Sand dunes are like giant sandboxes for big kids to play in and hike on, so we came up with a list of our favorites from across the National Park Service (NPS) System. Unlike most NPS backcountry trails, dogs are allowed on many of these dunes if they are leashed and picked up after.
Twenty-one of the 22 islands within this archipelago jutting from northern Wisconsin into Lake Superior are part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This region is famous for its lighthouses and concessionaires offer tours to see them if you do not have your own boat. Kayakers come for the sea caves carved into Sand Island, Devils Island, and the mainland (accessible on foot after the lake freezes in winter).
Highlights
Islands, lighthouses, boating, camping, sea caves
Must-Do Activity
Even though this is a freshwater lake, Sand Island has sea caves carved into the billion-year-old sandstone cliffs by constant wave action. Located only 4 miles from shore, the Sand Island sea caves are carved nearly 50 feet into the rock and can be carefully navigated by kayak.
Best Trail
Sand Island was closed at the time of our visit due to black bear activity, but it is one of the few islands that has a hiking trail (Stockton, Basswood, and Outer being others). Lakeshore Trail on the west side of the Bayfield Peninsula offers a trail on the mainland.
Instagram-worthy Photo
You will need a kayak and a steady hand to take photographs while paddling through the sea caves on the east side of Sand Island.
None to visit, but there are fees to camp on the islands and for concessionaire boat tours.
Road Conditions
Most roads on the Bayfield Peninsula are paved and the sandy roads through Chequamegon National Forest were passable by all vehicles.
Camping
Many visitors come with their own boat to camp on one of the 18 islands with sites (permit required and reservations recommended). Car camping is available at Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island (ferry service) and throughout Chequamegon National Forest on Bayfield Peninsula.
Pick up your camping permits at this historic Visitor Center.Sunset on Lake Superior.York IslandOur campsite on York Island.
Sand Island LighthouseSea caves on Sand Island.
A view of the sea cave arch from underwater.
Explore More – When was Long Island added as the twenty-first island in the park?
The turquoise waters of Lake Superior beneath the sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore make it seem warmer than it actually is. Glaciers carved this shoreline thousands of years ago, but the Ice Age never seems far off in the lake’s cold waters. Minerals leaching from the stone paint the cliffs in many hues, hence the name Pictured Rocks.
Highlights
Petit Portal, Miners Castle, Munising Falls, Sable Falls
Must-Do Activity
Kayaking through Petit Portal is an unforgettable experience. Guides can provide the necessary gear and know-how, as well as commercial boat operators that get close to but do not actually pass through the natural arch.
Best Trail
Not far from the visitor center is a short trail to Munising Falls, one of several waterfalls in this 42-mile stretch of shoreline.
Instagram-worthy Photo
It will be hard to maintain a flat horizon line while bobbing on the waves in your kayak as you pass through Petit Portal, so take plenty of pictures.
Peak Season
Primarily a summer destination, but even then be prepared for sudden storms that can suddenly blow across Lake Superior.
No entry fee, but there is a charge for backcountry camping permits that are only available online.
Road Conditions
All roads are paved (to our knowledge).
Camping
Three campgrounds, plus 14 backcountry camping areas in the National Lakeshore. More backcountry campsites can be found offshore in Grand Island National Recreation Area, administered by Hiawatha National Forest, which also offers dispersed camping opportunities.
Munising Falls near the south Visitor Center
Explore More – What valuable mineral stains the sandstone cliffs green and blue?
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A 20th-century battleground east of Chicago between industrialists seeking to build more steel mills and conservationists wanting to preserve natural diversity, in 1966 Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was created as a compromise between the opposing sides. Its scattered bogs and dunes surround a beachside state park on Lake Michigan that dates back to the 1920s, with an Art Deco bathhouse dating to that era.
Update: As of February 15, 2019 it is called Indiana Dunes National Park.
Highlights
West Beach, Bailey Homestead, Chellberg Farm, Century of Progress Homes, Mount Baldy, Glenwood Dunes Trail, heron rookery
Must-Do Activity
It is worth the price of admission to access the trail system within Indiana Dunes State Park to complete the 3 Dunes Challenge. Take your photos back to the joint NPS-State Park visitor center to claim your prizes.
Best Trail
Cowles Bog Trail covers 5 rugged miles and accesses an isolated beach with views of the Chicago skyline. The trail to the top of Mount Baldy is closed due to erosion.
Instagram-worthy Photo
Beach grasses with a backdrop of a steel mill are a surreal mix on the Cowles Bog Trail.
Peak Season
The park is open year round, with the Lake Michigan beaches attracting crowds in the summer.
No admission for most of the National Park, except $6 per vehicle for summer lifeguards at West Beach and $12 per vehicle day use fee year round to enter Indiana Dunes State Park.
Road Conditions
All roads are paved.
Camping
While it is not on the beach, we enjoyed the quiet Dunewood Campground (fee) with its hot showers.
Historic bathhouse at Indiana Dunes State Park.The Chicago skyline is visible from the beach.Scott hiking near Mount BaldyArmco-Ferro HouseFlorida Tropical HouseWieboldt-Rostone HouseEgretBailey HomesteadRaven about the park
This design we created to celebrate Indiana Dunes National Park is available on a variety of products at Cafe Press and Amazon.
Explore More – Mount Baldy stands 126 feet tall, but how much shorter is that than Mount Tom in neighboring Indiana Dunes State Park?
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