Wildflower enthusiasts rejoice! It's that time of year again - the time in which the weather begins warming up and wildflowers of many sorts come bursting up from out of the ground. It's a gorgeous time of year for sure, and if you want to get out and look for wildflowers this spring, we definitely don't blame you. In fact, if we can make a suggestion, a must-see spot for wildflowers in Indiana in the next several weeks probably has to be in Charlestown State Park, in southern Indiana.
Charlestown State Park is in and of itself a great place to visit.
It's home to a variety of niche things that you'll love depending on your own interests: there's an abandoned theme park for those who love urban exploration, there's a lake for those who love swimming or water sports, and then there are wildflowers for those of us who are totally obsessed. Wildflowers in Indiana tend to go nuts in some years, displaying some of the most beautiful colors in the Midwest. Here are a few of our favorite flowers that you'll discover at Charlestown State Park.
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Purple rockets, along with most of the flowers on this list, tend to bloom in March through April, though some might occasionally show up as late as May.
Interestingly, this particular flower is a member of the mustard family, though it's the only one that looks the way it does. No worries, little guy, every family needs a black sheep - and in this case, it's much more like a purple-flowered sheep, though the flowers do fade to a white color as they get older.
The white baneberry and its flowers are a common sight at the park and throughout southern Indiana during the spring.
It's easily the most dangerous plant on this list, as the berries the flowers turn into as they mature are extremely poisonous. Due to their strange, bulbous appearance with a black dot in the center, the berries are also sometimes called "Doll's Eyes" (yikes). At least the flower is nice to look at before the berries come in.
Blue flowers seem to garner special attention, and for good reason - they're beautiful and the whole state of Indiana is full of them.
This particular variation of blue flowers is called blue-eyed grass, which is kind of misleading, considering it's not a grass at all. It's a flower in the Iris family, and the deep blues and royal purples of its flowers are astonishingly brilliant. You'll find them scattered all over Charlestown State Park.
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A very notable and popular flower you're likely to encounter at the park is definitely the wild columbine, which grows in stunningly bright oranges, reds, and golds.
They tend to grow in clusters along Trail 6, so keep your eyes peeled and make sure to take that particular trail if you'd like to see them this year.
The weirdest (and, honestly, probably our favorite, just because it's so weird) wildflower you'll probably spot at Charlestown is called jack-in-the-pulpit.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is an odd-looking, cylindrical green flower that sometimes ends up with brown stripes or white on the inside. Since it's mostly green, it tends to blend in with other plants, but once you notice it you'll probably keep spotting it! It resembles a pitcher plant, which also grows in Indiana in another location, but it is not related and does not digest insects (the bees are safe in this case!).
Some of the wildflowers you'll encounter grow to enormous sizes, like the drooping trillium.
The leaves can get super-wide - almost a foot wide in some cases. The flowers are bright white with gold or greenish stamen.
Honestly, no matter where you go at Charlestown State Park, you're going to run into wildflowers that you know and love, and wildflowers that you might have never noticed before.
The park is easily one of the very best places for spotting wildflowers in Indiana. There are literally hundreds of more species that we definitely don't have the time to mention here, but trust us, they're all gorgeous in their own ways. Spring is a beautiful time full of new life.
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Are you planning on hunting for wildflowers in Indiana this spring? Where are you going to go, and which flowers are your favorites? Tell us about them in the comments!
Looking for more flowery goodness? Check out this article about flower farms in Indiana!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Indiana Dunes National Park is Indiana's first—and so far, only—national park. This makes it pretty special, I think! Of all the incredible parks and recreation areas in the Hoosier State, this one might be the single most unique one, making it absolutely worth driving from wherever you might be (in the Midwest and/or outside of it!) to experience it. While you're here, you'll have the chance to indulge in some of our state's most iconic hikes and hiking trails.
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Of the amazing hiking trails in Indiana, Indiana Dunes probably has some of the most iconic. After all, the dunes are incredibly iconic in and of themselves, thanks to their complete strangeness compared to the terrain of the rest of the state. Ask any stranger if there are sand dunes in the Midwest and see what they say; I suspect most folks have no idea.
Enter the Mt. Baldy Beach Trail, just under one mile of challenging (but rewarding) hiking with incredible beach views.
Truly, some of the intensely beautiful views of Lake Michigan on this hike look and feel like something out of a Caribbean paradise rather than a park in Indiana, but hey, here we are - and it's glorious. On particularly clear days, you can catch glimpses of the Chicago skyline across the water.
The trail is simple but not easy. You'll begin in the parking lot at the trailhead. From there, find your way to the staircase, which is right up along the entry road. Once you reach the top, you'll find that the trail veers right and meanders around the western side of Mt. Baldy (which is a dune, not a mountain, for the record). Follow the trail until you reach the edge of the dune, where you'll make your final descent down to the beach.
This is the hard part. The sand is loose and soft, and thanks to its nature, folks find it nigh on impossible to bring things like coolers and equipment down. The National Parks Service strongly advises against trying to bring these things, and so do I—let's enjoy nature without all the bells and whistles, at least while we're immersed in this particularly delicate ecosystem.
If you find getting down to the beach challenging—and for many, it is—you're definitely not going to like the way back up, which is simply the way from which we came. Climbing back up the dune is tough, even for seasoned hikers, but I promise the entire experience is worth it.
Mount Baldy is an impressive 126 feet above sea level (in this case, the "sea" is Lake Michigan), and amazingly, it's moving—and incredibly rapidly. While most geological processes take centuries, Mt. Baldy is meandering inland at an amazing four feet per year.
You'll find the amazing trailhead parking lot at 101 Rice Street (U.S. Highway 12), Michigan City, IN 46360. For a map and more information about the hike itself, check out the official Mt. Baldy Beach Trail AllTrails listing. If you're serious about hiking and would like to take it to the next level, check out the perks of getting AllTrails Plus. I'm personally obsessed with it.
