Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan lies a little-known gem of the national park system— Indiana Dunes National Park — often dubbed the "Maldives" of Indiana with beaches better than the Caribbean . Though it lacks the mountain peaks and dramatic Atlantic coastline of Acadia National Park, it more than holds its own with 15 miles of sandy beaches, more than 50 miles of hiking trails, and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country.

While Acadia is known as a crown jewel of the East Coast, Indiana Dunes is its lesser-known Midwest counterpart—a tranquil escape that combines water, wilderness, and wildlife just an hour from Chicago. If you’re searching for a quieter, uncrowded alternative with equally rewarding scenery and outdoor experiences, Indiana Dunes may surprise y

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