafted the Dunes over millennia with its wind and waves. There are over 50 miles of trails along the Indiana Dunes, as well as woodlands, prairies and wetlands. The large sand dunes are the biggest draw, as some tower over 200 feet above Lake Michigan.
At the Dunes, there are opportunities to picnic, cross-county ski, fish, swim and birdwatch, along with a nearby Nature Center to learn about the region. As for hiking, there are easy, moderate and rugged trails, fit for just about any visitor. If you’re brave, try out the 3 Dune Challenge, a climb up the three tallest sand dunes at the park with 1.5 miles of tough trail and 552 vertical feet.
French Lick
French Lick is a small town in southern Indiana of just about 1,700 people, but its historic mineral springs and French Lick Resort make it as unmissable as a big city. The French Lick Resort consists of three hotels—West Baden Springs, French Lick Springs and Valley Tower—that cover more than 3,200 scenic acres.
The West Baden Springs Hotel was hailed as “The Eighth Wonder of the World” when it first opened over a century ago due to its incredible atrium that spans 200 feet. And the French Lick Springs Hotel was established in 1845 as a mineral springs resort, as the spas utilize the area’s famous “miracle waters” that were said to cure any ailment. Resort activities include horseback riding, pickleball, and hiking and walking trails. Those looking for a relaxing getaway should look no further than French Lick.
