Rockville Lake Park

Rockville Lake Park in Rockville Indiana is an excellent place to cool off on a hot summer day. With a sand beach, calm water, and a wading area which gradually slopes into a deep swimming area, it is perfect for young children (with parental supervision of course) and adults alike. 

In the swimming area there is a concrete dock which you can climb up and jump off of. (Careful, it is easy to skin yourself on the concrete!) The water is deep enough for a dive!

There is a playground and picnic area near the beach. Note that pets are allowed in the park, but not on the beach. 

Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run near Marshall Indiana is a hiker's dream. This beautiful state park offers several trails which wind through a variety of geographical wonders. The trails vary in difficulty. Some have steps carved into rock walls while others have stairs which descend into deep gorges. There is even a trail which has ladders which you must climb to continue. There is a cavern area which is cold even in the mid of summer (the ice box) and a trickle of a stream into a pit (the punch bowl, pictured below). 

Beware, you may get your feet wet on some trails which you must walk into the stream, but on a hot summer day this is sure to be refreshing. The sand stone beneath the water's surface helps with traction.

There are several areas which offer rock climbing for beginners and experts alike. Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed, so feel free to bring your pooch.

The paths are easy to follow, but make sure to pick up a map at the nature center. For those who wish to take a dip, take advantage of the Olympic size pool. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, Sugar Creek runs through the park, where you can kayak or canoe.

Don't forget water!

Lakeside Park

If you are searching for a beach on Lake Huron near the mouth of the St Clair River, Lakeside Park in Port Huron Michigan has one that offers not only clear crisp water, volleyball, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a splash pad but also offers less current, sandy bottoms, and waves. There are even underwater sand bars to swim out to, where boats set anchor nearby and the occupants swim or play a game of ball. 

Restrooms are available on site. Current rates are per vehicle. 

$5 for St Clair County residents

$10 out of county.

Edwardo's Natural Pizza in Munster Indiana

photo credit: Heather Gregory

Looking for an authentic Chicago Deep Dish Pizza? Look no more! Edwardo's offers a delicious Chicago Style Deep Dish that will fill your belly and delite your tastebuds. The made from scratch pizza does take 45 minutes, so you may wish to order ahead, or you can sip on wine and crunch on their homemade version of chips dipped in marinara. 

Don't forget to try their other pizzas and menu items!

Buon appetito!

Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan

Want to find a campground with an awesome freshwater beach? Head on down (or should I say up?) to Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. Not only can you beat the heat, but there are sand dunes that are a photographer's dream. As for the beach... well.... see for yourself.

Don't forget to lather on the sunscreen and pack the cooler with plenty of water!

Lake View Beach on Lake Michigan in Indiana

Lake View Beach is one of the Beaches East of Indiana Dunes that not only offers one of the most beautiful views in America, but is also pet friendly... and best of all FREE!

With crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and lots of parking, what's not to love?

Take a stroll, build a castle, people watch, or take a dip in the crisp waters.

Pavilions are on site to have a picnic lunch!

Even on a rainy day you can watch the storm roll in from under these with miraculous beauty! (Make sure to find safety if severe weather arrives!)

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago Illinois

Zoos fascinate children and adults all over the world. The rarer the species, the more ooohs and awwwes. And with a view like this, who can resist a walk?

From tigers and lions...

To apes, chimpanzee and monkey species......

Even reptiles & amphibians..

Small mammals and Marsupials...

Seals.... and much more...

There are all types of critters at the Lincoln Park Zoo... and the best part.... It is FREE!

So take a step out of the busy streets and escape into a mystical jungle... right there in downtown Chicago!

Marysville City Park & Chrysler Beach in Marysville Michigan

Chrysler Beach sits across the road from Marysville City Park (where there are playgrounds, sporting areas, a splash pad, and picnic tables to enjoy a lunch). 

The beach is excellent for a dip in the cool waters of the St. Clair River. Some bring out kayaks or floats to float down the river to nearby St. Clair. (on a float this can take all day).

There is even a dock for those who like to dive or jump into the deep area since the waters are decently calm near shore in this area. (careful not to venture out too far...this river does have a swift current farther out!)

Also a great place to watch for freighters (may even get to splash in some small waves) or building a sand castle! The beach is dog friendly so feel free to bring along Fido. (please remember to clean up after your pet). 

Restrooms and parking are located on site.

Did I mention that Canada is across the river?

Lighthouse Park & Beach in Port Huron Michigan

Lighthouse Park & Beach offer a view as well as crystal clear water to cool you down on a hot summers day, right where Lake Huron feeds into the St. Clair River... and for free! For a small fee, you can even climb the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse steps for a view from the top.  Restrooms and a playground are available as well as vending machines!

The beach offers sand for the kids to build a castle and beautiful stones for those into rock collecting.

The water does have current as well as waves so be prepared!

There are a variety of water crafts which frequent the port, so it is a perfect place to watch freighters and sailboats alike.

Don't forget the sunscreen!

David Crockett State Park

Whether you are looking for a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, a picnic, camping, biking, boating, or just love historic sites, David Crockett State Park is definitely worth stopping by. With more trail heads than I could count to 6 miles of hiking trails, access to a lake and a creek with beautiful waterfalls and spillways, an Olympic size swimming pool with an additional wading pool for kids, and many other accommodations mentioned below, there is something for everyone.

Above is Davy Crockett Falls... perfect for wading and to get cool on a hot day. You can sit right in the middle of the falls and let the water cascade over you. (Rumor has it a bit farther downstream there is also a swimming hole). 

The spillway above... off of Waterfall Trail... standing under it was refreshing!

Lindsey Lake above...  perfect for fishing!

There are pavilions as well as picnic tables located throughout the park. Tent camping or cabins are available for rent as well as watercraft. A restaurant is located on site overlooking the lake and a snack bar is near the pool area for refreshments. Be sure to stop by the museum!