June 6-11 2021 Soak up the sun with Indiana Dunes

After snagging a photo or two at Michael Jackson's family home, it's time to kick things into gear with a stop at Marquette Beach, also in Gary. The beach lies within a 241-acre park that offers 1.4 miles of Lake Michigan beaches, inland ponds, dunes and more. Pay attention to the two historic Prairie School structures--the stately Recreation Pavilion built in 1924 and the Gary Bathing Beach Pavilion "Aquatorium," built as a bathhouse in 1922. The Aquatorium honors Octave Chanute. He is considered to be the grandfather of flight, and of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneers who spearheaded the integration of the armed forces.

Continue your relaxing trip with a stop at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, which offers one-of-a-kind views of the majestic Lake Michigan. This once-industrial stretch of shore has recently been restored to its beautiful natural state. Take a slow stroll on the pier and watch as the boats come in and out from sea or catch the sunset to make your evening more special. You can even see the Chicago skyline on a clear day. Thirty minutes is all you need to melt the stress away. Watch the birds, fish in the water, do some meditating... whatever makes you feel relaxed!