Looking to get outside this summer in Merrillville? The best hikes in Merrillville and the surrounding areas are here!

Barker Woods

Description: Easy

Distance: 1 mi. Time: 29 min.

Location: 444 Barker Road, Michigan City

     Although this trail is located inside Michigan City, as you reach the finish you will notice the distinctive natural landscape that spans 30 acres and has many photogenic sights. An old-growth forest that has been designated as a nature preserve since 1975 makes up the woodlands. A parking area and trailhead kiosk are located near the Save the Dunes headquarters, where the path begins.

Moraine Nature Preserve

Description: Easy

Distance: 2.5 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.

Location: East Co. Rd. 750 N. Valparaiso

     Moraine Nature Preserve is a 2.5-mile circular route with little traffic that is close to Valparaiso, Indiana, and has a wonderful woodland environment. The track is suitable for hikers of all experience levels and is frequently used for nature excursions, walks, and bird watching. There are a number of tree roots to navigate. This route is open to dogs, but they must be restrained by a leash. After significant rainfall in the spring and fall, it could be muddy. In both the summer and winter, fine.

Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Trail

Description: Moderate

Distance: 3.9 miles, Time: 1 hour 41 min.

Location: Bailly / Chellberg Parking Lot, 618 Mineral Springs Rd. Indiana Dunes National Park, Chesterton

     The Little Calumet River and Mnoke Prairie Route, a 3.9-mile circular trail with modest traffic and river views close to Chesterton, Indiana, is classified as being of average difficulty. The route is open all year long and is mostly utilized for hiking, walking, nature excursions, and bird watching. This route is open to dogs, but they must be restrained by a leash. The Little Calumet River is followed via the Calumet River Trail before turning onto a meadow and a forest. muddy if there has been rain.

Heron Rookery Trail:

Description: Easy

Distance: 3.2mi. Time: 1hr. 18 min.

Location: Indiana Dunes National Park,  1336 N. Co Rd. 600 E. Michigan City

     A 3.2-mile, moderately trafficked out-and-back route with a river that is suitable for hikers of all abilities may be found close to Michigan City, Indiana. The path is open all year long and provides a variety of exercise possibilities. This route is open to dogs, but they must be leashed at all times. Beautiful springtime blooms. The route has parking areas at both ends. muddy if there has been rain. 

Glenwood Dunes Trail

Description: Moderate

Distance: 6.7mi Time: 2hr. 49 min.

Location: U.S. 20 and School House Rd. Indiana Dunes National Park

    Glenwood Dunes Path, a 10.8-kilometer circular trail with a lake outside Chesterton, Indiana, is classed as moderate and has moderate traffic. The trail is open all year round and is mostly utilized for hiking, walking, snowshoeing, and horses. This route may be used by horses as well. The Furnessville to Highway 20 trailhead is located off of Brummitt Road and Highway 20.

    Because there are too many trail splits and junctions to include here, bring a trail map. Take care when crossing highways as you trek counterclockwise from the trailhead. Take the short detour to avoid the Calumet Dunes Paved Trail near the east end of the circle (Note that it is a short hike to the Calumet Dunes parking lot if restroom or potable water is desired). Following the cutoff, continue on the path west along U.S. Highway 12 before turning south at the trail's westernmost point. The Glenwood dunes Extension Trail shouldn't be used. Instead, return north on the circular route before heading east to the parking area.

Indiana Dunes Trail 9

Description: Moderate

Distance: 3.8 mi Time: 1hr. 41 min.

Location: 1600 N 25 East, Chesterton, $7 fee, Indiana Dunes State Park

   Among the most popular paths Indiana Dunes Route 9 is a 3.8-mile, lightly trafficked circular trail that is suitable for hikers of all levels and is situated close to Chesterton, Indiana. The path is best utilized from April to September and is generally used for hiking, trail running, and wildlife excursions. This trail features multiple blowout places, different heights, and a view from the ridge. Park at the Wilson Shelter or the Nature Center. This route is open to dogs, but they must be leashed at all times.

State and National Park Fees, Click here

The post The Best Hiking in Northwest Indiana appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.

Below you'll find dozens of Easter events all across Northwest Indiana! Check back often, we'll be updating this list daily through Easter.

Under these unique circumstances, please understand that the details in this post are subject to change at any moment and we strongly encourage you to contact the event organizers for the most up to date information prior to attendance.

Hoppy Easter!

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BURNS HARBOR

Spectacular Egg Event and General Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 0-12
Click for Details

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CEDAR LAKE

Youth Baseball Easter Egg Hunt
April 16
Click for Details

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CHESTERTON

Easter Bouquet Arranging Class
April 16
Click for Details

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CROWN POINT

Nicole Hanson Group Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Photos
April 9
Ages: 0-10
Click for Details

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DYER

Bunny Bags & Photos with the Easter Bunny
Sign up now, event is April 10-14
Click for Details

Dyer Parks Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: Up to 8
Click for Details

Dyer Parks Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 14
Ages: 9-12
Click for Details

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EAST CHICAGO

East Chicago Drive-Thru Easter Egg Hunt
April 2
Ages: 1-13
*Must register*
Click for Details

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GARY

Free Kids Easter Basket & Family Brunch
April 15
Ages 2-10 for basket, children must be present
*Drive-Thru Only
*Lake County residents only, with valid ID
Click for Details

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HAMMOND

Hop and Shop Easter Event with Egg Hunt & Bunny Photos
April 3
Click for Details

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HIGHLAND

HighlandGriffith Chamber Breakfast with the Bunny
April 2
Click for Details

North Township Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 1-10
Click for Details

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LAKE STATION

Community Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 1-12
Click for Details

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LA PORTE

La Porte First Church of God Easter Egg Hunt
April 16
All ages
Click for Details

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MERRILLVILLE

Easter Bunny Photos at Southlake Mall
April 2-16
Click for Details

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 4
Click for Details

Chasing Dreams Learning Center Egg Glow Hunt
April 9
Ages: Individuals with special needs, newborn to 25
Click for Details

Easter EGGSTRAVAGANZA Craft, Vendors, Food & Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 9
Click for Details

Sensory Friendly Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 10
Click for Details

Pentecostals of SouthLake
April 16
Ages 2-11
Click for Details

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MICHIGAN CITY

Free Kids Easter Basket & Family Brunch
April 15
Ages 2-10 for basket, children must be present
Click for Details

Bunny Hop at the Botanic Gardens
April 16
Click for Details

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MUNSTER

Westminster Presbyterian Egg Hunt
April 2
Click for Details

Underwater Egg Hunt, Open Swim & Photos with the Bunny
April 3
Ages: 2+
Click for Details

Great Egg Chase Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 8
Ages: 9-13
Click for Details

Community Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: Walking-8
Click for Details

St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 1 to 2nd grade
Click for Details

CSRI Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: Individuals of all ages who have special needs & abilities.
Click for Details

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PORTAGE

Breakfast with the Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt
April 9
Egg Hunt – Ages: 3-11
Click for Details

Dog Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 9
Click for Details

Easter Fun Fair – Egg Hunt & Bike Giveaway
April 16
Ages: 2-10
Click for Details

Portage United Pentecostal Church Easter Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 0-12
Click for Details

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SAINT JOHN

Town of St. John Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 2-8
Click for Details

Hage Insurance Shred-a-Thon & Easter Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 12 & under
Click for Details

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SCHERERVILLE

Up Your Alley Breakfast Buffet & Photos
April 9
All ages
Click for Details

Schererville Parks Breakfast with the Bunny & Egg Hunt
April 9 & April 10
All ages
Click for Details

Tri-Town Safety Village Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Craft Show & Food Trucks
April 9
Ages: 2-10
Click for Details

Bunny Photos at Whimsy Do's
April 15-16
Click for Details

Schererville Parks Flashlight Egg Hunt
April 14
Ages: 4-12
Click for Details

Easter Sunday Brunch at Villa Cesare
April 17
Click for Details

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VALPARAISO

Easter Bath Bomb Painting Class
April 2
Click for Details

Portage Township Parks Easter Fest at Haven Hollow Park
April 9
Ages: 12 & under
Click for Details

Immanuel Lutheran Easter Egg Hunt
April 9
Ages: 0-5th grade
Click for Details

Porter County Community Egg Hunt
April 16
Ages: 0-12
Click for Details

Valparaiso Baptist Church Easter Event with Egg Hunt & Easter Bunny
April 16
Click for Details

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WHITING

Easter Parade
April 9
Click for Details

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WINFIELD

Community Egg Hunt & Photos with the Bunny
April 16
Ages: 2-10
Click for Details

The post Easter Events and How to Spend the Holiday in Northern Indiana appeared first on Whitcomb Terrace Blog.