Indiana Dunes to Harbor Country: Lakeshore Trek

The 3-mile Trail 9 is the park's best loop — it begins at the parking area, climbs through black oak savanna to the dune ridge at 192 feet, then descends steeply through interdunal wetlands to a mile of Lake Michigan beach. The Dune Succession Trail (1.5 miles, included in the loop extension) teaches plant succession through five distinct plant communities stacked in 500 horizontal feet.

A small, historically significant lakefront neighborhood in Gary, IN, that has maintained its bohemian character through the city's industrial decline. The beach itself is wide and generally uncrowded; the adjacent Miller Woods is a 250-acre remnant black oak savanna that is one of the finest natural communities in the Chicago region, with a 2-mile trail through interdune ponds and savanna.

The southernmost significant beach in Michigan, New Buffalo draws Chicago weekenders who want the Lake Michigan experience without the Indiana Dunes crowds. The beach extends a half-mile along a protected bay; the harbor has boat launches and a breakwater pier walk. The surrounding downtown has improved substantially over the past decade with legitimate restaurants and a covered farmers market.

A 1,000-acre state park north of Saugatuck with 2.5 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and dunes reaching 200 feet above the lake — some of the tallest on the eastern shore. The challenging North Trail (2.7 miles round-trip) climbs through forested dune slopes to a ridge overlooking the lake; the beach access trail (0.9 miles) is the more direct route to the water.

A Saugatuck staple serving dependable pub fare — whitefish, burgers, and Michigan craft drafts — on a covered porch steps from the Douglas marina. Beloved for cold beer after summer on the dunes.

A restaurant in Saugatuck's Masonic Temple building serving Southern-influenced American cooking — smoked meats, Gulf-tradition seafood preparations, and serious cocktails. The smoked pork ribs are the anchor; the bread pudding is made with Michigan blueberries. Saugatuck's restaurant quality has risen significantly; the Southerner represents the high end.