Rick's Hiking & Fun Group

Time 11am CT, 12pm ET

I enjoy any kind of hiking, but I'm especially excited for this hike. It is both long and challenging, and includes possibly the hardest climb in the dune area. It is worth it, it has a variety of scenery, and one of the best views.

We'll start at the Bailly/Chellberg Farm parking lot. There's plenty of room there, and overflow parking in the field right across the road.
We'll walk past the historical farmyard, and then continue across the road. The easy wooded path goes behind the Dunes Park headquarters, and at the 1st mile mark, we'll cross HW 12 on that huge yellow bridge.

A short walk down Mineral Springs Road, and we'll reach the tiny Greenbelt parking lot, and take the Greenbelt trail to the west. This leg of the hike is level and runs besides lakes and marshes for a mile or so. The next mile and a half runs through the woods and includes some significant ups and down, terminating at an amazing overlook on the lake nearly 200 ft below.

After descending we'll be at the wide and grassy lakeshore. It's beautiful. We'll take a break and enjoy the view. I recommend bringing a snack.

The biggest challenge is climbing 200 feet up the dune to get off the beach. Once back on top of the dunes, there 1/2 a mile of hilly terrain, and then we settle down for 2.5 miles of mostly level hiking back to the cars.

Difficulty
Challenging. The path is long, and parts are quite steep and tall. Total distance 7 miles. It is probably the hardest the Dunes has to offer.

There is a short cut I'll point out that shaves off a mile, but more importantly, the hardest climbs. It doesn't reach the beach.

However if you just want to come part way then turn around and find your way back, you are welcome to do so.

Map
Here's a link to maps of the planned route:

Long, Hard Route, 7+ miles:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-1-2025-69b4fa3?u=i&sh=hbgaui

Short Cut Skipping Beach and Climb, 6+ miles:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-1-2025-728f206?u=i&sh=hbgaui

Details

• Dogs are allowed on leash
• Bring some water, and maybe a snack
• In case of bad weather the hike may be bumped to Sunday
• No bathroom except at the beginning and end.
• Wear layers that you can add or subtract. Wind and effort can significantly change the amount of clothing that's comfortable.

Access
Parking is overseen by the National Park system. Both the Indiana Dunes National Park pass, and "America the Beautiful - Interagency Pass" are valid.

• https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

State Park passes are not accepted.

Feel free to text or call me at 217-717-7860 for last minute details.
Please cancel your RPVP if you can't make it, so we don't wait for you.

Hope to see you there,
Jonathan (I'm a bearded guy with glasses, and a bright blue backpack)

Photos from this trail previously:
https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/34671566/

this event will start at 10:45 CDT, 11:45 EDT

for anyone who comes late but hasn't met me, i will be wearing a crimson hat that says "Eastampton MA" on it.

popular Shoreline Brewery has been a favorite spot for our group to get together for over a decade now, and once we are here, it allows us a short walk for a brief visit to Washington Park beach without the steep $20 parking fee.

dear friends--

we invite you to lunch at the Shoreline Brewery, 208 Wabash St, Michigan City, 219-879-4677, https://www.shorelinebrewery.com/welcome , with a selection of their own and others' beers, and creative and tasty bar food. we will enjoy a pleasant lunch together, then take a short walk through the harbor area and down to the beach, weather permitting.

to make things run more smoothly, I strongly recommend that you have enough cash to pay the bill: some restaurants don't like splitting up credit card charges.

we try to get separate checks when possible, but if not, just figure what your order cost (don't forget beverages, desserts, and your share of appetizers), add about 1/3 of your total for tax and tip, and contribute it to the pot.

If you have a coupon you’d like to use at this or any other dinner, please check with me first. If I have a coupon for the whole group to use, and there is a limit of one per table, the group coupon will take priority. If not, feel free to use yours.

after lunch, we will take a short walk through the harbor area to see the lighthouse and Washington Park beach, for those who wish to. the walking distance is about 3/4 mile each way, mostly over sidewalks.

our special guest today, will be Jodi, visiting from Florida, who was active in the group in the early teens, before she left the area and moved south.

hope to see you there,

Rick

A local grassroots arts and music festival in South Bend. Set back into the woods. They have been located in this spot since the festival start so the art weaves through the woods. They typically have 3 or 4 stages, with music throughout the day. This is a 2 day festival this year, Aug 30 & 31st. We will head over there at 4pm on the 30th. We did this last year and had an amazing time. This is an art installation show, somewhat like Burning Man.

Tickets are $30 for 1 day or $50 for the weekend.
They take cash or Venmo only.
See pic for lineup.
Sat goes from 3-9pm, Sun 3-11pm.
It is $5 for parking. Park at the church and follow the trail into the woods.

[https://www.yartsouthbend.com/]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAHbgoMsucs/?igsh=ZWloOGM4ZXI1Zzhh