Outdoor Bucket List for Northwest Indiana

Hello stairs! 250 to be exact. This trail located right off of West Beach in Portage, is 0.9 miles of a total 3.4-mile loop. In this hike you will pass multiple Jack Pine trees which are some of the most southern Jack Pines in the world. Once you reach the top of the stairs you also get beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The Indiana Dunes National Park has miles of trails that you can explore. Visit nps.gov/indu for other outdoor areas of the park.

This trail at Indiana Dunes State Park is home to 1.5 miles of sand trails and three giant dunes that you will hike. At the top of the highest dune, Mt. Tom, you can see beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the tops of acres of trees. Learn more about the 3 Dunes Challenge here.

Take a little trek to the southern edge of Northwest Indiana, you will run into this preserve. Here you have the chance to see the hundreds of bird species, wildflowers and the bison that call Kankakee Sands home year-round. There are also 600 species of native plants, 70 species of butterfly and 900 species of moths!

Spend a day exploring Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso, part of Purdue University Northwest, where you'll find a rich variety of landscapes, scenic views and numerous hiking trails. Don’t miss the highlight of the visit—the Railway Garden—featuring model steam trains that wind through a detailed miniature landscape of conifers and woody plants.

This park is full of history, horse & hiking trails, fishing spots, and of course a diversity of species throughout. If you visit Deep River County Park in the spring – take note at the buckets attached to the trees for sap collection. Learn about maple syrup time at the park here.

At Friendship Botanic Gardens, wander through 105 acres of scenic trails winding through woodlands, open spaces, gardens, a meadow and the serene Lake Lucerne. Discover the historic Heritage Gardens, celebrating global cultures, and let kids enjoy nature-inspired play in the dedicated children's garden.

If you're into kayaking or canoing, the water trails along the south shore of Lake Michigan should definitely be on your bucket list. From the Little Calumet River which winds through the area to the quiet waters of Cedar Lake or Lake George, there's a place to paddle for everyone.

This Lake County Park is home to walking trails, a dog park and five disc-golf courses! Their lake is absolutely beautiful surrounded by trees and green grass. Bring a frisbee to Lemon Lake and test your skills while you take in the trails, waters and all-around atmosphere.

One of our region’s biggest outdoor attractions, the Shrine of Christ's Passion, brings thousands of people a year by bus to see these beautiful statues. This outdoor walk shows scenes of the stations of the cross in 40 life-sized bronze statues. No matter who you are, or what your beliefs, this is a must see. Also on site is Our Lady of the New Millennium 33' stainless steel statue, Our Lady of Guadalupe Plaza and The Family Plaza. The Shrine is completely free and open to the public.

Community Veterans Memorial is six and a half acres full of bronze and granite sculptures depicting the lives of soldiers who fought for us and the conflicts they faced. These sculptures depict scenes from Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, WWI, WWII in Europe, WWII in the Pacific, and WWII on the home front. A great field trip for an emotional learning experience.