Valparaiso, Indiana

To get to the trailhead parking lot: take Mineral Springs Road towards the community of Dune Acres. Just before you get to the guard shack for the community, turn onto the gravel road to the right - there will be signs indicating Cowles Bog Trail parking. Once parked, walk back towards the Dune A...

This hike provides a great opportunity to explore the variable landscape and terrain in Indiana Dunes National Park. From the parking lot head north on a paved walkway toward Lake Michigan's shoreline. Next, walk down the boardwalk to the beach. Once you reach the coast, you'll have amazing view...

Start at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center (the first exit off the roundabout in the park after the toll), after receiving your park map, and follow the 3 dune challenge. This challenge, looping trails 8 and 4, involves climbing to the top of Mt. Jackson (176 feet), Mt. Holden (184 feet)...

Indiana Dunes State Park and Beach is a family friendly beach perfect for a day out in the sun. However, it has something to offer most beaches don't - a view of Chicago over the water!  It's a great shot to try to capture on your camera, especially at sunset when colorful clouds fill the sky ove...

The Glacier Flats Trail is a 1.5 mile loop that guides you through the Old Field Trail and past the Buttonbrush Wetland and observation platform. You will continue along the trail past an open field and then into the woods.  Along the way you will enjoy the colors of the wildflowers and likely an...

Visiting Chicago I was on a mission to find a great outdoors spot to be in. This definitely fulfilled my goal of finding a beautiful garden to hangout in! There are plenty of different paths and areas to explore just within the city! Location Located in Millennium Park it will be easy to find,...

The trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history. The trailhead...

This trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...