Outbound Collective logo

Porter, Indiana

Top Spots in and near Porter

  • Dune Acres, Indiana

    Hike the Cowles Bog Trail, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

    3.0
    4.4 mi / 200 ft gain
    To get to the trailhead parking lot: take Mineral Springs Road towards the community of Dune Acres. Just before you get to the guard shack for the community, turn onto the gravel road to the right - there will be signs indicating Cowles Bog Trail parking. Once parked, walk back towards the Dune A...
    Read more
  • Chesterton, Indiana

    Photograph the Chicago Skyline from the Indiana Dunes

    Indiana Dunes State Park and Beach is a family friendly beach perfect for a day out in the sun. However, it has something to offer most beaches don't - a view of Chicago over the water!  It's a great shot to try to capture on your camera, especially at sunset when colorful clouds fill the sky ove...
    Read more
  • Porter, Indiana

    Indiana Dunes Trail 8 And 7 Loop

    1.95 mi / 370 ft gain
    Indiana Dunes Trail 8 and 7 Loop is a 2 mile loop hike that takes you past scenic views located near Chesterton, Indiana.
    Read more
  • Chesterton, Indiana

    Hike the 3 Dune Challenge

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 552 ft gain
    Start at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center (the first exit off the roundabout in the park after the toll), after receiving your park map, and follow the 3 dune challenge. This challenge, looping trails 8 and 4, involves climbing to the top of Mt. Jackson (176 feet), Mt. Holden (184 feet)...
    Read more
  • Chesterton, Indiana

    Stroll along the Beach at Beverly Shores

    This is a great neighborhood to stop and walk the beach in for as long as you'd like. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan as you splash in the waves and climb the small dunes. There is a parking lot for Kemil Beach, which is a short walk down to the shoreline. Be sure to check...
    Read more
  • Gary, Indiana

    Hike the Dune Succession Trail, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

    4.5
    1 mi / 150 ft gain
    This hike provides a great opportunity to explore the variable landscape and terrain in Indiana Dunes National Park. From the parking lot head north on a paved walkway toward Lake Michigan's shoreline. Next, walk down the boardwalk to the beach. Once you reach the coast, you'll have amazing view...
    Read more
  • New Buffalo, Michigan

    New Buffalo Public Beach

    New Buffalo Public Beach is nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. This destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts provides a stretch of sand beachfront with family-friendly amenities, making this a great spot to visit.  Lifeguards:Lifeguards are on duty only during the...
    Read more
  • New Carlisle, Indiana

    Hike the Glacier Flats Trail at Spicer Lake Nature Reserve

    5.0
    2 mi
    The Glacier Flats Trail is a 1.5 mile loop that guides you through the Old Field Trail and past the Buttonbrush Wetland and observation platform. You will continue along the trail past an open field and then into the woods.  Along the way you will enjoy the colors of the wildflowers and likely an...
    Read more
  • Sawyer, Michigan

    Camp at Warren Dunes State Park

    4.0
    If you wish to enjoy Warren Dunes in peace and natural solitude, you'll arrive at the campground outside of the Summer season. You can make your reservationshere. Upon arrival you'll decide between the "modern" or "semi-modern" camping loops. The semi-modern loop provides vault toilets, water spi...
    Read more
  • Chicago, Illinois

    Grant Park

    4.5
    Grant Park is located on the east side of Chicago. It is a great place to spend the day and explore. From the famous "Bean", which is actually named "the cloud", to Buckingham Fountain there is plenty to see in this park. It is also a great place to see the Chicago skyline, as well as have a picn...
    Read more
  • Chicago, Illinois

    Luire Garden

    0.18 mi / 10 ft gain
    Visiting Chicago I was on a mission to find a great outdoors spot to be in. This definitely fulfilled my goal of finding a beautiful garden to hangout in! There are plenty of different paths and areas to explore just within the city! Location Located in Millennium Park it will be easy to find,...
    Read more
  • Chicago, Illinois

    Millennium Park Trail

    5.0
    0.63 mi / 26 ft gain
    Millennium Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.
    Read more
  • Chicago, Illinois

    Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier

    1.84 mi / 72 ft gain
    Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.
    Read more
  • Chicago, Illinois

    Run Chicago’s Lakefront Trail

    5.0
    6.7 mi
    Chicago – the third largest city in the US and home to the deep dish pizza – doesn’t exactly scream “outdoorsy.” In reality, there is much more to Chicago than skyscrapers; there are dozens of parks, outdoor music venues, and the city is right on Lake Michigan, making it very easy on the eyes. Be...
    Read more
  • Palos Park, Illinois

    Hike the Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop

    3.0
    4.74 mi / 259 ft gain
    The Swallows Cliff Woods, an 800 acre preserve, is known for its 100 ft bluff that provides visitors with a steep stair workout. On top of the bluff, however, there are less strenuous trail options, leading through the hilly, forested terrain, past wetlands and streams.
    Read more
  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Black Oak Trail

    4.5
    2.64 mi / 148 ft gain
    The trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history. The trailhead...
    Read more

Guides, Insights and Stories from Porter

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Erica Zazo