Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham

BY  Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park At A Glance Location: 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Visitor Center Contact Number: 219 395-1882 Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM Time Required: 1 Full Day Fees: $15-25 (Standard Pass), $45 (Annual Pass), and Free-$80 (America the Beautiful Pass, including Senior Passes) Area: More than 15000 acres Designation: National Lakeshore (1966) and National Park (15th February 2019) Famous For: Being the birthplace of American ecology, Housing 30% of the rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plants of Indiana Best Time to Visit: April and May and Late September to October Best Way to Reach: Take the South Shore Train, having multiple stops in the park Unique Things Do In Indiana Dunes National Park | Plan Your Day Activities  Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round attraction. So, every season offers the visitors something unique to do.  Let’s explore what wonders await at this national park, rich in biodiversity. 1. Swimming And Beach Activities https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK-9ndvTKl/?img_index=1 Many of the recreational things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park center around the miles of beaches in the park. The southern tip of Michigan and the beaches there are ideal for swimming and various beach activities.  Beaches In Indiana Dunes National ParkPorter BeachWest BeachDunbar BeachKemil BeachCentral Avenue BeachLake View BeachMount Baldy Beach Even if you don’t want to take part in adventurous activities, you can just enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beaches.  2. Biking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wSPbEP6Dk/ You can bike through the 37 miles trail of the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the dunes, historical spots, and wildlife of the park.  Further, the park has gravel and paved biking trails at various distances. So, you can choose a trail according to your level of expertise.  Biking Trails In Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Kankakee Bike TrailCalumet Bike TrailPrairie Duneland Bike TrailPorter Brickyard Bike TrailOak Savannah Bike TrailMarquette Bike Trail 3. Geocaching Geocaching is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. This treasure hunt game is played by geocachers.  These geocachers have to collect geocaches or hidden containers. So, if you are a geocacher or a participant in the game, you will have a smartphone with a free geocaching app and a GPS device.  Further, at Indiana Dunes National Park, you will be able to do four types of geocaching. You can try traditional or the most traditional geocaching at Chellberg Farm.  You can even try EarthCaching at Kemil Beach, Mount Baldy, and West Beach. Moreover, other types of geocaching in the park are Lab Caches at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk and Virtual Caching at A Century of Progress Historic District.  4. Bird Watching The park, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, attracts a lot of migrating birds. It is especially delightful with the sounds of the migrating songbirds in autumn.  So, you can be a beginner or an avid birdwatcher. You will be able to spot waterfowl or other wetland birds easily. Moreover, this park hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival on the 3rd weekend of May. This is a four-day event, and the more than a dozen birdwatching spots in the park are amazing.  5. Camping Camping is one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to explore the park at your own pace.  Moreover, the park campground has 66 campsites for tents and 53 RV sites. The campground here does not have electric hookup facilities.  Furthermore, campsites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible. However, camping facilities in the park are seasonal, and for the winter season, the camping ground will remain closed till 31st March.  Moreover, the camping fee per night at the park is $25. 6. Hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rInRWoYm6/ You can explore the dunes of the park, rare plants, and diverse species of birds and animals by hiking. Further, many trails take you to the historic places in the park. For example, you can hike through the Bailly Homestead Trail and enjoy the presence of oak, maple, basswood, and beech trees.  You can even hike to the Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie Trails, and Little Calumet River. Overall, the park has 15 trails with varying difficulty levels. So, irrespective of your expertise, you can choose the one most suitable for you. Moreover, the trails can take you from 20 minutes to 4 hours to conquer. Some moderate trails in the park are Calumet Dunes Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Ridge Trail, etc. Furthermore, West Beach Trails and Mount Baldy Beach Trail are some of the toughest hiking trails for you to complete in the park. 7. Visiting Historic Sites https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj7rf8vx3y/ Exploring the historic sites is one of the most meaningful things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. Did you know that the park has more than 60 historic sites? The most important landmarks of the park are Chellberg Farm, Good Fellow Youth Camp, and Bailly Homestead. Moreover, you can visit the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, and many other 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. 8. Stargazing https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7De5iC5G_/ Despite being very close to the urban area. Indiana Dunes National Park is a hotspot for stargazing. The lakeshores of the park, especially, create an ideal ambiance for getting lost in celestial activities.  Furthermore, the sky over the footprint of Lake Michigan is darker, creating a deeper sense of intrigue. Kemil Beach is the best place in the national park for stargazing. Also, it is the “7th designated International Dark Sky Community.”  9. Horseback Riding https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAuqi-I4q3/ You can enjoy horseback riding in the park along the Glenwood Dunes trail. The trailhead is on Brummitt Road, Chesterton and it is the only equestrian trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Further, the trail remains open from 16th March to 14th December.  Moreover, you can opt for the best guided tours in the park. Every year, the park offers over 500 guided tours. So, you can get in touch with the park's visitor center before planning a day out. See you there! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. 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BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  Subham Saha Jun 7, 2021

When you want to spend some time in a natural remote place with a great architectural view and its long history, the national parks in Michigan are your best choice. A small state with rich history and a beautiful natural landscape has made this a paradise for adventurous travelers. The natural landscapes and the gorgeous pictorial scenic beauty, along with the friendly local people, are turning this a perfect place for travelers who just want to spend their holiday in the heart of nature. Not only for the scenic beauty, but the gorgeous national parks in Michigan are also the hub of rich history and treasure. The known name of the western part of the upper Peninsula is copper country. And many adventure lovers are exploring this area. Old mines, a pretty scary but thrilling experience, attracted the people like a magnet. 7 Gorgeous National Parks In Michigan The national parks in Michigan map are everywhere from the Upper Peninsula to the most western part. As nature preserves in Michigan with the national parks, this small area has five clear water lakes. The lakes are specially helping to balance out the natural habitat of the place. The Michigan national parks are the precise definition of keeping an accurate balance between nature and wildlife. Here is the name of seven beautiful national parks in Michigan. When you are in Michigan, do not skip your turn to visit the place and feel the natural solitude. 1. Isle Royale National Park Houghton When we are talking about the best park in the national parks in Michigan, the first name which comes to our mind is the Isle Royale National Park in Houghton. This park is one of the less crowded national parks in Michigan state. The solitude and the natural beauty of the Alaskan mountains are making this a perfect hiking spot. The Isle Royale is closed all winter. If you want to reach the middle of the national park you have to take a ferry flight. The location and travel difficulty are turning this place into the authentic wildness of the country.  The water route is the only convenient way to explore the place. This island is the home of wolves, moose, otters, beavers, and small red foxes. The biggest attraction of the place is the migratory birds and the different types of amphibians. 2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Munising You are on Lake Superior, and pictured rocks national lakeshore is giving you 100 miles long trails. And this longest hiking trail is the best attraction among all the lakeside national parks in Michigan. The towering sandstone clips are giving the place a picture-perfect look. The best way to explore the cliffs is to take a boat and explore the 15 miles long colorful sandstone cliffs. Like the towering cliffs, many shallow caves are forming under the cliffs.  You can see the varieties of migratory birds and amphibians as the natural habitat of the place. The present sandstone metals are responsible for making the cliffs colorful. For the professional photographer, this place is like heaven. 3. Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Miles of the white sand beach, the beautiful dunes are on the top of Michigan. This stunning national park is 450 feet above Michigan lake. The park is located on the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula. It covers 35 miles of a long stretch of the eastern coastline. The 460 miles long climb route is the biggest attraction of the place. For the hikers, the place is so attractive that many travelers keep visiting the place in a year, especially those who love adventure sports. 4. Raisin National BattleField Monroe Battlefield of Monroe is the place that is right in the heart of wildness and carrying the Michigan national parks are full of excitement and the hub of a national treasure. The history of the past war is turning this place into a hanging sport for the hikers and travelers who want to explore the historical place and the wild hiking trails. The River Raisin National Battlefield is the site of the Frenchtown battle. Here in 1812, around 396 Americans were killed, and 545 people were taken as prisoners. In 1956 the battlefield was added as the national historic place in Michigan. And in 2010, the place was named in the national parks of Michigan. 5. North Country National Scenic Trail  Lowell Michigan, national parks are unique national parks that are surrounded by cliffs and lakes. The diversity of the national parks is giving a different outlook to the Michigan state parks. The north country scenic trail is not like the other Michigan state parks, but the national park service of the United States is looking after the trail. This trail is the historic trail that crosses over many states. The track stretches over 4700 miles of area.  In Michigan state, the trails, 1500 miles of trails, are in Michigan. The biggest attraction of the trail is the colorful trees of the forest. These colorful trees and birds are covering the entire trail. As for the hiking route, this is the best one to explore. 6. Keweenaw National Historical Park Calumet When you are in the northmost part of Michigan state among the national parks in Michigan, Keweenaw national historical park is the best destination. Many travelers are asking about what is the closest national park from Calumet. Keweenaw is the closed one.  This is the oldest one you want to find the National parks in Michigan, which turned 100. This is the best suitable choice for you. The park is on the Keweenaw peninsula.  This peninsula is the biggest source of natural raw copper. So the biggest attraction of the national park is the different colors of rocks and the lakes. The park was established in 1992, and from that year, this park has been the hub of education and natural beauty. Read Also: Best National Parks In Hawaii 7. Motor City National Heritage Area Detroit Southeast Michigan is the spot with much cultural diversity and the news in vacations of the automotive department. The motorcycle city is the best suitable place for history travelers.  The small place is full of different categories of museums. So when you are in Detroit, the nearest national park in Michigan is the Motor city national heritage center. From the Henry Ford National Museum, you can start your exploration. The small area is crowded with the different types of automotive collections. Henry Ford’s experimental overview is the biggest attraction of the place. You can see the first automotive factory, which Henry Ford first established. Wrapping It Up: What are you planning to spend your holiday doing? Are you planning to spend your days in the heart of nature? While you are in Michigan City, all your expectations for spending your days with thrilling experiences are completed when you are going to visit the national parks in Michigan. So do not forget to share your exciting, compelling travel experiences with us in the comment sections. You May Also Like:  Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore A Guide To National Parks In Georgia Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina