There’s something special about revisiting the places you grew up in and sharing them with your college bestie, who grew up across the country. This trip brought it all together—city life, nature, and the beauty of the Midwest. We managed to explore Chicago, the Indiana Dunes, and a taste of Michigan, covering three states in two days and creating countless memories along the way. It was the perfect mix of peaceful nature and city buzz, reminding us just how many hidden gems are in our own backyard.
Destination Insights
Over the course of two days, we hit up three cities in three states—each with its own vibe.
Chicago, IL
There’s no place quite like Chicago. With its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and stunning views of Lake Michigan, this city has a special energy that draws you in. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time exploring. We got lost in exploring, soaking up the history and culture.
Beverly Shores, IN
Just under a 1 hour drive from Chicago, we found the peaceful haven of Beverly Shores in Indiana Dunes National Park. It’s a nature lover’s paradise with rolling sand dunes and sandy beaches. Hiking here was a breath of fresh air—seriously, it was a calming escape!
Baroda, MI
Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind for vineyards, but the rolling hills and lush landscapes create a perfect setting for wine tasting. We sipped on local wines and hiked the serene countryside. The wine trail, which blends wine tasting and hiking, is a must try!
History
Chicago, or the “Windy City,” got its nickname in 1893—not because of the weather, but because a reporter called out the city’s politicians for being full of “hot air” during the World’s Fair competition with New York. Despite the jab, Chicago won and became a major industrial hub.
The Indiana Dunes has a rich Native American history. It’s home to remnants of the area’s industrial past, including steel plants, a port, and a former coal-fired power plan.
Baroda, Michigan was named after the village Baroda, India in the early 1900s. The town grew thanks to the Lake Michigan Railroad and is known for its charming main street, vineyards, and rolling hills—perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Wildlife
In Chicago, urban parks and the lakefront are home to birds like the Canadian Goose and Henslow Sparrow, along with creatures like Fox Squirrels and Cottontail Rabbits. The Indiana Dunes brought us face-to-face with Great Blue Herons and schools of darting Minnows. In Baroda, Michigan, we spotted white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, adding to the charm of the countryside.
Weather
The Midwest weather added its own dynamic to our trip. The end of Summer still brought the warmth of the sunshine. Whereas the start of Fall brought crisp mornings and warm afternoons, ideal for outdoor activities. The changing leaves painted the landscape with vibrant colors, making our hike and winery visits even more picturesque. Chicago, though known for its windy reputation, gave us clear skies and cool breezes along the lakeshore. It was a perfect blend of sunny days and cool evenings that allowed us to fully enjoy both city and nature.
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | • Fly from LGB to MDW: non-stop is the way to go! |
| Evening | • Homemade Dinner: The vegetable lasagna was delicious! • Game night: that puzzle was so challenging! • Night at Home Sweet Home |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Home: Kodiak chocolate chip pancakes are best for those activity-filled weekends and big days on the trail. • Roadtrip: Chicago, IL to Beverly Shores, IN (1 hour) • Hike the Dunes Succession Trail (2 miles). Insider Tip: We hauled our beach gear on the paved Bathhouse path to the beach, then started from the shoreline and hike Loop 1 to Diana’s Dunes overlook. |
| Afternoon | • Visit Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center: Picked up a souvenir pin for mom. • Lunch at Round Barn Winery: The guys went for mega dogs and beers, while the girls enjoyed a charcuterie board and sipped on fruit wine (the plum wine was a favorite!). Insider Tip: We reserved the 2-hour cabana rental for 15 people, and highly recommend it for the comfy couches in the shade. Just a heads-up—there’s a time zone change, so make sure to arrive on time if you’re coming from the Central Time Zone! • Hike the Wine Trail from Round Barn Winery to Tabor Hill (1 mile). Insider Tip: We wore hiking boots and brought a roadie! |
| Evening | • Dinner at Portillo’s: The guys went for burgers and chicken sandwiches, while the girls tried the veggie hot dog. Insider Tip: If you haven’t had the Cake Shake yet, split one with a friend to taste this sweet treat! • Night at Home Sweet Home |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Home: French Toast bake with Apple Cinnamon twist! • Roadtrip from the Southside to Jackson Park (30 mins). Insider Tip: Hyde Park is safe near the University of Chicago campus. • Bike the Drive event: The guys rode bikes along Lakeshore Drive, while the girls wondered on the walking path. Great way to take in the lakeshore views! |
| Afternoon | • Visit the Museum of Science and Industry: Here are our favorite exhibits/experiences: 1) Would highly recommend the The Blue Paradox, an immersive experience taking us below the ocean’s surface to explore the impact plastic pollution has had on our planet. 2) Also check out the Coal Mine experience to tour mining methods and machinery through the years. 3) The Interactive Flight Simulator allows you to experience what it’s like to be a pilot or gunner in an aircraft – Such a Top Gun experience! 4) The Hall of Chemistry showcases the science behind everyday materials and chemical reactions – I totally geeked out as a biochemist! Insider Tip: When you have connection who works at Museum and you land free tickets into museum and experience. Thank, Nam! • Lunch at Farmstead: The guys went for angus burgers, while the girls tried vegan burgers (great flavor with sweet potato and black bean patty!). • Bus from Museum of Science and Industry to State Street (10 mins). • Explore Grant Park and walk to Chicago’s Landmark, the Buckingham Fountain. • Sip on a cold beverage and play a games at The Game Room of Michigan Avenue. Insider Tip: Cindy’s Rooftop bar is a stylish loft, however, there was a 1.5 hour wait so we strolled into the Game Room instead to unwind and relax. |
| Evening | • Dinner from Giordano’s: Deep dish pizza was delicious! • Engagement Party: Congrats Ry & Bry! • Night at Home Sweet Home |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast at Home: Fruit and pastries for grab-n-go. |
| Afternoon | • Fly from MDW to LGB: two of our favorite airports to fly in/out of out! |
Next Time Must Do’s
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the world’s largest science museums, and next time would like to get tickets to the Notes to Neurons exhibit.
Wilderness Wisdom
At Indiana Dunes, we walked through nature’s version of time. Starting at the sandy beach, we watched as the dunes transformed from bare sand into lush forests as we moved inland. There are two types of dunes here: foredunes, close to the beach and covered in vegetation like marram grass that stabilize the sand, and blowout dunes, formed by strong winds that create a “living dune” that shifts several feet each year. Sometimes, unapproved trails—known as social trails—can turn into these blowout dunes, so be sure to stick to the marked paths. What surprised us most was just ten minutes walking from the shore, we were deep in a forest, and it felt like stepping into a whole new world, showcasing nature’s incredible transformation.
RoadTrip Ties
On our road trip, everyone took turns picking a song, creating the perfect mash-up of our different styles and tastes. We vibed to Milky Chance, Mom went with Jelly Roll, while my sister brought a country twist into the mix. Each song choice gave us a fun way to get to know each other better, adding a personal soundtrack to our adventure — I highly encourage the next road trip to give it a go, and you’d be surprised by what you hear.
Photo Journal
Summary
Here’s to planning your own hometown adventure, wherever that may be, and sharing this adventure with those out-of-state best friends you made in college. This trip reminded us how special it is to revisit the places we grew up in, blending the city energy with peaceful nature escapes. Sometimes the best adventures really are the ones close to home, especially when you’re with the people who matter most.
