When most people think about America’s national parks, their minds wander westward to the red rocks of Utah or the towering peaks of the Rockies. But tucked right in the Midwest are two remarkable national parks that combine history, scenery, and outdoor adventure—Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana. On this trip back across the west on phase II of our year of fun, we set out to hike, bike, and experience the quieter side of these parks.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Where History Meets Nature
Located just a short drive from Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park surprised us with its mix of rolling hills, historic sites, and a river that has a story to tell.
Hiking Highlights
- Brandywine Falls: One of the park’s most iconic spots, this 65-foot waterfall cascades into a rocky gorge. A short boardwalk trail gives you great views, and longer trails let you wander deeper into the woods.
- Ledges Trail: A must-do hike that winds through moss-covered sandstone cliffs, caves, and shady forests. The overlook at sunset is stunning.
- Towpath Trail: Stretching more than 20 miles through the park, this trail follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. We biked sections of it and imagined the days when mules pulled boats along the waterway.
Biking the Towpath
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is perfect for biking—flat, scenic, and rich in history. We rode past old locks, through peaceful forests, and alongside the Cuyahoga River. It’s the kind of ride that blends exercise with discovery, and we loved stopping at visitor centers to learn more about the canal’s history.
Indiana Dunes National Park: Sand, Shore, and Surprises
Just a couple of hours east of Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park hugs the southern shore of Lake Michigan. It’s a place where you can hike through dunes, forests, and wetlands—and then cool off with a swim in the lake.
Hiking Adventures
- Dune Succession Trail: This hike climbs up wooden stairways and sandy paths to show how dunes change over time, from bare sand to forests. The views of Lake Michigan from the top are worth every step.
- Cowles Bog Trail: A diverse trail that winds through wetlands, oak savannas, and dunes. It’s a longer hike but one of the best ways to see the park’s varied landscapes. Remember your bug repellent!!
- West Beach Trails: A network of loops that let us wander through rolling dunes and end right at the lakeshore.
Biking Near the Dunes
While biking on the actual dunes isn’t possible, there are paved trails and quiet roads nearby that make for enjoyable rides. We especially liked connecting the park’s scenic spots by bike and ending the day with a dip in Lake Michigan.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park reminded us that you don’t have to travel to remote corners of the country for big adventures. Between biking along historic canals, hiking through sandstone ledges, and climbing sandy dunes with lake views, the Midwest offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and fun.
These parks may not be the most famous, but they’re perfect for anyone who loves to explore on foot and bike. Sometimes the best surprises are right in the heartland.
Join us as we explore two of the Midwest’s hidden national park gems: Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana. From biking the historic Towpath Trail and hiking the Ledges to climbing sandy dunes along Lake Michigan, these parks offer incredible adventures you won’t want to miss.
Catch us next time as we head to the the state with 10,000 lakes!
Garlands on the GO 
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