If you're on the lookout for things to do in the Hoosier State as the months get warmer (or, honestly, at any point during the year), then you should definitely consider a nice, scenic drive down one of the longest highways in the country. U.S. Route 12 is 2,484 miles long, and lots of those miles go right through Indiana. The segment of highway we'll focus on today stretches 21.8 miles in length, but we suggest making a road trip out of the entire thing. This scenic drive in Indiana is well worth a trip in every season so you get the full experience.
Beginning in Gary, Indiana, the route you will take has a few names.
The entirety of the highway is U.S. Route 12, but in Indiana, it's known as East Dunes Highway, or the Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive as well.
It will lead you through landscapes that are beautiful, industrial, and finally, something like a beach paradise.
First, you'll drive through quaint communities in and around Gary, and then you'll pass just south of the historic Miller Town Hall building. From Gary traveling east, you'll eventually reach Indiana Dunes National Park.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a national treasure, and we strongly encourage you to stop and enjoy this segment of it along your route.
It's incredibly photogenic, so a camera is a great item to bring along. The Indiana Dunes National Park is 15,000 acres of paradise right here in the Hoosier State that will make you forget you're in a land-locked state.
After a short bout of more driving, you'll encounter the luxurious town of Beverly Shores.
Beverly Shores is a destination all on its own. It's astonishingly beautiful, and you'll want to explore it as thoroughly as possible. It's an international dark-sky city, too, so if you stay past sunset, make sure to look up: the night sky is incredible here.
This little slice of paradise is perfect whether you're planning to stop for the night and continue your adventure the next day, or if you'd just like to stop in for a bite to eat before you finish your drive.
Read some more about Beverly Shores and all its beauty in this previous article.
Soon, you will reach Michigan City, Indiana, which, like Beverly Shores, is really just a special kind of beautiful.
The views of Lake Michigan are second to none, and the Michigan City Lighthouse is a landmark that you just have to see to believe. It's a truly beachy vibe in a Midwestern state, and you won't soon forget it.
Like Beverly Shores, Michigan City, Indiana, is a destination on its own, well worth an overnight stay.
It's got it all - great restaurants, scenic views, interesting history, and much more. Better still, Michigan City doesn't have to be the end of your adventure. U.S. Route 12 continues on to Michigan before it ends in Detroit, and much like the stretch of it we covered here, it's an adventure as well. You could also simply go back the other way; after more than 2,000 miles, you'll end up in Washington state!
For a step-by-step, fully customizable adventure, click here for an editable map.
So, what do you think? Would you drive the entire U.S. Route 12, or just stick to the beautiful Hoosier bits? Tell us your plans in the comments.
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