Top 5 Indiana Outdoor Activities: A Hoosier Adventure Guide
Indiana, usually seen as a flyover state, maybe it’s a place with a whole bunch of cool outside stuff. So, too, you might be shocked at all the different chances for adventures that it has. From the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan to the appealing caves down south, there truly is a something-for everyone. That is, something that will make anyone feel like they are back in touch with nature. We’ll go over some exciting things you could do outdoors, providing helpful tips and ideas to truly experience your travels around the “Hoosier State”.
1. Hiking at Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park, called the “Little Smokies” so that’s how much it seems like the Smoky Mountains. It is almost one of Indiana’s spots that you just have to see. With over twenty miles of hiking paths, here too, there’s a path for all hikers, be they new or experienced. You know, just meander through dense forests, see picturesque covered bridges, and take in beautiful sights from spots like the fire tower or Hesitation Point.
The park’s trails are typically very nicely taken care of and marked, that helps make the hike fun. You can go by yourself or with a ranger. If you are hiking in the fall so, too, there is leaf peeping, as the leaves turn into eye-popping colors.
Here is how to prepare when coming to Brown County State Park:
- Get ready for a lot of elevation changes by wearing supportive footwear.
- Take some water and munchies, since some hikes can really zap your strength.
- Put on some sunscreen and bug spray so you’ll stay comfortable all day long.
Also, there’s horseback riding and fishing offered in the park. Make it into a family trip for a weekend by pitching a tent at the campground in the park or possibly by staying at the really fancy Abe Martin Lodge. Read our full review: Brown County State Park Cabins Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Brown County State Park Cabins)
2. Biking the Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Park, with its unique combination of sandy coasts, rolling hills, as a matter of fact, it offers cyclists the ability to bike, an exciting thing to do. There’s a path that goes for miles and miles, as I was saying, called the Calumet Trail that snakes around the coast, giving amazing outlooks of Lake Michigan.
Maybe you need an easy ride, like that West Beach Trail which will provide stunning scenery that’s, just a bit challenging if you wanna challenge yourself to something tougher. You will often see so, too, some incredible things. It is almost things like varied habitats and, apparently, bird viewing. These trails show what this Park truly offers.
If you plan to explore the park through trails here’s what to do:
- Please look at the Indiana Dunes National Park official map just to be sure which biking route you are doing.
- Be sure to have some things such as a patch kit. Just to be on the safe side with unexpected stuff like the bike malfunctioning.
- Take into account weather and go early or late when there is shade if you wanna ride when the sun is beaming down
Besides all the fun biking stuff, you could spend some of the day on the shore, go to the Nature Center for knowledge or actually enjoy what it has to offer. Also, try making a pit stop at the local spots around Chesterton because maybe the places will show off the Park’s culture and history. Read our full review: Indiana Dunes State Park Camping Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Indiana Dunes State Park Camping)
3. Caving at Marengo Cave
Marengo Cave, called a Natural Landmark is very another fantastic treasure inside Indiana’s outdoors. You may explore so, too, a place with stunning speleothems by signing up for one of their trip choices inside that cave system. Walk around like an experienced cave person seeing the incredible rock formations that nature gave for many centuries.
That longer “Crystal Palace Tour” might be what you’re searching for or you just wanna do their shorter “Dripstone Trail Tour”. Either tour might truly present beautiful sceneries within the darkness of underground caves. In fact, you would surely like it for sure.
Before your venture, think of:
- Put something with a strong base when exploring. Specifically, maybe cave routes need to watch on some areas when navigating!
- Take clothes for cold conditions, given caves continue at a consistent cold temperature during travel.
- Book early when visiting weekends/popular events just to have a spot is assured.
In that vicinity, there also some options like canoeing in that Blue River plus panning for some valuable gems, to have extra excitement when visiting it here, basically. Or maybe even more adventures. Marengo is not far from Louisville, KY if visiting so you also get some excitement from Marengo and also Louisville in just that specific locale. Read our full review: Marengo Cave Camping Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Marengo Cave Camping)
4. Relaxing on the Shores of Lake Michigan
Often, folks do think that the seas do exist only at beachy state, and yet Lake Michigan is near Indiana and has beaches there. Many stretches on these coasts could truly fulfill and delight those who truly admire the calming atmosphere from seashores. Be on Washington Park near Michigan city to experience that view with the lighthouse or go toward Whiting Park to glimpse Chicago during the horizon.
These soft and sandy coast spots can truly create a number for leisure pastimes. Build majestic mud structures with the sand or enjoy a cozy picnic at sunsets or get revitalized when splashing from it is the wave and clear waters. Also remember when bird seasons take flight! You could glance over certain migrant birds in the locale too.
Think on packing them:
- Use sun block. Often the shore radiation heat with that bright sky truly harm travelers.
- Keep beach chairs and shades if relaxing from that sunshine and always being cooled!
- Always supervise young travellers when floating at depths. Be aware often under tides/currents!
Try getting places that eat such spots in Michigan City which sell amazing seared fresh fish/foods that show how good shoreline tastes would truly give. So be very at such Lake is almost like beach but right in ‘ol Indiana borders and its many happenings. Read our full review: Lake Michigan Hotels Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lake Michigan Hotels)
5. Canoeing/Kayaking at the Blue River
Located within South Indiana often canoeing near its very unique limestone highlands there might not have other canoeing opportunities at places, yet Blue River really provide scenic serene floats toward canoes either kayaks lovers. Glide throughout that natural area that provides high forestlands which harbor so so very native creatures there like some small creatures near the shore plus hawk or cardinal that soar toward sky!
Several stretches show clear but still smooth routes ideal particularly with newcomers and have options too! Certain rental businesses rent canoes or even kayaks if wanting its excursion or some would join just with some private boat!
What you should know:
- Use often waterside athletic wear to guarantee and never restrain if wading toward that water by mistake!.
- Often inspect certain rainfall volumes or just never when strong rain so avoid just turbulent conditions.
- Carry in sealed container all phones so never harmed toward liquid accidents.
You will experience lots while in your Indiana vacation such with the local stores at close proximity like tiny country outlets displaying art pieces as the people in vicinity do make for many trips beyond this River as an activity with others. Then visit these hidden streams plus that forest terrain’s towards the Ohio line too and its waterways really would create memories forever. Read our full review: Blue River Camping Indiana Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Blue River Camping Indiana)