2013 Beyond the Beach Guide

7/28/2019 2013 Beyond the Beach Guide

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Beyond the Beach

Discovery Trail Guide

Beyond the Beach

Discovery Trail

Have you heard the din o ten thousand Sandhill Cranes gathered during

autumn migration? Watched rare Karner blue butteries oating among

wild lupine blossoms? Stood chest deep in a feld o prairie wildowers? I

not, its high time you visited the Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail!


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2 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.indianabeyondthebeach.com

have never seen dunes that equal them inany degree...the beauty o the plant lie in

their native garb is beyond description.Stephen Mather, frst director o the National Park Service, 1916

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This guide is published by Indiana Dunes Tourism and produced incooperation with area partners and businesses. Creative directionand consultation provided by Fermata, Inc. Photographs providedby Christine Livingston, Daniel Bruhn, Sandy Basala, Alexis Faust,Brenda Adams-Weyant, and Indiana DNR. Every eort has beenmade to ensure the accuracy o the inormation contained within.Indiana Dunes Tourism is not liable or damages arising rom errorsor outdated inormation. The Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail wasunded in part by Indiana Department o Natural Resources Lake

Michigan Coastal Program.

Indiana Dunes Tourism1215 North State Road 49, Porter, Indiana 463041 (800) 283-8687www.IndianaDunes.com

Contents3 The Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail

4 Trail at a Glance

6 Dunes Region

24 Moraine Region38 Kankakee Region

46 Birding the Dunes (hotspots and checklist)

56 Blueways (paddling access)

58 Accommodations Listing

60 Orientation Map62 Social Media


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Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail 3

o question about itNorthwest Indiana boasts beautiul beaches and a stunningLake Michigan shoreline. But theres ar more to the Indiana Dunes region thansur and sand. Step beyond the beach, and you enter a wildlie-rich landscape o dunes,barrens, prairies, orests, and wetlands.

The Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail will guide you to 60 sites that showcase this regions greatest natural and cultural

treasures. Unlike a linear hiking or biking trail, the Discovery Trail allows you to set your own route and visit those

sites that best ft your interests and timetable. Youll fnd sites that oer outdoor recreation o all kinds, plus museums andhistoric sites that will immerse you in the regions cultural history. Stop or great dining, shopping, and lodging in the many

welcoming communities o the Beyond the Beach area.

How to Use this Guide: The Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail encompasses three ecologically distinct regionsthe

Dunes Region, the Moraine Region, and the Kankakee Region. In this guidebook, we group Discovery Trail sites within the

ecological region in which they are located. Need help planning your route? Check out the itineraries or each region on

pages 23, 37, and 44.

You can use the table on pages 4 and 5 to locate a particular site description within the guide. Or use the orientation map on

pages 60 and 61 to locate sites in an area youd like to explore. Interested in birding? Youll fnd a guide to birding hotspots,

plus a bird checklist, on pages 52-55. Paddlers can reer to our Blueways section on pages 56 and 57. On the activity map

located in the pocket inside the back cover of this guide, we provide a detailed area map, which includes trail

maps or most sites that oer hiking. Use this map, along with the driving directions and GPS coordinates provided in each

site description, to navigate to the sites.

Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail

N

info

restrooms/portable

picnicking

camping

fishing

paddling

swimmingbeach

natureprograms

wildflowers

museum

historicsite

birdwatching

hiking

wildlifewatching

gift shop/sales

interpretation

gardens

bicycling

mtn biking

x-c skiing I

hunting

horsebackriding

birdinghotspots

blueway

sites

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Site Name Region Page

Number

Fee

Culture Nature Recreation Facilities

Gard

ens

Museum

HistoricSite

Birdwatching

Wild

flowers

Wild

lifeWatching

Natu

rePrograms

Trails

Picn

icking

Cam

ping

Swim

mingBeach

Fish

ing

Paddling

Hunting

Information

Rest

room/Portable

GiftShop-

Sales

Alton Goin Museum at Countryside Park Dunes 12 N X X H, S, B X X X

Andersons Vineyard & Winery Moraine 28 N X

Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area Kankakee 40 N X X X H, S X X

Bailly Homestead & Chellberg Farm Dunes 14 N X X X X X H, S X X X

Bluhm County Park Moraine 27 N X X XMB, S,

H, EX X

Brauer Museum o Art Moraine 32 N X X X

Brincka Cross Gardens Dunes 20 N X X X H

Broken Wagon Bison Farm Moraine 34 N X

Calumet Bike Trail Dunes 14 N X X X H, S, B X

Central Avenue Beach Access Dunes 21 N X X X X X X

Century o Progress Homes Dunes 19 N X

Chesterton Bandstand & HistoricBusiness District

Dunes 17 N X X

Chustak Public Fishing Area Moraine 33 N X X X H X

Coee Creek Park Dunes 18 N X H X

Coee Creek Watershed Preserve Dunes 18 N X X X X H, S, B X X X

Cowles Bog Dunes 15 N X X X X H, S X

Deep River County Park Moraine 34 N X X X XH, S,

EX X X X X X

Deer Trail Park Dunes 12 N X X X H, S X X

Depot o Beverly Shores Museum &Art Gallery

Dunes 20 N X X X X X

Dunns Bridge County Park Kankakee 40 N X X X X X X

Forest Park Moraine 30 N X X H, S X X

Foundation Meadows Moraine 30 N X X H, S, B X X X

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve Dunes 8 N X X X X X H X X X

Glenwood Dunes Trail Dunes 18 N X X X X H, E, S X X

Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park Kankakee 42 N X X X H, S, B X X X X

Hammond Lakeront Park & BirdSanctuary

Dunes 8 N X H

Hawthorne Park Dunes 16 N X X X

Heron Rookery Trail Dunes 21 N X X X X H, S X

Imagination Glen Park Dunes 13 N X X XH, B,MB

X X X X

Trail at a Glance


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Site Name Region Page

Number

Fee

Culture Nature Recreation Facilities

Gard

ens

Museum

HistoricSite

Bird

watching

Wild

flowers

Wild

lifeWatching

Natu

rePrograms

Trails

Picn

icking

Cam

ping

Swim

mingBeach

Fish

ing

Paddling

Hunting

Information

Restroom/Portable

GiftShop-

Sales

Indiana Dunes State Park Dunes 16 Y X X X X X H, S X X X X X X X

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Dunes 8 N X X X X X

Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlie Area Kankakee 41 N X X X H, S X X X X X X

Kankakee Fish & Wildlie Area Kankakee 41 N X X X H, S X X X X

Kankakee Sands Kankakee 43 N X X X X H, S X X

Lake View Picnic Area Dunes 19 N X X H X X X X

LaSalle Fish & Wildlie Area Kankakee 42 N X X X H, S X X X X

Little Calumet River Trail Dunes 13 N X X X X H, S X

Long Lake Public Access Site Moraine 29 N X X X

Marquette Park Dunes 9 N X X X H, S X X X X X

Memorial Opera House Moraine 32 N X X

Miller Woods Dunes 9 N X X X X H, S

Mount Baldy Dunes 21 N X X X X H X X X X

Ogden Gardens Park Moraine 31 N X X

Pinhook Bog Moraine 26 N X X X X H

Portage Lakeront & Riverwalk Dunes 11 N X X X H, S X X X X

Porter Beach Area Dunes 15 N X X X X

Porter County Museum o History Moraine 31 N X X X

Port o Indiana - Burns Harbor Dunes 11 N X X X

Red Mill County Park Moraine 26 N X X X H, S X X X

Rogers-Lakewood Park Moraine 29 Y X X X H, S, B X X X X

Salt Creek Public Fishing Area Moraine 33 N X X X H X

Stagecoach Inn & Panhandle Depot Moraine 36 N X X X X

Stoney Run County Park Moraine 35 N X X X H, E, S X X X X

Sunset Hill Farm County Park Moraine 28 Y X X X X H X X

Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Moraine 35 Y X X X X X H, S X X X X

Tolleston Dunes Trail Dunes 10 N X X X X H, S X

West Beach Dune Succession Trail Dunes 10 Y X X X X H, S X X X X

Westchester Township History Museum Dunes 17 N X X X X X

Woodland Park Dunes 12 N X X H X X X

Zona Wildlie Sanctuary Moraine 27 N X X X X H X

Trails H = Hiking, S = Cross-country skiing, B = Bicycling, MB = Mountain biking, E = Equestrian

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Sites


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The Dunes RegionMount Baldy


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isitors to Indiana Dunes Country are oten surprised to discover that Indiana not

only has coastline, but that its coast is on Lake Michigan, the fth largestreshwater lake in the world! And among visitors ortunate enough to know about thisshoreline, many know it only or its beautiul beaches.

But just beyond the beaches lie some o the worlds largest lakeshore dunes, created by the successive lowering lake levels,producing three ancient shorelines and todays shorelinewhich ormed some 1,500 years ago. Lake currents and thewind also played, and continue to play, roles in the ormation o the beaches and dunes. An incredible variety o plants andwildlie make their homes among these rolling dunes and in the mosaic o grassland, wetland, woodland, and open-waterhabitats around them.From Portage to Beverly Shores, the Dunes Region is packed with great sites to explore. Walk the West Beach DuneSuccession Trail and take a journey through time as well as space. Beginning on a bare sand beach and ending in an oakorest, it traces a process in nature that took thousands o years. The process, called succession, is the means by which agroup o plants and animals in a particular place is gradually replaced over time by other, sometimes very dierent, natural

communities. The concept o succession was introduced by Dr. Henry Chandler Cowles ater he visited the dunes, and nowthe dunes is known as the birthplace o ecology.Hike Indiana Dunes State Parks renowned trails, one o which takes visitors to 192-oot Mount Tom, and enjoy itsexpansive beach. Climb Mount Baldy, a living dune that stands roughly 125 eet high, and scan the skies or migratingbirds. Walk among native wild lupine blooming along the trails at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshoreand perhaps, iyou are lucky, spot rare Karner blue buttery caterpillars eating their leaves.

Step back in time at the Dunes Regions many historic sites and museums, like the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.

Explore the grounds o the stunning Coee Creek Watershed Preserve, or watch or shorebirds and waterowl along one othe regions many lakeshore beaches. And thats just a sampling o the possible adventures awaiting in the Dunes Region.Within the Dunes Region, the communities o Portage, Burns Harbor, Porter, Chesterton, Beverly Shores, and The Pineswelcome visitors.

Beyond the BeachDiscovery TrailStepping Beyond the Beach

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Site 2: HammondLakeront Park and BirdSanctuary

Directions:From Portage, take Interstate90 (Indiana Toll Road) west to exit 0(approximately 20 miles). Take exit 0,merge onto south Indianapolis Boulevard,and continue 0.7 miles. Take exit towardHammond Riverboat/Marina and continue0.3 miles. Merge onto Casino Center Drive.Once you turn into the Horseshoe Casinoentrance, take an immediate right at the

end o the entrance ramp. The parking lotis gated and visitors need to show ID. Theentrance on the ar eastern end o the site isalways open.

Description: Though just 16 acres insize and surrounded by industry, the parkprovides a critical stopover or neotropicalmigrant birds, which unnel through

the Hammond Lakeront Park and BirdSanctuary in astonishing numbers. Thatswhy birders have long reerred to this site asThe Migrant Trap. A rough trail runs thelength o the site, allowing you to scan thewoods and grassy areas or birds.

Site 1: Indiana DunesVisitor Center

Directions:Located on State Road 49,just south o US Route 20.

Description:A visit to the IndianaDunes Visitor Center will help orientyou to the Beyond the Beach region andprovide inormation to help you makethe most o your visit. The Visitor Centeroers a short orientation flm, as well asexhibits and brochures about Porter County,

Indiana Dunes State Park, and IndianaDunes National Lakeshore. Dont miss theArtist-in-Residence exhibit, which eaturesartwork inspired by the Indiana Dunesregion. In the Visitor Center git shop, youllfnd a great selection o local books andsouvenirs. During business hours (8:00a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Day through LaborDay; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CST o season),

sta members are available to answerany questions and help you plan yourexploration o the region.


Lat: 41.6337 Long: -87.05391215 North State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304(800) 283-8687www.indianadunes.com

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Lat: 41.4148 Long: -87.3044701 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN46320, (219) 659-7678www.hammondindiana.com/lakeront.html

Lat: 41.5993 Long: -87.45186201 Parrish Avenue, Hammond, IN 46323(219) 844-3188www.lakecountyparks.com/gibson.html

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Site 3: Gibson WoodsNature Preserve

Directions:Follow State Route 921 (ClineAvenue) south o US Route 20 or about 1mile. Exit at 169th Street. Travel west (right)1 mile on 169th Street to Parrish Avenue.Turn right onto Parrish Avenue and travel0.8 miles to entrance to Gibson Woods onyour right.

Description:Thousands o years ago,as Glacial Lake Chicago slowly shrank insize (eventually occupying the present-dayootprint o Lake Michigan), it let behind aseries o dunes and swales lying parallel totodays lakeshore. Though development hasobliterated much o this dune-and-swaletopography, 131-acre Gibson Woods NaturePreserve saeguards a sizeable remnant o

this landscape. Three trails (totalling about3.5 miles) traverse the preserves dominanthabitatblack oak savanna. The GibsonWoods Environmental Awareness Centerhouses natural history exhibits and livereptiles and amphibians.


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Site 4: Miller Woods

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 20 about 1.3miles west o its junction with State Route 51.Turn north on Lake Street and ollow 0.6 milesto the trailhead. When the Douglas Center orEnvironmental Education is open, there isample parking in the lot on the right side othe road beore the overpass. Otherwise,

continue down Lake Street past the overpassand park in a small lot on the let.

Description: Birders consider this 75-acrenatural oasis amid the industry and urbanenvirons o Gary among the best birding sitesin the region. Black oaks dominate savannawoodlands that are home to 287 recorded specieso plants and animals, including the ederallyendangered Karner blue buttery. EcologistHenry Chandler Cowles spent much timestudying the Miller Woods area. Hike or ski the1.1-mile loop trail, which leads past a marsh thatteems with wildlie, including rare blue-spottedsalamanders and western chorus rogs.

Lat: 41.6061 Long: -87.267820 North Lake Street, Gary, IN 46304(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

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Lat: 41.6195 Long: -87.25551 North Grand BoulevardGary, IN 46403, (219) 886-7099www.gary.in.us/parks/

Site 5: Marquette ParkDirections:Follow US Route 20 about1.3 miles west o its junction with State Route51. Turn north (right) on Lake Street, ollow1.2 miles to Hemlock Avenue. Turn east(right) and ollow Hemlock Avenue 0.4miles to Grand Boulevard and turn north(let). Follow Grand Boulevard one block to

the park entrance.

Description:In 1921, United States SteelCorporation donated lakeront lands alongGarys eastern boundary to the city toprovide recreational access to LakeMichigan. The Gary Parks Departmentdeveloped this area into the frst lakerontpark in Lake County. In 1932, the park was

renamed in honor o the French explorerand missionary Pere Marquette. The 241-acre park oers 1.4 miles o Lake Michiganbeaches, ponds, dunes, wetlands, lagoon,oak savanna, and two historic Prairie Schoolstructuresthe Recreation Pavilion andthe Gary Bathing Beach Pavilion (near thebeachront playground).

The Indiana DunesRegion is a birders

paradise. Read aboutlocal birding hotspots

on pages 46-55.


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City of Portage

With plenty o trails, parks, and

recreational acilities, Portage isa haven or outdoor recreation.

It also has one o the only public

marinas in the Beyond the Beachregion where you can launch

onto Lake Michigan and dock yourboat in public slips.

Instead o one centralized

downtown area, Portage oersseveral pockets o shops,

restaurants, and recreation

sites where youll nd gear or

your adventures, a hot meal,

and a comortable bed at theend o the day.

While youre here, stroll along

the citys beautiul Lakeront andRiverwalk (Site 8), or hike andbike its crosstown trails. Drawn to

extreme sports? Catch an event

at the citys state-o-the-art BMX

bike track, try the skateboarding

hal-pipe, or ride your mountainbike on the Outback Trail (Site 13).

Site 1: GPS: N 34.6594, W 87.110421438 Harris Station Road

Hebron, IN 35671, (256) 353-2634

Site 6: West BeachDune Succession TrailIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 12 west oState Route 249. About 3.5 miles west oState Route 249, turn north on County LineRoad. Ater crossing the railroad tracks,turn into the frst road on your right to enter

West Beach.

Description:Most o Indiana DunesNational Lakeshores Dune Succession Trail

ollows a boardwalk, so you can experiencethe dunes without struggling through sand(although youll encounter 250 stairs). Asits name suggests, this 0.9-mile long trail isa great place to see ecological successionrom bare beach to wooded duneat work.Numbered posts along the trail are part o asel-guided interpretive trail. You can pickup a trail brochure at the Indiana Dunes

Visitor Center. The Dune Succession Traillinks with two other trailsLong Lake Trailand West Beach Trail. In all, the three trailscover 3.6 miles.

Site 7: Tolleston Dunes TrailIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:From State Route 249, headwest on US Route 12 or 2 miles. Trail islocated on the south side o US Route 12.

Description:In just 2.6 miles, this trailin the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshoretraverses a number o dierent, beautiul,and wildlie-rich habitats, including blackoak savanna, Tolleston Dunes, and remnantso the Great Marsh. Black oak savanna alongthe trail hosts plenty o wild lupinethesole source o ood or the Karner bluebuttery, a ederally listed endangeredspecies. The lupine blooms in late May, sothats a great time to see the butteries. Thelowland marshes along the trail were oncepart o the Great Marsh, which originally

stretched over twelve miles rom Gary toMichigan City. Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore resource managers are workingto restore these marshes. The trail may beindistinct in places, so carry a map andwatch trail markings careully.


Lat: 41.6226 Long: -87.2086North County Line Road, Portage, IN 46368(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

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Lat: 41.6150 Long: -87.1927US Highway 12, Portage, IN 46368(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu/


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Site 9: Port o Indiana -Burns Harbor

Directions:From the junction o StateRoute 149 and US Route 12 in Burns Harbor,head west on US Route 12 or 1.4 miles.Take exit on the let toward Port o Indianaand continue 0.2 miles. Merge onto GeorgeNelson Drive and continue about 1.3 miles.

Turn right onto Steel Drive and continue 0.2miles. Most o the area is o-limits to thepublic. Visitors must check in at the securitygatehouse, show identifcation, and staywithin the small public access area. Due tohigh security, photography is prohibited.

Description:Why include a majorindustrial site among the best cultural

and natural sites in the Beyond the Beachregion? Because this site oers a captivatinglook at both the nature and culture o thisregion. Twelve steel processors dominatethe port landscape, and the sites protectedwaters attract great numbers o migratingand wintering birds.

Site 8: Portage

Lakeront and RiverwalkIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions: From Interstate 94, headnorth on State Route 249. Follow the signsto steel mill and turn let at the second light.Once you pass over US Route 12, turnlet at the stop sign. Go over the bridgeand turn right at the next road. Follow this

road to the park.

Description:Formerly an industrial siteor National Steel, this 57-acre lakerontsite opened in 2008. Managed jointly bythe National Park Service and the Cityo Portage, this area o Indiana DunesNational Lakeshore eatures an enclosedpavilion with an educational classroom,

kitchens and restrooms, an accessible looptrail, and fshing pier. The pavilion is notonly beautiul, but is Gold LEED-certifed,meaning that it was built with exemplary,energy-efcient environmental design andmaterials. A new concrete cap and handrailson the breakwater provide easy access orfshing, birdwatching, and sightseeing.

This Dune is Alive

The dunes o this region are inthe midst o an age-old dance

between the disruptive orces o

wind and water and the anchoring

orce o plant roots. Much o thetime, anchoring orces lead the

dance, as plants are able to take

root on the dunes and hold sand

in place.

But some dunes ace prevailing

winds at an angle that keeps their

sand in near-constant motion,preventing plants rom rooting.

Known as wandering or livingdunes, these dunes migrate

slowly inland, covering whatever

lies in their paths. Mount Baldy

(Site 31) and Smoking Dune at

West Beach (Site 6) are exampleso living dunes.

At Central Avenue Beach (Site

30), youll nd a orest thats beenburied by wind-blown dunes.

www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Dunes Region 11

www.portsofndiana.comLat: 41.6310 Long: -87.17776150 US Highway 12, Portage, IN 46368(219) 395-1882, www.ci.portage.in.us/depart-

ment/division.php?DD=8-192

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Site 10: Deer Trail Park

Directions: Follow State Route 249 northo Interstate 94. Turn east onto AmeriplexDrive and drive approximately 0.75 mile

to the Deer Park trailhead on the let sideo the road.

Description:This small park, opened in2007, oers many recreational activities,including hiking, cross-country skiing,and fshing on the Little Calumet River.The City o Portage Parks and RecreationDepartment did extensive restoration work

at this site, removing non-native plants romthe orest understory. Along the trail, youllsee bottomland orest in a state o recovery.Interpretive panels along the trail explainthe restoration process and tell some o theparks ecological stories. From the trail,you can access the Little Calumet River,which has notable runs o Skamaniasteelhead trout, as well as bass and salmon,and it is popular among y anglers. Pickup Indiana Dunes Tourisms FishingGuideor additional details about fshingthroughout the region.


Lat: 41.6087 Long: -87.1591Ameriplex Drive, Portage, IN 46368(219) 762-1675, www.ci.portage.in.us/department/?DD=8-0

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Site 11: Woodland Park

Directions: Follow US Route 20 westo State Route 249 or 0.5 mile toWillowcreek Road. Turn south (let) on

Willowcreek Road and ollow 0.5 mile tothe park entrance.

Description:This 64-acre park providesgood wildlie viewing in a suburban setting.Crabapple trees draw Cedar Waxwings.Mature oaks shelter small mammals andsongbirds, and native wildowers attractbutteries and hummingbirds. A paved trailleads through a restored oak savanna orest,and interpretive panels along the way tellthe story o the parks natural history andmanagement. The parks restoration eortswon a ederal Conservation and NativeLandscaping Award in 2001. The park oersmany developed amenities as well, includinga community center (with banquet halls,

gymnasium, and meeting rooms), skatepark, dog park, pre-school, playgrounds,ball felds, picnic shelters, and a boulderplay area.

Lat: 41.5916 Long: -87.18712100 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN 46368(219) 762-1675, www.ci.portage.in.us/department/?DD=8-0

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Site 12: Alton Goin Museum atCountryside Park

Directions:Follow US Route 6 westo State Route 149 about 4.5 miles to themuseum entrance, located on the north sideo US Route 6. The Camelot Bowling Centeris across rom the park entrance.

Description:Located in CountrysidePark and operated by the Portage

Community Historical Society, the AltonGoin Museum houses many cultural artiactsrom the Portage region. Nearby stands thetimber-ramed armhouse o Charles andElizabeth Trager. The Trager Farm HistoricRestoration Project restored the house toits original late nineteenth/early twentieth-century style and was completed in 2006.A barn, milk shed, tool house, and outhouse

complete the arm setting. While visiting themuseum, be sure to explore the surroundingCountryside Park, which is bordered onits south side by the 10.4-mile PrairieDuneland Trail.

Lat: 41.5531 Long: -87.21155250 US Highway 6, Portage, IN 46368(219) 762-8349www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~inpchs/


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Site 14: Little CalumetRiver TrailIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 12 east oState Route 149. About 1.4 miles rom StateRoute 149, make a sot right on Oak HillRoad. Make a right on the frst road (HoweRoad) and travel about 0.75 miles to the

trailhead on the right side o the road.

Description:The Little Calumet RiverTrail, located in the Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore, is part o a 3.9-mile networko hiking trails that connect the BaillyHomestead, Chellberg Farm, and theDunes Learning Center. The Little Calumet

River Trail passes through the MnokePrairie120 acres o restored tallgrassprairiea once-widespread habitat, nowrare in Indiana. The trail skirts the LittleCalumet River valley, then crosses theriver and ollows a boardwalk through wetbottomlands beore climbing to a hardwoodorest and pine plantation.

Lat: 41.6203 Long: -87.0933Howe Road, Porter, IN 46304(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

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Site 13: Imagination

Glen Park

Directions:Follow US Route 20 easto State Route 249 or about 1 mile. Turnsouth on Samuelson Road and drive about0.8 miles, then turn east (let) on PortageAvenue. Follow Portage Avenue to the endat McCool Road, turn south (right) andenter the park.

Description: The largest park in thePortage Park system, 256-acre ImaginationGlen Park oers sotball and soccercomplexes, a BMX race track, and the10-mile Outback Trail or mountain biking.Woodlands cover much o the property,and Salt Creek meanders through the

center. Unlike many streams in the region,Salt Creek has not been channelized, so itoers natural habitat or aquatic plants andanimals. The park includes several rare ens,with unique and uncommon assemblageso plant species. The Iron Horse HeritageTrail borders the southern boundary o thepark, connecting Imagination Glen withWoodland Park.

Lat: 41.5904 Long: -87.14072275 McCool Road, Portage, IN 46368(219) 762-1675, www.ci.portage.in.us/department/?DD=8-0

Unlike many localstreams, Salt

Creek has not beenchannelized. Exploreits natural meanders

at Imagination

Glen Park.


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Hebron, IN 35671, (256) 353-2634

Site 15: Bailly Homesteadand Chellberg FarmIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 12 east oState Route 149. About 2.4 miles rom StateRoute 149, turn south (right) on MineralSprings Road. Travel about 0.75 miles to theparking lot on the right side o the road.

Description:These two historic sites sitnearly side-by-side within the Indiana DunesNational Lakeshore. Honore Gratien Joseph

Bailly de Messein, the frst known non-nativeresident o Northwest Indiana, set up a urtrading post here in 1822. The main househas been restored to its 1917 appearanceand is open or scheduled tours during thesummer. Bailly Cemetery is a 0.8-mile hikerom the homestead. The restored Chellbergarmhouse looks much as it might have in thelate 1800s and is open to the public during

estivals, demonstrations, and scheduledranger-guided tours. Check with theIndiana Dunes Visitor Center (Site 1) ortour dates and times.

Site 16: Calumet Bike Trail

Directions:The trail runs parallel to USRoute 12, between Mineral Springs Road andMount Baldy. Parking is available at MineralSprings Road, Calumet Dune InterpretiveCenter, Beverly Shores Depot, and at USRoute 12 at the Porter/La Porte County Line.

Description:Bike, hike, or ski this 9.1-mile gravel trail, which skirts the southern

boundaries o Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park.Prairie habitat lines the trail, and late-summer wildowerslike cardinal owers,blazing stars, asters, ringed gentians, andgreat blue lobeliacolor the landscape.Several species o snakes live here, includingblue racers, little brown, and hognose snakes.Look or them basking along the trails edge

in the early morning, or on the move inautumn as they head to their winter dens.Restrooms are available at the South ShoreLine station and Cowles Bog trailhead.

Living from the Land

The phenomenal natural

abundance o the Beyond theBeach Region has long attracted

people to this landscape.

When French explorers and

missionaries rst explored thisarea in the late 1600s, members

o the Potawatomi, Miami,

and Ottawa tribes lived here.

They hunted in the immenselyproductive wetlands, prairies,

and orests, and gathered wildrice, cranberries, and many other

plant oods.

One o the earliest non-native

settlers in the region, Honore

Gratien Joseph Bailly de Messein,

moved here in 1822 with his amily

and built a ur trading post andtavern. At Bailly Homestead and

Chellberg Farm (Site 15), you

can immerse yoursel in early

settlement lie.


Lat: 41.6239 Long: -87.0926North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

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Lat: 41.6368 Long: -87.0871(219) 465-3586www.indianadunes.com/parks-and-

recreation/parks-and-acilities


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15

Town of Burns Harbor

Burns Harbor is a town where

industry coexists with nature.Incorporated in 1966 in

partnership with a local steel mill,

Burns Harbor has its roots in theregions manuacturing industries.

Today ArcelorMittal Steel in Burns

Harbor is one o the areas largest

employers. Its the only steel mill

in the world that is fanked on bothsides by national park lands.

Burns Harbor is home to the

rst planned community in the

country to receive the NationalGreen Building Standard rom

the National Association o Home

Builders. The eco-riendly homes

o The Village in Burns Harbor

combine old-time charm withstate-o-the-art eciency.

A town in transition, Burns

Harbor continues to build upon

its vision o community vitalityand sustainability.

Site 18: Porter Beach AreaIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 12 west oState Road 49. About 0.3 miles west oState Road 49, turn north on WaverlyRoad, then let on Roskin Road, and righton Wabash Avenue. Be sure to park in oneo the public parking lots along Wabash toavoid parking fnes.

Description:The Porter Beach area isa good place to watch raptor migration. InMarch and April, hawks, especially buteos,y north over the Midwest, riding southerlywinds. These raptors avoid ying overwater, so when they reach Lake Michigan,they ollow the shoreline, sometimes

in groups o as many as 300 birds. Thehigh dunes in this portion o the NationalLakeshore are great vantage points orwatching this migratory spectacle. Fallraptor migration is less dramatic, sincethe birds dont tend to mass together.One exception is the Peregrine Falcon,which youre most likely to observe inearly October.

Site 17: Cowles BogIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 12 east oState Route 149. About 2.4 miles rom StateRoute 149, turn north (let) on MineralSprings Road. Just beore the gatehouse atDune Acres, turn right down a narrow gravelroad to reach the trailhead.

Description:Dont miss the chance to seeCowles Bog, one o the great natural areasin the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.Remnant o a once-widespread wetlandsystem, Cowles Bog encompasses a marshsurrounding a small en, where a stando tamaracks and white pines growson a oating mat o peat moss. Starting nearthe guardhouse in the northeastern part o

the site, a boardwalk trail passes marshesand ponds that host Horned Grebes, Black-crowned Night Herons, Bueheads, and amyriad o other water birds. You can hikeright out to the beach and back on 4.5miles o interconnecting loop trails. Twotrailheads serve the trail system, each witha portable toilet.

15

Lat: 41.6600 Long: -87.06933057 Wabash Avenue, Dune Acres, IN 46304(219) 395-1882

www.nps.gov/indu/

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Lat: 41.6453 Long: -87.0846North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu


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Town of Porter

The Town o Porters appeal

dates back centuries. Some othe regions earliest non-native

settlers made their homes here.

During your stay, you can visit twoo these historic residences, the

Bailly Homestead and ChellbergFarm (Site 15), and step back in

time to settlement days.

Rich in history, ecologicaldiversity, outdoor un, and small-

town charm, Porters amily-riendly atmosphere draws

visitors and residents alike. In

Porter, the Indiana Dunes VisitorCenter (Site 1) provides the

inormation you need to make

the most o your Beyond the

Beach visit.

While youre here, explore the

Lake Michigan shoreline at

Porter Beach (Site 18), where you

can swim, comb the beach, and

watch birds. Take time to strollthrough Hawthorne Park (Site

20). Its playgrounds, shing, andrecreation elds make the park a

magnet or amilies.


Hebron, IN 35671, (256) 353-2634


Site 19: IndianaDunes State Park

Directions: Follow State Road 49 north oInterstate 94. North State Road 49 ends at the

state park entrance.

Description:Indiana Dunes State Parkencompasses 2,182 acres o beach, dunes,marshes, swamps, hardwood orests, andwhite pine groves and is surrounded byNational Lakeshore lands. Even on thebusiest summer days, i you head awayrom the public beach house, youll quicklylose the crowds. Scan the open water orwaterowl, comb the beach, and hike someo the parks 16.5 miles o trails throughdiverse and wildlie-rich habitats. Watch orbirds rom the small bird observatory in theNature Center. The park provides camping,picnicking, showers, snack bar, camp store,and a park naturalist. In summer, the park

oers a small git shop and a swimming beachwith lieguards. Interpretive programs areheld daily between Memorial Day and LaborDay, and on weekends the rest o the year.

Lat: 41.6624 Long: -87.06331600 North 25 East Road, Chesterton, IN 46304(219) 926-1952www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

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Site 20: Hawthorne Park

Directions:Follow US Route 20 west

o State Road 49. Turn south on WaverlyRoad. Ater crossing the bridge over theinterstate, the entrance to the park will beon your right. I you continue on WaverlyRoad, then turn let on Wabash Avenue toCalumet Road, youll fnd a variety orestaurants in Chesterton.

Description:Hawthorne Park oers

a peaceul, well-maintained place tostop, stretch, and enjoy a picnic. In thedeveloped portion o the park, youll fndpicnic shelters, sports felds, a playground,and a community center. The park bordersa riparian woodland, through which theLittle Calumet River meanders, providinga quiet spot or fshing and watching birds,including Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied

woodpeckers, and many warblers duringspring migration.

Lat: 41.6193 Long -87.0695500 Ackerman Drive, Porter, IN 46304(219) 921-1687www.townoporter.com/parks.htm

Town of Chesterton


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www.indianabeyondthebeach.com - Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail 17

Town of Chesterton

Artists have long been drawn

to and inspired by the beauty othe Beyond the Beach region.

Chesterton has become a hub or

that artistic energy and home to avibrant creative scene.

Nowhere is this scene more

evident than in Chestertons

European Market. Every Saturday

rom early May to late October,more than 80 vendors gather in

downtown Chesterton, sellinghandcrats, artisan breads and

cheeses, ethnic oods, plants,

local arm produce, jewelry,clothing, and more. Artisans

demonstrate their skills in the

parkrom pottery making to

glass blowing. Like a Norman

Rockwell painting, Chestertonsquaint downtown harkens back

to a bygone era. Dont miss the

chance to explore its restaurants,

stores, coee shops, and galleries.

17www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Dunes Region

Site 21: Westchester Township

History MuseumDirections:Follow State Road 49 southo Interstate 94 or about 1.25 miles. Turnwest (right) at Porter Avenue. FollowPorter Avenue about 1 mile to the entranceto the museum.

Description:Located in the elegantlyrestored 1885 Brown Mansion, the amily-riendly Westchester Township HistoryMuseum eatures works by local artistsand houses exhibits on the history oWestchester Township and the saving othe Indiana Dunes. In summer, the museumhosts a ree concert series on Fridayevenings in downtown Chestertons historicbandstand park. The museum oers manyother ree programs throughout the year.Free tours o the Queen Anne-style mansionare available Wednesday-Sunday, 15 p.m.or by appointment. Groups o 10 or moreshould call to schedule a tour. Museum storeoers books, posters, and maps related tolocal history.

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Lat: 41.6070 Long: -87.0610700 West Porter Avenue, Chesterton, IN 46304(219) 983-9715www.wpl.lib.in.us/museum

Site 22: Chesterton

Bandstand and HistoricBusiness District

Directions:Follow State Road 49 southo Interstate 94 or about 1.25 miles. Turnwest (right) at Porter Avenue. Follow PorterAvenue to Calumet Road and turn north(right). Follow Calumet Road our blocks to

the business district.

Description:Ater a major fre in 1902,townspeople rebuilt Chestertons downtownin brick, and this charming businessdistrict is now on the National Registero Historic Places. Every Saturday romearly May to late October, the downtownhosts a European Market, with more than

80 vendors selling a antastic array olocal oods and goods. A quick walk romthe downtown area is the Chesterton ArtsCenter on 4th Street, which showcasesregional art and oers a variety o artclasses. The town park is home to one othe states oldest bandstands, built in 1924.

Lat: 41.6111 Long: -87.0532Calumet Road and BroadwayChesterton, IN 46304(219) 926-1641, www.chestertonin.org


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Hebron, IN 35671, (256) 353-2634


Site 23: Coee Creek Park

Directions: Follow State Road 49 southo Interstate 94 or about 1.25 miles. Turnwest (right) at Porter Avenue. Follow PorterAvenue to Calumet Road and turn north(right). Follow Calumet Road two blocksand turn east (right) on Morgan Avenue.Ater crossing a bridge over a small stream,look or the park entrance on your let.

Description:Located next to the historicChesterton business district, Coee CreekPark protects a small lovely oasis o natural

habitata good place to view wildlie ortake the kids to enjoy the playground. Aboardwalk trail passes through songbird-rich riparian woodlands that border CoeeCreek and leads to a small pond that is asummer home to Belted Kingfshers, ducks,and Red-winged Blackbirds.

Lat: 41.6106 Long: -87.0503200 East Morgan Avenue, Chesterton, IN 46304(219) 926-3000www.chestertonin.org

Site 24: Coee CreekWatershed Preserve

Directions:Follow State Road 49 southo Interstate 94 or about 3 miles. Turn east

(let) at Voyage Boulevard, drive to the endo Voyage and then let on Village Pointe.The preserve is on your right and parking ispermitted along the road.

Description:This beautiul 151-acrepreserve showcases an inspiring andaesthetically stunning marriage o natureand culture. The natural landscape includesa mix o restored prairie, creek, wetlands,and woodlands. Preserve planners haveadded human inrastructure to thatnatural setting and have done so withcareul planning and exquisite attentionto aesthetics, unction, and environmentalresponsibility. Buildings are constructedo local materials, like Indiana limestone,

whenever possible. Experience thebeauty by walking the preserves 5-miletrail system.

Lat: 41.5850 Long: -87.0421State Road 49, Chesterton, IN 46304(219) 926-1842

Site 25: GlenwoodDunes TrailIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions: From Interstate 80/90 orInterstate 94, exit State Road 49 North toUS Route 20. Turn east (right) on USRoute 20 and travel a little over twomiles to 275 East Road (Brummitt Road).Turn north (let) to small parking lotimmediately on let.

Description:This 6.4 mile trail hasseveral cutos or those who want to takea shorter loop. The main trail crossesancient beach dunes, which mark the shoreso an earlier and larger version o LakeMichigan. Along the way, it traverses blackoak woodlands, wetlands, and reclaimedprairiehabitats that attract a variety o

birds and other wildlie. Popular amongequestrians (its the only trail within theIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore open tohorseback riding), Glenwood Dunes Trailalso draws hikers, skiers, and snowshoers.

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Lat: 41.3855 Long: -87.0052Corner o US Route 20 and School House RoadChesterton, IN 46304, (219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu


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20 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.indianabeyondthebeach.com20 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com

Site 28: Depot o BeverlyShores Museum andArt Gallery

Directions: Follow US Route 12 east oState Road 49 or 4.5 miles. At the trafclight at Broadway, turn north (let). Crossthe tracks and make the frst right turn intothe parking lot behind the depot.

Description:The Beverly Shores Depotwas built in 1929 as part o the Chicago,South Shore & South Bend Railroad, an

electric interurban rail line. Today, therenovated waiting room still serves traincommuters. The South Shore Line is thenations last electric interurban line andtransports 3.4 million passengers annuallyby electric rail to sites between Chicago andSouth Bend, Indiana. The station agentshouse has been converted into a museumand art gallery, open rom April through

October. The Depot museum showcasesthe towns history and architecture, andthe gallery eatures work o local artists.A git shop oers art, postcards, posters,and books.

Lat: 41.6736 Long: -86.9857525 Broadway, Beverly Shores, IN 46301(219) 878-1517

Site 29: BrinckaCross Gardens

Directions:Follow US Route 20 east oState Road 49 or 5.2 miles. At the ashinglight, turn south (right) on North 500 EastRoad. Follow or one-hal mile. Beore theschool, turn west (right) on E. Furness Roadand ollow about 1 mile to entrance on right(just beore the intersection with North 425East Road).

Description:Beautiul Brincka CrossGardens opened to the public or the frsttime in 2010. William Brincka, proessorat the Art Institute o Chicago, put hisartistry to work when he designed the 3.9acres o gardens on this 25-acre site. Thegardens hold 40 varieties o magnoliasand 40 varieties o crab apple trees. Some400 kinds o hosta grace the hosta garden

near a screened tea room. In springtime, 25varieties o orsythia brighten the gardens,and thousands o daodils light the nearbywoods. Schedule visits in advance. Parkingextremely limited.

Lat: 41.6585 Long: -86.9853427 East Furness Road, Michigan City, IN 46360(219) 465-3586, www.indianadunes.com/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-acilities

At 126 feet high

and moving inwardat an average rate offour feet per year,Mt. Baldy is the

largest moving dunewithin Indiana Dunes

National Lakeshore.


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www.indianabeyondthebeach.com - Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail 21www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Dunes Region 21

Site 32: Heron Rookery TrailIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 20 eastrom Beverly Shores. Turn south (right) onCounty Line Road and ollow or 4.4 milesto East 1275 North Road. Turn west (right)on 1275 and ollow or 1 mile. Turn north(right) on North 600 East Road and watch

or the trailhead on the let. No amenitiesand parking is limited.

Description: For more than 60 years,herons nested here along the LittleCalumet River. Though the heron rookeryis no longer active, the 1.6-mile trailis a good spot or viewing other birdspecies. The oak savanna habitat nearthe abandoned rookery is also home toKarner blue butteries, ederallylisted as endangered. National Lakeshoreresource managers conduct prescribedburns to maintain open savanna habitat.

Site 31: Mount BaldyIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 12 east oState Road 49 or about 8.3 miles. At thecounty line, Route 12 makes 2 sweepingcurves. Ater the second curve, watch orthe entrance to the park immediatelyon your let.

Description: At roughly 125 eet tall,Mount Baldy is the largest living dune inIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore. As thedune moves, it buries everything in its path,including trees. Over the last several years,Mount Baldy has begun moving inland at anincreased pace. The reason or the stepped-up movement seems to be a combination o

too little dune grass on top o Mount Baldyand too many people climbing its southernslope. Please remain on the trail to helpconserve vegetation. In addition to the trailto the summit o Mount Baldy, youll fndshore access and a picnic area in the woodsbehind the dunes. No lieguards.

Site 30: Central Avenue

Beach AccessIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions: Follow US Route 12 east oState Road 49 or about 7 miles. At CentralAvenue turn north (let) and continue untilyou reach the parking lot or the beach.

Description:During the spring andsummer, the Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshores shoreline near Central Avenueis a great place to watch Bank Swallowsying to and rom their nest burrows in thedunes. Spring and all oer great shorebirdand waterowl viewing. Just past the gateon the entrance road, youll see a buriedorest, created when wind-blown sandsinundated the trees. Nearby, you canaccess the northeast end o the CalumetBike Trail. This 9.1-mile gravel trailpasses ower-flled felds, marshes, andwoodlands. Lieguards are not provided atCentral Avenue Beach Access.

Lat: 41.7014 Long: -86.9504Central Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

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Lat: 41.7069 Long: -86.9301US Route 12, Michigan City, IN 46360(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

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Lat: 41.6269 Long: -86.9523North 600 East RoadMichigan City, IN 46360(219) 395-1882, www.nps.gov/indu

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22 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.indianabeyondthebeach.com22 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com

ioneering ecologist Dr. Henry Chandler Cowles considered the Indiana Dunes a meetingground of trees and wild flowers from all directionsa marvelous cosmopolitan preserve, a veritablefloral melting pot.from Sacred Sands, by J. Ronald Engel, 1986

P

Th D R i Iti i


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The Dunes Region Itineraries


Spend a Day

Start at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center(Site 1) or maps and birding, fshing, or bikingcompanion guides. Be sure to pick up the IndianaDunes Country Activities Guide. This guide willprovide detailed inormation about restaurantsand accommodations in the Dunes, Moraine, andKankakee regions as you explore the trail.

Climb the highest sand dune in Indiana! Mt. Tomat Indiana Dunes State Park (Site 19) is locatedalong state park trails 4 and 8 and towers 192 eetabove Lake Michigan. Sledding and cross-countryski trails at this park are great in the winter. Inwarmer months, we suggest you camp here and

spend days exploring the entire park.

Ca and restaurant options are plentiul in theDuneland area, which includes Chesterton, Porter,Burns Harbor, and Beverly Shores.

For an aternoon o history and culture, headtoward Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores andview the Century o Progress Homes (Site 27) rom

the street. Ater your driving tour o the homes,stop in at the Depot o Beverly Shores Museum andArt Gallery (Site 28).

The Lake View Picnic Area (Site 26) is a greatplace to watch the sunset (as well as spring and allwaterowl or birding enthusiasts).

and through the woods. Jack Pines grow along thetrail much urther south o their range. A avoriteo beach goers, West Beach has more to oerthose who have the time to wander inland.

Have lunch (or dinner) just a short drive awayin Portage. Check the Activities Guideor details.

Ater lunch, check out Portages newestparkPortage Lakeront and Riverwalk (Site 8).Managed jointly by the Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore and the City o Portage, this areaeatures an enclosed pavilion with restrooms,an accessible loop trail, and a fshing pier. The

pavilion is not only beautiul, but is Gold LEEDcertifed, built with exemplary, energy-efcientenvironmental design and materials. A newconcrete cap and handrails on the breakwaterprovide easy access or fshing, birdwatching, andsightseeing.

Or

Immerse yoursel in local history at theBailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm (Site 15).View spring wildowers and the Mnoke prairie,hike, or do some birdwatching. You might alsotime your visit to coincide with the Maple SugarTime event in March.

Or

For more solitude, wander the trail throughmarshes, oak savanna, and dunes at Cowles Bog(Site 17). You can watch or birds and see uniqueplant communities. In the winter, ater a heavysnow, hit the trails or some invigorating cross-country skiing.

Add a day and make it aweekend!

Hang out or the evening and enjoy indooror outdoor dining in one o the Dunelandcommunities. Check the Activities Guide

or details.

Stay overnight at a bed and breakastor a nearby hotel located in the Dunelandcommunities (see accommodations listingson pages 58 and 59).

Tired ater your frst day or not up orhiking? You can watch the sunrise (or sunset)

right rom your car in the west lot at the IndianaDunes State Park (Site 19).

On your second day, head to West Beach (Site6) and explore the nearly one-mile successiontrail that will lead you rom the beach, throughblowouts with intermittent ponds, over dunes,

While every Dunes Region site is worth visiting, i youre short on time, youll only be

able to visit a ew. Below are recommendations or great sites to visit in a dayor two.

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The Moraine RegionPrairie in bloom at Taltree Arboretum and Gardens


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Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail 25www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Moraine Region 25

hile glaciers shaped all o Indiana Dunes Country, the Moraine Regionshowcases their phenomenal earth-moving power. Picture a orce o nature a

mile high and as wide as your eyes can see. That was the power o the Wisconsin ice sheetas it pushed slowly south rom Canada, reaching as ar as central Indiana. The enormousglacier gathered immense amounts o debrisrom sand to giant bouldersas it scrapedover the land. As the climate warmed about 16,000 years ago, the glacier melted back tothe north, depositing its debris as it retreated.

That debris ormed the hillswhat scientists call glacial moraineso the Moraine Region. Glaciation shaped many o thesites people can see when they explore this regionrom Pinhook Bog, which ormed rom a glacial ice chunk let behindby the retreating glacier, to Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, perched atop the Valparaiso Moraine, with its 360 acres owoody plant collections, ormal gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and restored prairies.The two communities within the Moraine regionHebron and Valparaisoinvite people to discover quintessentialMidwestern living, rom the peaceul small-town eel o Hebron to the lively college-town atmosphere o Valparaiso.

Sculpted by Glaciers

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Beyond the BeachDiscovery Trail

What makes a bog a bog?


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In the Beyond the Beach region,

you can visit Indianas only

true bogPinhook Bog (Site

34). An impermeable layer o soil

or rock underlies a true bog, sothat it only receives new water

through precipitation and runo.

Very ew plants can survive in thehighly acidic and nutrient-poor

waters o true bogs, and many

o these have amazing survival

adaptations. When you explorePinhook Bog (open only duringa scheduled open house), watch

or carnivorous plants like round-

leaed sundew and pitcher plant.

Cowles Bog (Site 17) is actuallya en, since a break in the clay

layer that underlies it allows

groundwater to fow in. This

resh water decreases the

ens acidity and creates habitator a somewhat dierent array

o plants than youll see at

Pinhook Bog.

Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com26

Site 34: Pinhook BogIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Directions:Follow US Route 20 eastrom Beverly Shores. Turn south (right) on

US Route 421 and ollow or about 3 milesto West 200 North Road. Turn east (let) on200 and ollow or 2.25 miles to WozniakRoad. Turn south (right) and watch or thetrailhead on the let ater about 1.2 miles.

Description:A visit to Pinhook Bogshould be on every nature-lovers itinerary.Though part o the Indiana Dunes National

Lakeshore, the bog is located severalmiles inland, separate rom the rest o thepark. You can only visit the bog during ascheduled open house with a park serviceranger, and its an eort well worth making.Pinhook Bog is Indianas only true bog.A oating boardwalk traverses the bog,and rom it youll see insect-eating plants,tamaracks, blueberry bushes, and sphagnum

moss that tolerate the highly acidic bogwater. The Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore oers regularly scheduledinterpretive walks. Call or the nextscheduled program.

Lat: 41.6150 Long: -86.8484227 North Wozniak Road, La Porte, IN 46350(219) 395-1882www.nps.gov/indu

Site 33: Red MillCounty Park

Directions:From the junction o US

Route 421 and US Route 20 in MichiganCity, drive 4 miles south on US Route 421.Take a slight let onto N. Holmesville Roadand continue 1.5 miles. The entrance to thepark will be on your let.

Description:Part o the LaPorte CountyParks system, this park encompasses 160acres o orests, meadows, wetlands, and

open water, including the headwaters o theLittle Calumet River. Near the parking area,youll fnd fshing access, picnic areas, trails,restrooms, and a playground. The PatriciaJ. Smith rental hall is available or unctionsand oers a kitchen, large dining room, andscenic patio area. The park also includesa 108-acre nature preserve with 2.5 mileso hiking trails that traverse the preservesvaried habitats. In spring, watch or spottedcoralroot, a delicate orchid that grows in theoak woodlands here.

Lat: 41.6031 Long:-86.8794185 South Holmesville RoadLaPorte, IN 46350, (219) 325-8315www.laportecountyparks.org


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www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Moraine Region 27

Site 36: ZonaWildlie Sanctuary

Directions:Follow US Route 6 east romState Road 49 or 4.5 miles to North 550East Road. Turn north (let) on 550 andollow 2 miles to East 950 North Road.Turn east (right) on 950 and watch or thetrailhead on your let. Limited parking.

Description:This 92-acre woodlandpreserve protects indigenous plants andwildlie. A short fgure-eight trail o lessthan one mile creates a scenic routethrough the orest. Picnic tables, benches,and interpretive panels are located alongthe trails. The sanctuary is a great spotor year-round explorations. Watch orspring and summer wildowers, migratoryand nesting birds, all colors, and wildlietracks in winter snow. The sanctuary oersvolunteer-led interpretive walks andtalks by appointment. Restrooms and adog-waste bag dispenser or dog walkersare located at the trailhead.

Lat: 41.5767 Long: -86.9486601 East 950 North RoadWestville, IN 46391, (219) 465-3586www.portercowildlie.org/sanctuary.html

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Site 35: BluhmCounty Park

Directions:From the junction o USRoute 421 and US Route 20 in MichiganCity, drive 9.2 miles south. Turn right ontoWest 400 South Road and continue 0.9miles. Turn right onto South 1100 West andcontinue 0.2 miles. The main parking area ison your right.

Description:This park encompasses 96

acres o upland orest, wetlands, prairie,and a pond. Known or its lovely nativewildowers, the park consists o two parcelso land joined by a narrow greenway. TheWest Woods area oers great trails ormountain biking, horseback riding, skiing,and hiking. Near the westside parking area,youll fnd restrooms, playground, volleyballcourt, picnic tables, and a three-acre, no-

leash dog park (ee charged). The GustTrail leads to wetlands that attract muchbird lie. Trails also traverse the 31-acreBluhm East Woods, including the 1.5-mile,multiple-use Lincoln Memorial Trail and aparallel horse trail.

Lat: 41.5521 Long: -86.91503855 South 1100 West RoadWestville, IN 46391, (219) 325-8315www.laportecountyparks.org

Though adult Karnerblue butterflies sipthe nectar of manykinds of flowers,

their larvae(caterpillars) only

eat wild lupine leaves.

City of Valparaiso


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I youre looking or a delicious

meal, Valparaiso is hard to beat.From mom-and-pop eateries

to ne dining, its many

restaurants are sure to pleasea wide range o tastes.

Home to Valparaiso University,

which attracts students rom

around the world, Valparaiso

hums with vitality evident in itscharming historic downtown,

with its many boutiques, sidewalkcaes, armers market, and

outdoor summer concerts.

The perorming arts continue to

be a vital part o the citys identity

and character. Valparaisos

Memorial Opera House (Site

45) has showcased regional andnational talent since 1893, and

the Chicago Street Theatre has

entertained audiences since 1955.

Check theatre schedules duringyour visit and catch a perormance

i you can.


Site 37: AndersonsVineyard and Winery

Directions:Located along US Route 6,

3.5 miles east o State Road 49.

Description:The Anderson amily begangrowing ruit in the Valparaiso area in 1927,and Andersons Vineyard and Winery wasestablished in 1994. The winery specializesin light, ruity wines produced rom ruit andgrapes grown in the Midwest region. Theyoer a variety o interesting wines, including

Rhubarb Blush and Blueberry. Their gitshop sells locally made jams and jellies,local crats, beer and wine making supplies,and resh produce (in season). Call to fndout about tours and other events. Free winetastings are available throughout the year.

Lat: 41.5486 Long: -86.9785430 East US Route 6, Valparaiso, IN 46383(219) 464-4936www.andersonswinery.com

Site 38: Sunset HillFarm County Park

Directions:Follow US Route 6 west oState Road 49 to Meridian Road (trafclight). Turn south (let) on Meridian Roadand watch or the park entrance on your let.

Description:Sunset Hill Farm CountyPark is a lovely 235-acre park where youllfnd a primitive campground, severalmiles o trails, picnic and play areas,demonstration crops, and an amphitheater.

The parks hiking trails traverse both prairieand woodland, where you can see birds andother wildlie. A working dairy arm until1978, the park still grows demonstrationcrops as part o its educational mission tocultivate respect and understanding orearths natural resources. The park oersscheduled naturalist programs, wagon rides,and numerous special events year round.

Lat: 41.5464 Long: -87.0638775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383(219) 465-3586, www.indianadunes.com/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-acilities


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Site 40: Rogers-Lakewood Park

Directions:Follow US Route 6 west oState Road 49 to Meridian Road (trafclight). Turn south (let) on Meridian Roadand travel 2.25 miles to the park entranceon your let.

Description:Nestled on 122 acreso rolling woodlands on Valparaisosnorthwest side, this park oers picnicpavilions, a sledding hill, a disc gol course,and a skateboard park. Lakewood Link, atwo-mile oot/bike trail, connects Rogers-Lakewood Park to Foundation Meadows.The rolling terrain and size o this park makeit a great destination or nature enthusiasts.Two lakes accommodate fshing, boating(paddle and rowboat rentals available) andwildlie viewing. The park has many maturetrees, rom park-like stands with mowedgrass to natural oak orest.

Site 39: Long LakePublic Access

Directions:Follow US Route 6 west o

State Road 49 to Meridian Road (trafclight). Turn south (let) on Meridian Roadand travel 2 miles to East 600 North Road.Turn east (let) on 600 and travel or 0.7miles to West Long Lake Road. Turn north(let) on West Long Lake and ollow 0.2miles to the launch entrance on your right.No amenities and parking is very limited.

Description:Not to be conused withthe Long Lake within the Indiana DunesNational Lakeshore in Portage, ValparaisosLong Lake is part o a cluster o small lakesknown as the Chain o Lakes. Thoughsurrounded by private property, the lakeis a perect spot or angling or birding.This small public access area oers aconcrete boat launch. Small motor boatsare permitted, with a maximum speed o10 mph. This launch is tucked away, butprovides boating access to the beautiulChain o Lakes.

www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Moraine Region 29

Lat: 41.5246 Long: -87.0517East 600 North RoadValparaiso, IN 46383,(219) 879-5710, www.in.gov/dnr/fshwild

Lat: 41.5194 Long: -87.06565320 North Meridian RoadValparaiso, IN 46385(219) 462-5144, www.valpoparks.org

The Dunes supporttremendously diverse

plant life - from arctic

bearberries to pricklypear cacti. Over 90endangered plant

species are within theparks boundaries.


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30 Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.indianabeyondthebeach.comBeyond the Beach Discovery Trail - www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com30

Foundation Meadowsprovides milkweed,nectar, and shelter tosustain monarchs asthey migrate acrossthe country. Its an

official Monarch

Waystation certifiedby Monarch Watch.

Site 42: Forest Park

Directions:From downtown Valparaiso,ollow Lincolnway west a ew blocks toNorth Campbell Street (trafc light). Turn

north (right) and travel about 0.8 miles toHarrison Boulevard and turn west (let).Travel past Ogden Gardens a short distance

to the park entrance on your let.

Description:Though Forest Park is justten acres in size, its a lovely spot or astroll or a amily picnic. Oak and hickorydominate the woodlands here. You can

wander along trails through two acres oorest oor restoration, installed by theparks department. Removing non-nativeplants rom the understory and plantingnative wildowers and shrubs has provideda place to enjoy a native habitat inside thecity. Youll also fnd two picnic pavilions,restrooms, and a playground here.

Lat: 41.4787 Long: -87.0693851 Harrison Boulevard, Valparaiso, IN 46385(219) 462-5144www.valpoparks.org

Site 41: FoundationMeadows

Directions:From downtown Valparaiso,

ollow Lincolnway west a ew blocks toNorth Campbell Street (trafc light). Turnnorth (right) and travel about 2 miles to thepark entrance on your right.

Description:Foundation Meadowsshowcases the eorts o the ValparaisoDepartment o Parks and Recreation torestore prairie and wetland ecosystems that

existed on these 20 acres beore theywere used or arming. A mowed pathleads through a prairie meadow anddesignated Monarch Waystation. Thepark oers nature programs during thesummercall ahead or inormation. SilverLake adjoins the park, and this marshypond is a good place to see waterowlduring migration. A two-mile trail, known

as Lakewood Link, connects this park withRogers-Lakewood Park. The park also oersthe nature-themed Buttery Meadowschildrens playground, a memorial garden,a community garden, and restrooms.

Lat: 41.4980 Long: -87.06382310 North Campbell StreetValparaiso, IN 46385(219) 462-5144, www.valpoparks.org


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www.indianabeyondthebeach.com - Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail 31www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Moraine Region 31

Site 43: Ogden Gardens Park

Directions:From downtown Valparaiso,ollow Lincolnway west a ew blocks toNorth Campbell Street (trafc light). Turnnorth (right) and travel about 0.8 miles toHarrison Boulevard and turn west (let). Asmall parking area is located on the let sideo the road.

Description:Ogden Gardens ten acreseature manicured ower gardens beautiully

arranged with annuals, perennials, roses,shrubs and trees. A network o pathwaystraverse the park, past streams, bridges,a pond, and a tea house. For a small ee,visitors can rent a wooden gazebo thatswell suited to weddings and other specialgatherings. Hummingbirds and butteriesrequent the gardens in summer, and manysongbirds are drawn here as well. Managed

by the Valparaiso Department o Parks andRecreation, these ormal gardens are wellworth a visit.

Lat: 41.4795 Long: -87.0669Harrison Boulevard and North CampbellValparaiso, IN 46385(219) 462-5144, www.valpoparks.org

Site 44: Porter CountyMuseum o History

Directions:From the junction o USRoute 30 and State Route 2/WashingtonStreet, travel north on Washington Streetor 0.6 miles. Turn right on Indiana Avenueand travel one block (.07 miles) to FranklinStreet. The museum will be on your rightater the intersection.

Description:Included in the NationalRegister o Historic Places, the ormersheris residence and Porter County Jailare historic in their own right and home toa variety o historical treasures. Exhibits aredisplayed throughout the ormer residenceand in jail cells. The museum is opento the public Wednesday and Thursday2-8pm, Friday and Saturday 10-4pm, andSunday 12-5pm. Tours can be scheduled byappointment.

Lat: 41.4668 Long: -87.0594153 South Franklin StreetValparaiso, IN 46383(219) 465-3595, www.portercountymuseum.org

Cowles Bog containsthe only remaining

wild stand of

northern whitecedar in Indiana.


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Site 45: Memorial Opera House

Directions:From the junction o US Route30 and State Route 2/Washington Street,travel north on Washington Street or 0.6miles. Turn right on Indiana Avenue and travel0.1 mile (past Franklin Street intersection).The opera house will be on your right.

Description:On the National Registero Historic Places, the handsome MemorialOpera House was built in 1893 by the GrandArmy o the Republic (GAR) as a memorial to

the countys Civil War veterans. In continualuse since then, the Opera House has hostedsuch notable perormers as conductor JohnPhillip Sousa and the Marx Brothers. Arenovation o this historic building began in1993 and was completed in the spring o 1998.The architects tried to make the renovation ashistorically accurate as possible, and addeddesign elements that were common during

the 1890s. Free guided tours are oered byappointment and are well worth the eort. Besure to check their program schedule to seewhat productions are showing during yourvisit to the region.

Lat: 41.4668 Long: -87.0594104 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383(219) 548-9137, www.mohlive.com

Site 46: BrauerMuseum o Art

Directions:The Brauer Museum o Art islocated in the Valparaiso University Center

or the Arts. From Chicago, take Toll Road80/90 East. Take exit 31 (Chesterton) toState Road 49 South. Travel 9 miles onState Road 49 and take the 2nd Valparaisoexit (US Route 30 west). Go to SturdyRoad/130W and take a right. Take a letonto Chapel Drive. The Center or the Artswill be on your right.

Description:The Brauer Museum oArt maintains a permanent collection o19th, 20th, and 21st-century American art(including Midwestern regional art) andinternational religious art. Representedartists include Frederic Edwin Church,Asher B. Durand, Childe Hassam, GeorgiaOKeee, and Ed Paschke. The museum

contains the largest known collection opaintings by Junius R. Sloan (1827-1900),a Hudson River School artist who paintedsome o the earliest depictions o settlementlie on the Midwestern prairie. Pleasecheck the museum website or hours. Freeadmission (donations welcome), and reetours by appointment.

Lat: 41.4644 Long: -87.03961709 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383(219) 464-5365, (219) 465-7926 (tours)www.valpo.edu/artmuseum

I

Dont miss thechance to see ashowfrom lunchtime

cabaret to concertsand musicalsatthe MemorialOpera House.


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Site 48: Salt Creek Public

Fishing AreaDirections:Follow State Route 149 northo State Route 130 or 1 mile. Turn west (let)on West 500 North Road and travel 1 mileto the entrance on your let. The parkingarea is located across rom McCool Road.No amenities and parking is limited.

Description:This 75-acre public fshingarea provides access to Salt Creek, whereyoull fnd excellent small-stream troutand salmon fshing as fsh leave LakeMichigan and head upstream on seasonalspawning runs. Salt Creek has notableruns o Skamania steelhead, and is popularamong y anglers. For non-anglers, thesite oers several narrow trails that ollow

Salt Creeks meanderings through a scenicriparian bottomland. Pick up Indiana DunesTourisms Fishing Guideor additionaldetails about fshing throughout the region.

Lat: 41.5071 Long: -87.1428West 500 North RoadValparaiso, IN 46383(219) 879-5710, www.in.gov/dnr/fshwild

A cottonwood treepossesses uniqueadaptive skills. When

buried by blowingsand, its branches

can form roots,and its roots, when

uncovered, canform branches.

Site 47: Chustak PublicFishing Area

Directions:Follow State Route 149 southo US Route 6 or 2 miles. Turn west (right)at West 600 North Road and watch or theentrance on your let. No amenities andparking is limited.

Description:This 76-acre public fshingarea oers access to Salt Creek, whereyoull fnd excellent small-stream trout

and salmon fshing as fsh leave LakeMichigan and head upstream on seasonalspawning runs. For non-anglers, the siteprovides a narrow trail that ollows SaltCreeks meanderings through a scenicriparian bottomland. Pick up Indiana DunesTourisms Fishing Guideor additionaldetails about fshing throughout the region.

Lat: 41.5217 Long: -87.1308West 600 North RoadSouth Haven, IN 46385(219) 879-5710, www.in.gov/dnr/fshwild


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Housed in a 1904church, Deep RiverCounty Parks

visitor center, openMay throughOctober, offers

handmade crafts

and specialty items.

Site 50: Deep RiverCounty Park

Directions:To historic site:Travel USRoute 30 to State Route 51 then north to

the frst stop sign (Old Lincoln Highway).Turn right (east) onto Old Lincoln Highwaythen 2.5 miles to the park.

Description:Deep River County Parkoers a mix o history, natural beauty, andpure un within its 1,200-acre site. In1837-38, John Wood built a sawmill andgristmill here along the Deep River, creatingLake Countys frst settlement industry.Park visitors can explore the gristmill andthe neighboring Deep River Visitor Center,housed in a 1904 church. Trails lead romhere to lovely natural areas throughout thepark. Visitors can fsh, hike, ski, horsebackride, picnic, and take hayrides (autumn).

Lat: 41.4759 Long: -87.22239410 Old Lincoln Highway, Hobart, IN 46342(219) 947-1958www.lakecountyparks.com/deepriver.html

I

Site 49: Broken WagonBison Farm

Directions:Follow State Route 130 westo Valparaiso. About 2 miles west o StateRoute 149, watch or North 475 West Road.Turn south (let) on 475 and travel a shortdistance to West 450 North Road. Turnwest (right) on 450 and travel about 0.8miles to the Broken Wagon Bison Farm onyour right.

Description:This amily arm raisesAmerican bisonthe iconic species othe American prairie. At the arm, visitorscan see bison in the felds and buy a rangeo bison products, including roasts andsteaks, sausage, and jerky. The arm oersthe opportunity to buy ood that is notonly locally grown, but is truly o thislandscapenative to the Midwest.

Groups can arrange to tour the arm andsee the bison, or individuals and amiliescan join the set tours 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m.Saturdays rom June to September.

Lat: 41.5001 Long: -87.1751563 West 450 North RoadHobart, IN 46342(219) 759-3523www.brokenwagonbison.com


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Site 52: Stoney RunCounty Park

Directions:Follow US Route 231 westo Hebron about 3.9 miles toward Leroy.At 145th Avenue turn right. The KoreanVeterans Memorial is on your let. Continuepast it on 145th or 2.5 miles to the park.

Description:Stoney Run County Park

encompasses 316 acres o oak-hickorywoodlands, ponds, ravines, and openmeadows. Visitors can picnic by the waterand hike or ski on eight miles o trails. Atrail around the parks perimeter is opento horseback riding. During your visit, youcan also fsh in park ponds, watch wildlie,take a hayride in autumn, camp, enjoywildowers in spring and summer, and visit

the playground and playing felds. The parksVietnam Veterans Memorial honors U.S.citizens who ought in the Vietnam War,and pays tribute to the 261 Lake Countyservicemen who died during that conict.

Lat: 41.3599 Long: -87.2251142nd and Union StreetLeroy, IN 46355, (219) 769-7275,www.lakecountyparks.com/stoneyrun.html

Site 51: TaltreeArboretum and Gardens

Directions:Follow US Route 30 west oValparaiso. Turn south (let) at North 500West Road (trafc light) and travel 1.5 milesto West 100 North Road. Turn east (let)and the entrance will be approximately 0.5mile on your right.

Description:Founded by Damien andRita Gabis in 1997, Taltree Arboretum and

Gardens sits atop the Valparaiso Moraineand oers 360 acres o woody plantcollections, ormal gardens, wetlands,woodlands, and prairies. More than threemiles o trails will lead you through Taltreesdiverse landscape, which includes theRailway Garden, a 2.5-acre outdoor gardeneaturing a model railwaycomplete withmountains, tunnels, bridges, and miniature

plantingswhere visitors can learn aboutAmerican railroads. More than 80 birdspecies live at Taltree, including Bobolinks,Grasshopper Sparrows, Green Herons, andmigrating warblers.

Lat: 41.4488 Long: -87.1528450 West 100 North RoadValparaiso, IN 46385(219) 462-0025, www.taltree.org

I

The Railway Gardensmagical landscapeof model bridges,

tunnels, and, ofcourse, trains,captivates visitors toTaltree Arboretum

and Gardens.

Town of Hebron

Though located just 50 miles rom


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Site 53: Stagecoach Inn andPanhandle Depot

Directions:The two museums are located

at 127 North Main Street in Hebron. MainStreet is also known as State Route 2.

Description:Open rom June throughSeptember, the Stagecoach Inn andPanhandle Depot are museums o theHebron Historical Society. The StagecoachInn, built in 1849, is a saltbox style housethat has variously served as an inn,

residence, post ofce, and museum over theyears. Several rooms within the StagecoachInn are urnished with period items anddisplay important community artiacts. Builtin 1868 by the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St.Louis Railroad, the Panhandle Depot closedin the 1960s, and the railroad discontinuedrail service to Hebron in 1978. The rails havesince been removed. The Hebron Historical

Society bought the depot to preserve it romdemolition and later moved it to its presentlocation and restored it. The PanhandleDepot houses local railroad memorabiliaand an exhibit on local military service.

Once a train depot

in Hebron, thePanhandle Depot

now exhibits

local railroad andmilitary memorabilia.

Though located just 50 miles rom

Chicago, Hebron still oers adown-home, please-and-thank-

you slice o the Midwest. Proud

o its pioneer roots and armingheritage, Hebrons pioneer

history began in 1835 when JudgeJessie Johnson, rst judge o

Porter Countys Probate Court,

settled here.

In 1863, the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati,

and St. Louis Railroad built a linethrough Hebron, linking it with

the countrys major cities. You

can still visit the restored railwaydepot, which now serves as a

railroad museum (Site 53).

As you explore Hebron,

watch or outdoor murals thatdepict scenes rom the towns

history and heritage. Several

community parks oer open

spaces or picnicking, estivals,

concerts, and sports.


Lat: 41.3194 Long: -87.1997127 North Main StreetHebron, IN 46341(219) 996-3192

The Moraine Region Itineraries


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The Moraine Region Itineraries

Spend a Day

Start at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center(Site 1) or maps and birding, fshing, or bikingcompanion guides. Be sure to pick up theIndiana Dunes Country Activities Guide.This guide will provide detailed inormation

about restaurants and accommodations in theDunes, Moraine, and Kankakee regions as youexplore the trail.

Head to Taltree Arboretum and Gardens (Site51) to explore ormal gardens as well as restorednative landscapes. Hike the trails and perhapsenjoy a summer concert or one o the manyclasses oered throughout the year on topics

such as gardening, photography, or yoga.

Have lunch nearby at one o downtownValparaisos many caes and restaurants. Checkthe Activities Guideor details.

Then visit Broken Wagon Bison Farm (Site49) to see bison and buy a range o bisonproducts. Bring your cooler!

End your day at Forest Park and OgdenGardens Park (Sites 42 and 43) where you canexplore more ormal gardens and restored oakorest, watch butteries and hummingbirds, andperhaps picnic.

biking trail. This park also has a disc gol courseand paddle boat rentals. For the adventurous,navigate the lakes yoursel! I you have yourown small boat, you can launch nearby at LongLake Public Access (site 39).

Bring a picnic or have lunch in one oValparaisos many caes and restaurants. Checkthe Activities Guideor details.

I you are visiting in the spring, enjoy thedrive to Zona Wildlie Sanctuary (Site 36) oran impressive array o spring wildowers and ashort hiking trail.

Or

Sample local abundance at AndersonsVineyard and Winery (Site 37), where youllfnd wine tasting and sales, resh produce inseason, and local jams and jellies.

Or

Nature enthusiasts will want to tour PinhookBog (Site 34), Indianas only true bog and aunique geologic eature in the region. The bogcontains a vast array o plants with variousadaptations or survival and is a must see or

any nature lover. Open only during scheduledopen houses. Contact the National Lakeshore orVisitor Center or additional inormation.

Add a day and make it aweekend!

Stick around and, weather permitting, enjoydinner at one oValparaisos many outdoordining venues.

Take in a show or concert at the MemorialOpera House (Site 45). The Opera Houseeatures hip bands, new musicals, andtraditional productions in a classy, historicsetting. Check their website to see what will beeatured during your stay.

Stay the night in a bed and breakast or at oneo the many nearby hotels in Valparaiso (seeAccommodations listing on pages 58 and 59).

On day two, explore the lakes at Rogers-Lakewood Park (Site 40). Enjoy swimming,fshing, picnicking, or the two-mile hiking/

While every Moraine Region site is worth visiting, i youre short on time, youll only be

able to visit a ew. Below are recommendations or great sites to see in a dayor two.


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The Kankakee Region

Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area/Indiana DNR


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Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail 39www.BeyondTheBeachDiscoveryTrail.com - The Kankakee Region 39

here never was anything quite like the old Kankakee marsh in northwestern

Indiana. The superabundance o its eathered game and ur and fsh was next to

unbelievable.William Bridges, New York Zoological Society, Nov-Dec, 1935

Four glaciations took place in Indiana Dunes Country the last glacier being the Wisconsin Glacier, which melted about16,000 years ago. The meltwater rom the ice led to the Kankakee River and its surrounding wetlands developing withinthe glaciers washout plain, which spanned hundreds o thousands o acres. A scarcely imaginable abundance o wildlielived in these marshes, prairies, and woodlands.

That landscape changed dramatically in the early 1900s as marshlands were drained and converted to agriculture, theKankakee channelized, and the prairies plowed. At several sites within the Kankakee Region, you can see impressiveremnants o this native landscaperom the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlie Area, where tens o thousands o SandhillCranes gather during all migration, to Kankakee Sands, where The Nature Conservancy has restored 5,000 acres owetlands and prairie. Many o these sites oer ew visitor amenitiesoten little more than a parking area. This lack odevelopment makes these great places to see wildlie and immerse yoursel in nature. While dramatic natural sites arehighlights in the Kankakee Region, youll also fnd historic sites like Dunns Bridge, believed to have been constructed osteel salvaged rom the worlds frst Ferris Wheel exhibited in Chicago in 1893. And visitors can stop in the community o

Kouts or a heaping serving o home cooking and Midwestern hospitality.

TWide Open Spaces Beyond the BeachDiscovery Trail


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Site 55: Dunns BridgeCounty Park

Directions:From Kouts, ollow StateRoute 8 east or 3 miles to South 500 EastRoad. Turn south (right) on 500 and travel6.7 miles to the park entrance on yourright. There is no sign, and i you cross theKankakee River you have gone too ar.

Description:Legend has it that thisunusual bridge was built with steel

salvaged rom the 1893 Worlds ColumbianExposition in Chicago, Illinois. Accordingto local lore, the metal arches may havecome rom the worlds frst Ferris Wheel,which debuted at that exposition. DunnsBridge was renovated in 2003 and wona state award or the engineering work.Spanning the Kankakee River, the bridgeis open to pedestrians. Three-acre Dunns

Bridge County Park oers the only publicboat access to the Kankakee River in PorterCounty. Its a great place to canoe, kayak,watch wildlie rom the riverbank, or fshrom a small motorboat.

Site 54: Aukiki WetlandConservation Area

Directions:Follow State Road 49 south oKouts. Once you cross the Kankakee Riverwatch or an Aukiki sign on the let andturn in to the gravel road. No amen

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