The Chicago Traveler

Gas prices are finally beginning to drop a bit. Summer’s almost over, so it’s time to get out of the house and go on a little road trip. From the beaches to the views, the Beverly Shores and Indiana Dunes area is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a quick break from the routine. Located just 50 miles (80 km) around the lake, this family-friendly escape has great beaches and cool attractions.

If your eyes are always on the skies, take a gander at the Indiana Aviation Museum. There are nine former military aircraft in the museum, and all of them are airworthy and capable of flying (unlike many other museum showpieces). In fact, if you want to experience the thrill of flight yourself, you can! Book an appointment for the experience of a lifetime: a 20-minute flight in one of four vintage warbirds. Reaching speeds of 200 mph (322 kph), these planes are definitely a hot attraction if you are looking for a rush.

From planes to trains, stop by the Beverly Shores Gallery and Museum, which is also a train station on the South Shore line. This landmark offers passengers an interesting look at the history of the town, as well as rotating indoor gallery exhibitions and sculpture exhibits outdoors. If you’re fortunate enough to arrive during an opening reception, you can meet the artist him/herself. Admission is always free, but donations are gratefully appreciated.

The Indiana Dunes themselves are a great place to bring your family if you are a fan of the outdoors. The entire Dunes area has seven different beaches and even a horse trail. With blue water, green trees, and white sand, this Indiana spot can be as relaxing as it is entertaining. Let the kids play in the sand while you listen to the soothing sound of crashing waves.

Finally, after you’ve built your sand castles and basked in the sun, it’s time to cool off with a big splash. At Splash Down Dunes, fun is just a gigantic slide away. This water park offers over a dozen twisting, turning, and thrilling slides and a giant 30,000-square-foot (2800 m²) wave pool. Shoot down the super-fast 68-foot (21 m) steel tower, or take it easy in the quarter-mile Lazy River. Families are welcome to bring their own grills and food, and the Carousel Café is on site in case you forget anything, serving everything from burgers to nachos to ice cream.

So if you’re itching to get outdoors before it gets too cold, then pack up and head for the Indiana border where you’ll find great fun that won’t break the bank.

Photo credit: Wikipedia, (c/o Flickr) lapstrake

Indiana Aviation Museum: 4601 Murvihill Road (Valparaiso, IN); 210-548-3123
Adults: $5; seniors and veterans: $4; kids 12 and under are free.
May – October
Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sun: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Other days by appointment only.
http://www.in-am.org/

Beverly Shores Gallery and Museum: 525 Broadway (Beverly Shores, IN); 219-871-0832
April – November
Fri – Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
http://www.bevshrshistsoc.org/museum.html

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd (Porter, IN); 219-926-7561
Click here for various operating hours and seasons
http://www.nps.gov/indu/

Splash Down Dunes Water Park: 150 E US Highway 20 (Porter, IN); 219-929-1181
General Admission: $20; children under 48 inches (122 cm): $15; children under 1 year old: free
May 24 – Aug 10: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Aug 11 – Sept 1: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
http://www.splashdowndunes.com/

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