The Midwest Beach, Indiana Dunes

September 21, 2022

Loving the Beach

Hi all. I appreciate every single one of you following my journey. Now I want to share a place that’s quickly becoming a favorite getaway for me. I’ve had the good fortune on multiple occasions now, to visit the Indiana Dunes. This area in North West Indiana boasts a State Park and National Park . It’s the midwest beach. I wrote about scattering some of Eric here a few months ago. Several of you have messaged me and asked about it. So I thought I would feature an article about this wonderful destination spot.

There are many reasons to love this beach. Indiana Dunes National Park has 15,000 acres and 15 miles miles of beach according to the national parks website. This beach sits on Lake Michigan a freshwater lake, so the salt of the oceans’ beaches are not a problem here. It’s closer to the midwestern states than driving south to visit the ocean and there’s plenty of sand and sun during the summer months.

Getting to The Midwest Beach

map from the govenment parks website showing indiana dunes national park

Of course I’m not telling you anything the locals here don’t already know. I’ve visited this gorgeous place since I met my late husband in 1997. But I didn’t really appreciate it until now. Now I’ve had time. Time to go and just sit whenever I want. Time to spend just enjoying it, so I wanted to share it with you.

The sunsets here are amazing. On a clear night, I can even see the Chicago skyline. But besides these highlights, there is so much more this national park has to offer. The park has 50 miles of hiking trails. This midwest beach not only offers “rugged dunes” but also boasts wetlands, prairies, rivers, and forests.

sunset at the midwest beach in northern indiana

view of the midwest beach from central beach

Attractions

Tucked around the park you will also find lots of local eateries. If you are looking for a place to stay while here, there are also plenty of options depending on your budget and stay requirements. The government parks website also has a page to help plan your trip according to what you want to do. Although just sitting and listening to the waves is always my favorite. So if you are looking for a quick getaway without having to drive or fly and spend tons of money, check out the midwest beach in northern Indiana. I guarantee you will love it plus, if you want to get spicy there’s always Chicago within an hours drive.

Destinations, On The Road

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About Me and My Grief Journey

My grief journey began in the Summer of 2020. I became a widow overnight. Without warning, my entire life was turned upside down, broken into pieces I didn’t know how to put back together. Writing became my anchor—my way to breathe, process, and heal, even in small, fractured moments.

After losing Eric, I was diagnosed with PTSD, complicated grief, and an anxiety disorder. For a long time, I was paralyzed by my own emotions. I traveled across the U.S. for over two years, mostly alone, learning how to carry myself through the aftermath of sudden loss.

Along the way, I found love again. Greg became an important part of my life, bringing companionship, laughter, and even new challenges. Losing him to suicide has been another unimaginable heartbreak that shapes much of what I write here. Through it all, my emotional support animals —Odin (dog) and Freija (cat)— keep me grounded and remind me there is still love, life, and care to give.

I moved and now reside in Chicago, Illinois. This city, this home, is my space to rebuild, to grieve, and to explore who I am beyond loss.

What you will find here

This blog started as a place to house my writing. Over time, it’s become much more. Here, I reflect on grief, healing, and the messy, beautiful, often difficult journey of life after sudden loss. I write about my day-to-day experiences, the struggles and triumphs with my diagnoses, and anything else that captures my heart and attention.

My journey on podcasts

Many of my articles are available in podcast form on Spotify and Amazon Music. I welcome your comments—I love feedback. Let’s share this journey together, and maybe find adventure along the way.

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