"I see it, I see it
I swear I do
I see extraordinary magic in you"
The lyrics above are from a song titled Extraordinary Magic by Ben Rector. When we visited the beaches and great landscapes of Lake Michigan, it was the first lyrics drawn by my mind. I was hoping to find a beach without a full day’s drive or flying. What I found was far beyond ordinary. Hence, those lyrics played through in my head as we traveled throughout this diverse and beautiful area.
On the southern and eastern side of Lake Michigan, you discover wide, sandy beaches joined to crystal clear water. Plus, the quaint towns offer plenty to do, eat, and embrace. The shorelines held lighthouses and harbors full of boats. I spent a couple of days exploring the area and turning up wonderful nuggets to enjoy. Let me tell you about a couple of them.
Indiana Dunes
My wife, Lynne, and I started our trip visiting the Indiana Dunes State Park area. The park has become part of the larger Indiana Dunes National Park. The section run by the state is clean and well-maintained. The majority of the area is wooded with mature trees. You would think you could be in an eastern forest until you realize you are walking in sand. The woods and sand dunes are traversed by a series of paths starting at the beach and linking various geological areas of the park. We were excited to explore the trails and dunes in the park!
3 Dune Challenge
Looking at the map, we found Trail #8 and decided to challenge ourselves to hike to the top of several dunes to oversee the lake and lower areas of the park. From the entrance gate, we headed to the Nature Center and easily located the trailhead for the dunes hikes. The signage in the park is well-done and easy to follow. We had no problem finding our way right there using the signage and the map from the gate. Once we were on the trail, the markers were easy to follow and stay on target.
The 3 Dune Challenge is a 1.5-mile loop to the top of the 3 highest elevation dunes in the park. To me, it sounded simple enough. I have hiked some steep elevations like the Garden Wall in Glacier. I figured I was good to go. Not so fast!
Lynne and I strolled down the path and hit the first incline. It was not even the first dune, but I quickly realized this was not going to be an ordinary uphill hike. The sand was deep and loose and it gave way under each step you took. It felt like you were taking two steps forward and one back. After this short, uphill section, we reached the top. It wasn’t a hot day, but I had already broken a sweat and foreshadowing what was ahead.
The Challenge Begins
After this initial climb, we hit the first dune and the climb to Mt. Jackson began. The 176′ incline was steep and the footing was relentless. One foot up, slide, follow with the next foot. We put in a tremendous workout and we were only halfway up the slope. Lynne and I both stopped a couple of times to survey the situation. The reassuring part was that we were making progress, even though it didn’t feel like it when you were reaching and sliding back down. Finally, we reached the peak and were rewarded with breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Jackson (below, right).
The struggle to Mt. Holden was the greatest. It was deep sand and nothing to hold on to (no pun intended) to help your pursuit. We finally were relieved to make it, only to find some high schoolers running up the dune from the path up from the beach (above, left bottom). Ah, to be young! From that peak, we descended down the dune and approached the third dune, Mt. Tom. Although it was the highest peak, there were stairs and the sand side had roots (above, top left). This provided a great strategic tool for making our way to the top. Lynne opted for the stairs and I took the sand and we both arrived safely at the top. I loved the hike and I highly recommend it.
Indiana Dunes Beach
After we covered the hike to the pinnacle of the three dunes, we headed to the beach to cool off and relax for a bit. The sand here on the Indiana Dunes is as soft and delightful as the beaches of any oceanside resort I have visited. We located a spot for our blanket and walked down to the lake. The water here, as we found it at all of the beaches, was clear and blue. The swimming area has a sandy bottom and very few rocks to navigate to wade into the water. I have very tender feet and I had no problem getting in. We stayed for a couple of hours and happily cooled off and refreshed.
Michigan City, IN
Michigan City might be best known for the Lighthouse Outlet Mall, but it also has a delightful beachfront area filled with nice amenities. Off the public parking lot is a covered concrete area for sitting in the shade, including lots of picnic tables you can use to enjoy lunch or a snack. I really enjoyed this amenity as I can only take so much sun in one day. I parked my chair on the concrete under the shelter and headed out into the water. If you have small kids, the patio would make a great place to spread a blanket for an afternoon nap.
Michigan City has plenty of houses to rent just to the north in Beachwalk, Long Beach, and Michiana. Besides the beach, the Washington Park Zoo is within walking distance of the beach and boasts a wide variety of animals. The grounds appeared to be well-laid out and clean. For adults, there is always outlet shopping, restaurants, and breweries to enjoy away from the water. Plenty of casinos, too.
New Buffalo, MI
When we got to New Buffalo, we were hungry, and when you are hungry in New Buffalo, you likely head to Redamak’s. This famous landmark is known for their burgers and that’s what we had for lunch. I particularly enjoyed the crinkle-cut french fries. The building is
After lunch, we headed back to town and caught a farmer’s market right down the middle of the main street. We browsed the stores, enjoyed a coffee and listened to street performers. Eventually, we wandered down past the expansive marinas to the beach to enjoy the views of the lake
St. Joseph, MI
Our last stop was in the beautiful lakeside town of St. Joseph, which is a large town and it is laid out quite differently from other beach towns I have visited. From the highway, you enter the town with 5-6 blocks of stores, sundry, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Lots of families enjoying time shopping and eating together.
From the main part of town, you walk down stairs to the lake level past the train station to an expansive fountain area full of kids getting wet (and a few parents, too). There is very little commercial business to disrupt the beach, which is a few hundred yards past the fountains.
The beach in St.Joseph is beautiful and tranquil. They have about 20 sand volleyball courts in place and many were in constant use. The beach is flat and the sand is gorgeous. It’s one of the prettiest beaches I have visited. Anywhere.
Beach & Breweries
On my recent road trips, I personally have found local breweries to be delightful places to stop for dinner and cap-off the day. The beers consistently are brewed to be creative, natural, and delicious. The more important consideration, however, is the food. Without exception, I have found the food to also be creative, natural, and delicious.
The breweries I have visited start with fresh ingredients and cook them to order with a focus on the delivery of an enjoyable meal. The two breweries we visited this time delivered the same outstanding combination of good brews and fresh, delightful meals. Let’s visit them together.
Figure Eight, Valparaiso, IN
Figure Eight Brewery is about a block away from the main square in Valpo. It’s in a relatively new space which is well-lit and open. Their selection contains a mix of standing brews and seasonal selections. Lynne and I went to the seasonal menu and enjoyed a belgian and I chose a blood orange wheat. Both beers paired perfectly with the Cobb salad we both choose for dinner. The servers were very friendly, accommodating, and prompt. I highly recommend.
Greenbush Brewery, Sawyer, MI
Greenbush Brewery sits just east of I-94 in the small town of Sawyer, MI. The brewery dominates the town. In fact, it appears they outgrew their initial space across the street and are now in a new, larger building. I had heard great things about this brewery and our visit did not disappoint.
The brewery boasts quite a selection of beers. Lynne opted for the 1825 Belgian Strong Ale while I chose the Raspberry Ale, which was perfect for a warm, summer day. We tried several other beers, including a delightful black IPA. This beer reminded me of the Rye Knot we tasted at the Figure Eight. I would choose either of these for a cooler time of year, especially the fall. The food at Greenbush revolves around barbecue, like pulled pork and brisket. The food was as delicious as the beer and the service was warm and friendly.
Extraordinary Magic
If you are looking for
As with an earlier visit to Manistee, the beaches along Lake Michigan in Indiana and Michigan have lovely towns to visit and enjoyable beaches for swimming, walking, and beachcombing. Everything you want in a beach vacation may be found along the shores of this Great Lake. Whether it be a family trip, a couples weekend, or a girls/boys getaway, you will find plenty to do at these beaches. Enjoy!
I will cover a trip to Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan in a future article. The park offers a great combination of beach, hiking, swimming, camping, and exploration. It’s definitely worth checking out if you will be in the New Buffalo or St. Joseph’s area.