What is there to see in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio?
We ended up seeing sections of four different states today including Illinois and the above mentioned states. Basically it was another driving day with a couple quick stops. We did start the day with a fancy breakfast at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile. I must say it was way too expensive…but also the best acai bowl I’ve ever had.
Indiana Dunes National Park
We said goodbye to Chicago and pointed the car toward the east again. We were trying to avoid tolls, so decided to head north into Michigan. Following this route took us right by the Indiana Dunes National Park. This is a rather large park with tons of beaches and trees along Lake Michigan.
We stopped at Central Beach. I talked to a ranger and she said that West Beach would be the best beach to visit in the middle of the day because the other parking lots would be full. She was right, but we miraculously passed by the entrance to Central Beach when someone was leaving…after passing by it four times. This national park is free (except west beach) and looks like a great location for a day at the freshwater beach. PS: Be prepared for biting flies. I wore bug spray and had no problems but we met some people along the way that were not happy.
Galien River County Park
This is a beautiful little walk in New Buffalo, Michigan. If you take the first path to the right after entering the trailhead, it will lead you to the boardwalk sections.
You will find a 60 foot tall platform that gives great views of the marsh below.
The other boardwalk path is flat and offers views of the river. There is another dirt path that follows the ridge. We didn’t have time to do this route, but I’m sure it’s worth it.
Silver Beach
St. Joseph is a beautiful town in Michigan that has a long white sandy beach. There are two piers you can walk on to get closer to a lighthouse. I’ve noticed that the closer I am to water, the happier I am! The park charges for parking, but there is no cost to walk in. This beach is very popular and for good reason. The water is blue and practically perfect.
Barn Restaurant
My husband really wanted to go to this restaurant in Archbold Ohio, and since it’s his birthday, I figured we could make it. We had to backtrack and find a toll road that would get us to the restaurant before closing. We made it! The food was really great; food you’d have at Grandma’s. They have a buffet and sometimes menu options depending on the day. We got the buffet and I was not disappointed with anything. For an additional price, you can get pies and ice cream. The restaurant is apart of Saunders Village. From what I could tell, it’s a retreat/vacation area, but designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Pretty cool place.
We completed the days drive and stayed in Toledo Ohio for the night. A thunder and lightening storm lulled us to sleep.