Marquette Trail near West Beach-- a Casual Hike-- Wheelchair Accessible

Jonathan is sick and will be unable to lead this hike. many thanks to John for coming forward to lead it in his place.

Time 2pm CT, 3pm ET

This is a smooth, wide, and easy trail-- it used to be a rail line. There's a lake on one side most of the way, and a combination of open and forested land around. This is supposed to be a good place to see wildlife. We've seen various waterfowl and some beaver lodges.

More information, and map download: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/indiana/marquette-trail

Difficulty
The total there-and-back distance is just under 5 miles. It is an easy hike, level, wide, and smooth, and even partly paved. The main challenge comes from the length.

This trail is wheelchair accessible (we've actually done it) with some work, and maybe a little help getting over a few curbs. I and others will be happy to lend a hand.

Though you can easily go part way and turn back. There are no turns or side-trails to worry about.
And for a longer hike you can easily continue on to the Long Lake trail.

Address

This is the tricky part-- finding the parking. The route is almost the same as to West Beach. But instead of turning right onto West Beach Road, you continue straight, go over the bridge, then immediately turn right. There's parking on the left 30 seconds further.

(see the map in the picture gallery for help finding the spot)

I haven't found an address that will point to the right place. See the map in the photogallery to make sure your GPS is taking you to the right place. But you should be able to use one of these:

Google: Indiana Dunes National Park Marquette Trail Parking Lot

Coordinates: 41.61497° N, 87.22066° W

Details

• Dogs are allowed on leash
• Bring some water
• Bathrooms are a bit further down the road by the West Beach parking.

Access

There's no fee to park at the lot or use the trail.

But you will need a pass to get to nearby West beach if you want to use the bathrooms, or we need overflow parking. Both the Indiana Dunes National Park pass, and "America the Beautiful - Interagency Pass" are valid for that.

Feel free to text or call me at 217-717-7860 for last minute details.

Hope to see you there,
Jonathan

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to view photos of previous hikes by this group at this location, see:

2011 https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/4054922/

2023 https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/33834015/

2024
https://www.meetup.com/ricks-hiking-fun-group/photos/34565318/