Chesterton, a town with a vibrant artistic tradition, is an hour away from Chicago and inland of Lake Michigan, between Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park.

Chesterton, Indiana

Both parks offer towering dunes, hiking trails, wetlands, woodlands, and coastal beaches. Back in Chesterton you’ll find art studios, galleries, and a bookstore that dates to 1882.

This peaceful town bordering Wisconsin hosts North Point Marina, the largest marina anywhere on the Great Lakes. Visitors can charter boats for sailing and fishing.

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

Nature lovers will enjoy the hiking and biking trails, expanses of wilderness, beaches, prairies, wild fields, wetlands, avian population, and magnificent sunrises over the lake.

This town on Lake Michigan began as an 1800s fur-trading post and a lumber hub. When the rail line opened in the 1850s, tourists started visiting its beaches.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Aside from its historic charm, Grand Haven offers a 2.5-mile boardwalk, a light and water show, a lighthouse, biking trails, parks, and festivals throughout the year.

Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, Leland is a water-lover’s paradise that offers an old-fishing-village atmosphere complete with shops, museums, and art galleries.

Leland, Michigan

Many people visit Leland for the Whaleback Natural Area, a bluff with a viewing platform and stunning sunsets views.

Mackinac Island is a historic vacation spot that is located near where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet. Cars haven’t been allowed on the island since the early 1900s.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Most get around by walking, but there are bike rentals and horse-drawn carriages to enjoy the dining, nightlife, shopping, art galleries, and many fudge shops.