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Indiana Dunes

Just an hour outside of Chicago sits the Midwest's answer to Cape Cod: Indiana Dunes, a stretch of seashore with eight powdery beaches and a wooded 1,530-acre preserve. You can climb several of the dunes, hike the preserve's trails, and swim in the lake.

Tip: Wander along the Cowles Bog Trail through wetland, oak, savanna, and swale for two miles until you crest the dunes and are rewarded with an expansive view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Along dune trails keep your eyes peeled for orange butterfly weed and purple blazing star wildflowers, and the endangered inch-wide blue Karner butterfly.

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From Travel + Leisure , JUL 2008

20 terrific getaways—one “Save” and one “Splurge” idea for 10 U.S. cities...MORE>>

– April Orcutt 20 Perfect Summer Getaways

Last updated July 2008