Indiana Dunes National Park ~ 2024 Summer Trip

Kissing the coastline of Lake Michigan, this 15,000 acre National Park has over 50 miles of trails for avid hikers and lush scenery along the drive throughout the Dunes.

Although my traveling partner and I love to hike, and we did do some walking, due to our timeline for visiting all the places we wanted to go, we didn't partake in any of the 19 hikes covering 66 miles of wetlands, woodlands, praries and dunes.

Filled with history and culture, the visitors center is a maze of amazing art exhibits, activities and information about the Indiana Dunes National and State parks.

The restrooms were meticulously clean - which always makes me do a happy dance and the pituresque beauty of the area and the dunes is something to behold.

There are many signs along the way informing you of the various wildlife that might be out and about and warning you not to feed them, but one made me think of home. 

Being from Louisiana where turtles are always crossing the road, especially during egg-laying season, this one made me smile so I just had to take a pic!

Here are a couple more photos for you to enjoy....

Gorgeous Lake Michigan

 

This colorful Bison statue stands guard over the Visitor Center's walkway and provides a wonderful photo op.

Hope you enjoyed this short trip down memory lane with me at the Indiana Dunes National Park and that you'll check back often for updates and adventures with me.

Until next time, happy trails...

PamT

Back on the Road with My Summer 2024 Summer Vacation Trip...

They say time flies when you're having fun. I can attest to that! Too much time has flown by since I shared more of my 2024 vacation with you and it's almost time for my 2025 trip!

The first quarter of the year is alway busy for a tax preparer. Add to that releasing a new book and launching a writing course, well, hopefully you understand why I disappeared for a while.

After visiting the Football and Rock -n- Roll Halls of Fame, we left our campground headed for the Indiana Dunes National Park.

If you've pulled an RV you know how important it is to find truck stops and/or rest areas with adequate space to park. 

The one we found in between Mogadore, OH and Porter, IN was one of the most beautiful and comfortable travel plaza I've ever seen.

Applegreen Travel Plaza's are spread out from Ireland and the UK to the US! Not only do they have beautiful and well maintained restrooms, they have an actual food court and convenience store. Check out this video...

The reason I've never seen these beautiful facilities, is because they are scattered throughout the upper NE US. Although we have traveled in some of those areas, I guess we passed them by unaware as to how nice they really are.

But now we know.

And So Do YOU!

If you're ever traveling and come across a full Applegreen Travel Plaza, stop and enjoy the variety of dining opportunities and lovely restrooms.

I'll share the Indiana Dunes National Park visit with you in my next post.

Until then, safe travels!

PamT

Continuing Summer 2024 Vacation in Cleveland, OH & the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

 

One of my favorite songs of all time is Old Time Rock -n Roll by Bob Seger, so imagine the joy and awe of visiting a place that celebrates Rock n Roll music throughout the decades.

There is SO much here, taking a lot of pictures is virtually impossible! 

This seven-level building is filled wall-to-wall with the lifetime achievements of so many artists we love and appreciate... Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Beatles.... you name 'em and they are probably there.

Of course in a center this large and popular, the bathrooms are cleaned and maintained regularly - which always makes me one happy visitor.

The gift shop itself is huge and filled with so many souviners you could spend hours and lot's of money there LOL!

One thing that really impressed me was the courtesy of gift-shop employees. Despite long lines and some disgruntled guests, they were cordial and personable. Seriously, you really can't be TOO disgruntled in a place like this! Alas, some folks get that way regardless of the magical experience they've just had.

Anyway, our cashier was one of the best and had painted her eyes to look like butterflies!

Needless to say, our visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was worth the hour-long trip there and back from where we were camped as well as the large lines and walk from the parking area to the building.

If you are a Rock & Roll fan, or even just a fan of good music, plan to visit this luxurious place boasting of the best of the best in music history.

Hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane today and that you'll check back weekly to travel along with me.

Until next time, take care.

PamT