Having fun on the Michigan Lake near Chicago
May 20th, 2009, 09:14 AM
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Having fun on the Michigan Lake near Chicago
Hi,
We are going to have a long trip over USA and Canada this August. Chicago is one of the points on our route and we will stay there for 2 nights. We have 2 children of 9 and 11 and they will be eager for having a fun on the Michigan Lake. Please advise if there is a nice beach place not very far from the city where we can go to give that pleasure for our kids?
We are going to have a long trip over USA and Canada this August. Chicago is one of the points on our route and we will stay there for 2 nights. We have 2 children of 9 and 11 and they will be eager for having a fun on the Michigan Lake. Please advise if there is a nice beach place not very far from the city where we can go to give that pleasure for our kids?
May 20th, 2009, 09:21 AM
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There is a beach right IN the city (one of the things that makes Chicago unique and wonderful) - Oak Street Beach. You can walk along with lake, or rent bicycles (or rollerblades), or just play at the beach.
May 22nd, 2009, 02:33 AM
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From Oak Street Beach, it's a short walk to North Avenue Beach. Go north on the lakefront path, past the chess players and you will get there. There's a lot of activity here during the summer. This is where they hold the beach volleyball tours. There's also a beachhouse where there are restrooms, concessions, etc. There is a casual restaurant on the 2nd floor.
Then if you or your kids are tired of NA beach, walk over the bridge that spans Lake Shore Drive and you're a very short walk from Lincoln Park Zoo.
Then if you or your kids are tired of NA beach, walk over the bridge that spans Lake Shore Drive and you're a very short walk from Lincoln Park Zoo.
May 22nd, 2009, 05:12 AM
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A small thing and something you'd pick up as soon as you got to Chicago, but the lake is referred to as "Lake Michigan" (not Michigan Lake) - or, once you're there, just "the lake."
They will also enjoy Navy Pier and the Aquarium and a boat tour (there are both architectural tours, which are somewhat sedate but the docents tell you a lot about the special buildings in Chicago, and also basic tourist cruises, which are less sedate, esp. if beer is involved).
They will also enjoy Navy Pier and the Aquarium and a boat tour (there are both architectural tours, which are somewhat sedate but the docents tell you a lot about the special buildings in Chicago, and also basic tourist cruises, which are less sedate, esp. if beer is involved).
May 22nd, 2009, 07:31 AM
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I know plenty of people love Navy Pier (it wouldn't be there otherwise, right?) but we (including our then 10 and 12-year olds) thought it was a big "nothing". Mine much preferred the lake, the Shedd Aquarium, and even though they don't love museums, they liked seeing some of the famous paintings at the Art Institute.
May 22nd, 2009, 09:53 AM
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Sun on the Beach! Sure we have beaches in Chicago! Miles and miles of them. Here's some information to help you out a little:
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches
However, if I might make a little suggestion for you. Are you going east-to-west or west-to-east through the US and Canada? What you want to do (to the east of Chicago) is be traveling along the Lake Michigan shoreline - from the east of, say, Portage (Indiana) all the way up to, say, Saugatuck (Michigan).
The Indiana Lakeshore National Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park are along this route and have several beaches. (One is a national park and the other a state park which abut each other.) There are many large "living" sand dunes all along this route which you can climb (Mt. Baldy, for instance). See www.nps.gov/indu - click on the "Maps" section.
Once you get over the Indiana/Michigan state line, you are in the area termed "Harbor Country". This area is comprised of several small towns dotted along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where the population swells during the late spring/summer/early fall months. See www.harborcountry.org for details on these towns. Click on the little map of Michigan in the lower left hand corner and you will see the area I am describing.
The roads following the shoreline have names as well. The Red Arrow Highway and the Blue Star Highway further to the north are the ones you would want to be following, rather than take the interstate northward. (Exception: After you have gotten north of Sawyer, I'd recommend accessing I-94 to go through the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area and then continue going northward to #196 exit for Saugatuck/Holland. You'll see the turn off for the Blue Star Highway as you travel northward.)
When you are in Michigan, you could also visit Warren Dunes and Warren Woods. See www.michigan.org/Property/Detail.aspx?p=g13079 for information.
Oval Beach in Saugatuck is voted one of the best in the nation. See www.saugatuck.com for information.
Now, with all these miles and miles of shoreline and beaches, wouldn't you know it, we just happen to have lighthouses, too. Chicago has a couple. Michigan City (Indiana) has their Lighthouse Museum. In fact, here is a map of all the lighthouses up and down the shoreline for your review: www.lighthousefriends.com/lake_mi.html.
Now that I've told you all the really great, good, special stuff, I'm going to warn you about something. A lot of people think it's a wonderful thing to go swimming in the Lake. But Lake Michigan has many strong rip currents and undertows, which people need to take very seriously. The shoreline drops off suddenly in places because of wave erosion action. So I recommond that you *carefully* review the Safety Tips on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's website and apply it to every place you visit along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Hope you have fun during your travels.
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches
However, if I might make a little suggestion for you. Are you going east-to-west or west-to-east through the US and Canada? What you want to do (to the east of Chicago) is be traveling along the Lake Michigan shoreline - from the east of, say, Portage (Indiana) all the way up to, say, Saugatuck (Michigan).
The Indiana Lakeshore National Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park are along this route and have several beaches. (One is a national park and the other a state park which abut each other.) There are many large "living" sand dunes all along this route which you can climb (Mt. Baldy, for instance). See www.nps.gov/indu - click on the "Maps" section.
Once you get over the Indiana/Michigan state line, you are in the area termed "Harbor Country". This area is comprised of several small towns dotted along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where the population swells during the late spring/summer/early fall months. See www.harborcountry.org for details on these towns. Click on the little map of Michigan in the lower left hand corner and you will see the area I am describing.
The roads following the shoreline have names as well. The Red Arrow Highway and the Blue Star Highway further to the north are the ones you would want to be following, rather than take the interstate northward. (Exception: After you have gotten north of Sawyer, I'd recommend accessing I-94 to go through the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area and then continue going northward to #196 exit for Saugatuck/Holland. You'll see the turn off for the Blue Star Highway as you travel northward.)
When you are in Michigan, you could also visit Warren Dunes and Warren Woods. See www.michigan.org/Property/Detail.aspx?p=g13079 for information.
Oval Beach in Saugatuck is voted one of the best in the nation. See www.saugatuck.com for information.
Now, with all these miles and miles of shoreline and beaches, wouldn't you know it, we just happen to have lighthouses, too. Chicago has a couple. Michigan City (Indiana) has their Lighthouse Museum. In fact, here is a map of all the lighthouses up and down the shoreline for your review: www.lighthousefriends.com/lake_mi.html.
Now that I've told you all the really great, good, special stuff, I'm going to warn you about something. A lot of people think it's a wonderful thing to go swimming in the Lake. But Lake Michigan has many strong rip currents and undertows, which people need to take very seriously. The shoreline drops off suddenly in places because of wave erosion action. So I recommond that you *carefully* review the Safety Tips on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's website and apply it to every place you visit along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Hope you have fun during your travels.
May 24th, 2009, 01:42 AM
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Dear Exiledprincess, thanks a lot for the so comprehensive reply! We would definitely take it into consideration.
However, we will be in a tight limit of time and we have to have it in mind. Our trip will start in Rockville, MD near Washington, DC and after 2 days of driving we plan to stay in Chicago (or in its outskirts) for 2 nights. Then we are going to move to Canada via Detroit and there will be no overnight stop between Chicago and a Canadian place (it will likely be around Sarnia). In this connection I would prefer to stay outside Chicago (in the area of the O'Hare airport) in order to get out of it without standing in traffic jams on our way to Canada.
Also, I would be grateful for any advice as to the most interesting route from Rockville to Chicago for 2 days (2 nights).
However, we will be in a tight limit of time and we have to have it in mind. Our trip will start in Rockville, MD near Washington, DC and after 2 days of driving we plan to stay in Chicago (or in its outskirts) for 2 nights. Then we are going to move to Canada via Detroit and there will be no overnight stop between Chicago and a Canadian place (it will likely be around Sarnia). In this connection I would prefer to stay outside Chicago (in the area of the O'Hare airport) in order to get out of it without standing in traffic jams on our way to Canada.
Also, I would be grateful for any advice as to the most interesting route from Rockville to Chicago for 2 days (2 nights).
May 24th, 2009, 02:41 AM
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Exiledprincess, you made me change my mind! We decided to rush from Rockville to Chicago with only 1 overnight stop, then spend 2 nights in Chicago and then have one day with an overnight somewhere on the Michigan Lake north of Chicago at one of the places you advise.
May 24th, 2009, 04:35 AM
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You can actually make it to Chicago in one very long day, if you wish. In any case, do you have access to a detailed highway map of the area before you arrive? We used to do the DC to Chicago trip often, and I might have some suggestions for you. Among other things, when we did stop overnight to break up the trip, we stayed in Columbus OH.
May 24th, 2009, 05:17 AM
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Thank you, HKP. I hope our friends in Rockville MD will help us with maps. In additon we will use a navigation system in a car. Anyway, I will be grateful for any advice from you. As to a night stop I think of Columbus OH, too. Could you recommend a decent place to stay there? Is it better to stay outside city? We are 2 families of 3 adults and 2 children and our nightly budget is around $100/family (the lower the better, of course, but not with bedbugs and mice).
May 24th, 2009, 08:58 AM
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Bostock, OK - here are my suggestions:
1) Since you don't wish to stay in Chicago proper, instead you wish to stay outside the city; and 2) since you are just going to be turning around, returning back eastwards immediately after visiting Chicago: Stay in Indiana - and I specifically suggest staying in Chesterton, IN.
Why?
1) The Chicago traffic doesn't start to really get heavy until you get west past Gary, IN;
2) You can take the South Shore and South Bend Railroad (an electric train) into Chicago from the Dune Park Station, which is only 2 miles north of Chesterton on US12. See www.NICTD.com for timetables and fares - very reasonably priced and many trains a day. The final terminus, Millennium Station, is right underneath Millennium Park. (Actually, the train station was there first and Millennium Park was built over it.) You are right in the thick of downtown Chicago when you disembark;
3) To get to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park from Chesterton, you need only drive a little more than 3 miles north on SR #49 from Chesterton; and
4) If you wish to go up the Michigan western shoreline, as I suggested, you are within a 1.75 hour drive of Saugatuck, MI. In fact, you were probably thinking of taking I-94 to Detroit? If you look at a map, you'll see that you can go up to Harbor Country or as far as Saugatuck, without being too great of a distance from I-94. (The St. Joseph/Benton Harbor is where I-94 curves eastward towards Detroit. St. Joseph/Benton Harbor is 45 minutes south of Saugatuck/Douglas.)
If you are considering this option, what I'd suggest is this: To go back eastwards from Chesterton, IN to Detroit - Go north on SR #49 up to US #12. You have to make a left turn from #49 to get to EB US #12, BTW. Once you are on EB US #12, you'll see the Dune Park South Shore station immediately to your left after you turn. Continue on US #12 for a couple of miles until you see the sign for Kemil Beach. There is no traffic light but there is a left turn lane. You want to take that road.
You first travel through a tunnel of trees and then the road makes a sharp right turn. Fantasic scenery, as you are then traveling parallel to Lake Michigan, to your left. To your right, you will see the resort homes overlooking the lake. I suggest a little stop at Kemil Beach to stretch your legs.
Continue EB on this road for a short while and then turn back south to access US #12 EB again. US #12 will take you through the northern part of Michigan City, IN and then out up into Michigan. Once you cross the Michigan State Line, you are on the Red Arrow Highway. Continue the journey as I indicated above. You can see how close Chesterton and Michigan City are to the Michigan/Indiana state line.
After you are finished visiting any of these areas you choose, you can see how easily you can re-access I-94 EB to Detroit.
1) Since you don't wish to stay in Chicago proper, instead you wish to stay outside the city; and 2) since you are just going to be turning around, returning back eastwards immediately after visiting Chicago: Stay in Indiana - and I specifically suggest staying in Chesterton, IN.
Why?
1) The Chicago traffic doesn't start to really get heavy until you get west past Gary, IN;
2) You can take the South Shore and South Bend Railroad (an electric train) into Chicago from the Dune Park Station, which is only 2 miles north of Chesterton on US12. See www.NICTD.com for timetables and fares - very reasonably priced and many trains a day. The final terminus, Millennium Station, is right underneath Millennium Park. (Actually, the train station was there first and Millennium Park was built over it.) You are right in the thick of downtown Chicago when you disembark;
3) To get to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park from Chesterton, you need only drive a little more than 3 miles north on SR #49 from Chesterton; and
4) If you wish to go up the Michigan western shoreline, as I suggested, you are within a 1.75 hour drive of Saugatuck, MI. In fact, you were probably thinking of taking I-94 to Detroit? If you look at a map, you'll see that you can go up to Harbor Country or as far as Saugatuck, without being too great of a distance from I-94. (The St. Joseph/Benton Harbor is where I-94 curves eastward towards Detroit. St. Joseph/Benton Harbor is 45 minutes south of Saugatuck/Douglas.)
If you are considering this option, what I'd suggest is this: To go back eastwards from Chesterton, IN to Detroit - Go north on SR #49 up to US #12. You have to make a left turn from #49 to get to EB US #12, BTW. Once you are on EB US #12, you'll see the Dune Park South Shore station immediately to your left after you turn. Continue on US #12 for a couple of miles until you see the sign for Kemil Beach. There is no traffic light but there is a left turn lane. You want to take that road.
You first travel through a tunnel of trees and then the road makes a sharp right turn. Fantasic scenery, as you are then traveling parallel to Lake Michigan, to your left. To your right, you will see the resort homes overlooking the lake. I suggest a little stop at Kemil Beach to stretch your legs.
Continue EB on this road for a short while and then turn back south to access US #12 EB again. US #12 will take you through the northern part of Michigan City, IN and then out up into Michigan. Once you cross the Michigan State Line, you are on the Red Arrow Highway. Continue the journey as I indicated above. You can see how close Chesterton and Michigan City are to the Michigan/Indiana state line.
After you are finished visiting any of these areas you choose, you can see how easily you can re-access I-94 EB to Detroit.
May 24th, 2009, 08:59 AM
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If you have a little time in Columbus, your families might enjoy visiting the COSI - Center of Science and Industry - in downtown Columbus. It's a well-conceived interactive museum.
I might recommend the Hampton Inn Columbus West - it's right on/off I-70 and Hampton's are usually reasonably priced and within reasonably acceptable condition (as of today, I was getting prices between $80 and $90/room). Haven't been to that particular one, but if I were traveling tomorrow, I'd probably book there.
A suggestion re: hotel/motel bookings: can you see about joining the American Automobile Association -- perhaps as an associate with its counterpart in your home country or once you arrive in Rockville. As a member you can usually get good discounts (up to 10%) on motel rooms, as well as assistance in emergencies on the road. Worth doing if at all possible.
As for the route from Rockville to Chicago: Many6 services will direct you to take I 81 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) but I would recommend you take the following routes (I just tried it on GoogleMaps and they agree with me):
From Rockville, take I 270 to where it becomes I 70. Near Hancock MD, I 70 will go north - don't take it; turn onto I 68 (also is US 40) west to Morgantown W Va. At Morgantown turn north on I 79 to Washington PA where it rejoins I 70 to go west to Columbus.
The reason I prefer this route is that the Penna. Turnpike can be slow because it winds and has steep grades and has a lot of truck traffic -- and it seems perpetually under construction. Also you get caught at the I 81- to -I-76 interchange, which has stop lights and congestion. By contrast, I -68 is quite scenic, less heavily traveled, and you can get a wonderful lunch at the Casselman Inn/restaurant/bakery in Grantsville MD, just off the highway.
I might recommend the Hampton Inn Columbus West - it's right on/off I-70 and Hampton's are usually reasonably priced and within reasonably acceptable condition (as of today, I was getting prices between $80 and $90/room). Haven't been to that particular one, but if I were traveling tomorrow, I'd probably book there.
A suggestion re: hotel/motel bookings: can you see about joining the American Automobile Association -- perhaps as an associate with its counterpart in your home country or once you arrive in Rockville. As a member you can usually get good discounts (up to 10%) on motel rooms, as well as assistance in emergencies on the road. Worth doing if at all possible.
As for the route from Rockville to Chicago: Many6 services will direct you to take I 81 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) but I would recommend you take the following routes (I just tried it on GoogleMaps and they agree with me):
From Rockville, take I 270 to where it becomes I 70. Near Hancock MD, I 70 will go north - don't take it; turn onto I 68 (also is US 40) west to Morgantown W Va. At Morgantown turn north on I 79 to Washington PA where it rejoins I 70 to go west to Columbus.
The reason I prefer this route is that the Penna. Turnpike can be slow because it winds and has steep grades and has a lot of truck traffic -- and it seems perpetually under construction. Also you get caught at the I 81- to -I-76 interchange, which has stop lights and congestion. By contrast, I -68 is quite scenic, less heavily traveled, and you can get a wonderful lunch at the Casselman Inn/restaurant/bakery in Grantsville MD, just off the highway.
May 24th, 2009, 09:56 AM
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1. To Exiledprincess: Thanks a lot. I've already booked a Holiday Inn at O'Hare for 2 nights but I will look into your advice re Chesterton deeper. Now I am looking for an overnight lodging around Saugatuck/Douglas/South Haven.
2. To HKP: I would be glad to be an AAA member but I am not American - we live in Russia and are making our touring plans from here. The last year we had a great trip over America (the Eastern route: NYC - Boston - Rockville and the Western route: Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Death Valley - Mammoth Lakes - Yosemite - SF - LA). We had some AAA maps given to us by our New York friends but actiually we used only a navigation device all the way. It really helped us except for 1 case at the entrance to the Death Valley - it led us to a road we could not really find on the ground. It seems to have been too hot for the device
2. To HKP: I would be glad to be an AAA member but I am not American - we live in Russia and are making our touring plans from here. The last year we had a great trip over America (the Eastern route: NYC - Boston - Rockville and the Western route: Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Death Valley - Mammoth Lakes - Yosemite - SF - LA). We had some AAA maps given to us by our New York friends but actiually we used only a navigation device all the way. It really helped us except for 1 case at the entrance to the Death Valley - it led us to a road we could not really find on the ground. It seems to have been too hot for the device
May 24th, 2009, 10:08 AM
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A new question to Exiledprincess:
What is the situation with public parkings in the area of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park? Isn't it hard to find vacant parking places in August weekends (as we are going to be there on a weekend)?
What is the situation with public parkings in the area of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park? Isn't it hard to find vacant parking places in August weekends (as we are going to be there on a weekend)?
May 24th, 2009, 10:21 AM
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I knew you were not American but I thought they might allow you to "join" (i.e., purchase membership) as a guest. I didn't know which country you were writing from, but I knew that the AAA autoclub recognizes members of many European autoclubs (see http://www.arceurope.com/EN/memberservices.aspx and then http://www.aaa.com/PPInternational/International.html ) The list of clubs does not seem to include Russia, but it does many other European countries.
I, too, have enjoyed the Indiana Dunes - it happened to be a day when the wind was blowing from the west, blowing the surface waters heated quite a bit by the sun over to the Michigan side - it was a heavily swim.
Enjoy your trip. Hope we have all been helpful.
I, too, have enjoyed the Indiana Dunes - it happened to be a day when the wind was blowing from the west, blowing the surface waters heated quite a bit by the sun over to the Michigan side - it was a heavily swim.
Enjoy your trip. Hope we have all been helpful.
May 24th, 2009, 04:25 PM
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Bostock, there are a few hotels and B&Bs in Chesterton, IN, including a Hilton Garden Inn and the Gray Goose Inn (B&B). Most of them are very close or on SR #49, so it's really convenient to the parks.
With your question as to parking, of course, it depends on when you arrive. If you go earlier in the morning, you wouldn't have as much problem as if you waited until later, of course. With the current economy being what it is, I'm sure that many people will be looking for economical getaways and relaxations - and the beach has always been popular. You can see the parking facilities for Indiana National Lakeshore (the Kemil Beach and other beach areas) by clicking on that URL I provided for you above. The main page has information on the parking situation, including the lot sizes for the various points; and there is a hyperlink for the additional parking at the Indiana Dunes State Park when you go to the expanded information. The "Maps" page has all information.
BTW, I didn't mention it because your interest was for beaches only but the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore contains many other areas - the Bailly Homestead/Chellburg Farm, the Heron Rookery, nature trails, bike paths and so forth. You can go on nature walks guided by a park ranger. Hope you don't mind my mentioning this for the sake of others who might be interested in visiting.
Chesterton is a smaller community where it can be a little challenging to find nightlife. You may not want that what with your hectic schedule. However, I'm going to mention this because it is now somewhat unique in the US and a real slice of Americana - the 49er Drive-In is located just south of Chesterton on *old* SR #49. Their website is www.49erdrivein.com in case you are interested and there is a map with directions.
With your question as to parking, of course, it depends on when you arrive. If you go earlier in the morning, you wouldn't have as much problem as if you waited until later, of course. With the current economy being what it is, I'm sure that many people will be looking for economical getaways and relaxations - and the beach has always been popular. You can see the parking facilities for Indiana National Lakeshore (the Kemil Beach and other beach areas) by clicking on that URL I provided for you above. The main page has information on the parking situation, including the lot sizes for the various points; and there is a hyperlink for the additional parking at the Indiana Dunes State Park when you go to the expanded information. The "Maps" page has all information.
BTW, I didn't mention it because your interest was for beaches only but the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore contains many other areas - the Bailly Homestead/Chellburg Farm, the Heron Rookery, nature trails, bike paths and so forth. You can go on nature walks guided by a park ranger. Hope you don't mind my mentioning this for the sake of others who might be interested in visiting.
Chesterton is a smaller community where it can be a little challenging to find nightlife. You may not want that what with your hectic schedule. However, I'm going to mention this because it is now somewhat unique in the US and a real slice of Americana - the 49er Drive-In is located just south of Chesterton on *old* SR #49. Their website is www.49erdrivein.com in case you are interested and there is a map with directions.
May 24th, 2009, 04:52 PM
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Oops! I forgot to mention these couple of things, especially since you are coming in August.
Just west of SR. #49 on US #20 is a waterpark called Splash Down Dunes which your kids might enjoy. www.splashdowndunes.com
Chesterton also has a 1950's-style drive-in restaurant (another slice of Americana) called The Port. You go west on Indian Boundary Road until you come to Calumet. Turn left (south) on Calumet, you'll see it on the right hand side of the road. Why not get a rootbeer float or other tasty summertime treat when you are here? www.theportdrivein.com
The Chesterton Art Fair will be held August 16-17 (perhaps when you are here?). Even if it is not, maybe you'd have a little time to visit the Chesterton Art Gallery, which, IMHO, is a little gem of a place. It highlights local and regional talent. See www.chestertonart.com for details.
Just west of SR. #49 on US #20 is a waterpark called Splash Down Dunes which your kids might enjoy. www.splashdowndunes.com
Chesterton also has a 1950's-style drive-in restaurant (another slice of Americana) called The Port. You go west on Indian Boundary Road until you come to Calumet. Turn left (south) on Calumet, you'll see it on the right hand side of the road. Why not get a rootbeer float or other tasty summertime treat when you are here? www.theportdrivein.com
The Chesterton Art Fair will be held August 16-17 (perhaps when you are here?). Even if it is not, maybe you'd have a little time to visit the Chesterton Art Gallery, which, IMHO, is a little gem of a place. It highlights local and regional talent. See www.chestertonart.com for details.
