Indiana Dunes + Shoreline Brewery (30 minute drive South)

Indiana Dunes was designated a National Park in 2019, and is the only National Park in the vicinity. With over 50 miles of trails across 15 miles of Coastline, there is so much to see and do here in a day, you're sure to work up an appetite. For a quicker hike, we recommend the Dune Ridge Trail - you'll hike just under a mile through forests and wetlands, seeing the biological diversity of this Park. And, for those looking for more adventure, check out the Glenwood Dunes Trails - this trail contains several interconnected loops allowing you to hike a mile or up to 15 miles across dunes, beach and forest.

After your hike, head 13 minutes back toward Garden Grove Inn to Shoreline Brewery. In its 20th year, Shoreline serves up to 18 handcrafted beers on tap, and has amazing food to boot. Grab a seat on the back patio, and order the fan-favorite Curse the Goat or the perfect summer beverage, Shoreveza, and the always outstanding fish & chips!

 

Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve + Burn 'Em Brewing (15 minute drive South)

With 4 miles of trails, Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve is host to rare club mosses, mushrooms, salamanders, migratory birds, amphibians and other natural treasures. You'll enjoy traversing the various trails of this beautiful forest delighting in the flora and fauna, some of which is unique to this boreal flatwoods.

After your hike, check out Burn 'Em Brewing just 8 minutes down the road. In their newish home, you can enjoy one of their delicious handcrafted beers and a snack! Try the always popular Hipster Juicebag IPA with an app of pretzels and beer cheese or the cajun seasoned wings!

 

Galien River County Park + Ghost Isle Brewery (7 minute drive South)

The Galien River County Park is a must-visit on your visit to Harbor Country! You get amazing views of the Galien River and surrounding marshland both from up above on the platform, and at sea level on the boardwalk through the marsh and to the river. Platform views at sunset rival any beach sunset you'll see while you're here! The trails are hard-surfaced and barrier free making it a great place for all ability levels. 

After your stroll through the park, check out Ghost Isle Brewery just a few mintues further south. Their large patio overlooks the Galien River and Marsh, and is the perfect place for a pint! The Stoner's Paradise NE IPA is a thirst-quenching brew, and the Cottage Fries are not to be missed.

 

Warren Woods + Seedz Brewery (5 minute drive)

My personal favorite hike around is just up the road at Warren Woods State Park. This Primeval Forest has trails that follow the inland Galien River surrounded by towering Beech and majestic Maple Trees. It's a 2-mile out-and-back hike that takes you up and down the banks of the river, and over a lovely arched bridge spanning the Galien. 

And just a short drive away, you're back in Union Pier at Seedz Brewery. This brewery has a lovely back patio with seating under some more magnificent trees. Try their Mitten Life and truly feel what it's like to spend a day outdoors in the Mitten. Seedz does not serve food, so plan ahead with a charcuterie box order from Garden Grove Inn, or pick up a sandwich from Black Currant Bakehouse on your way.

 

Warren Dunes + Greenbush Brewery (15 minute drive North)

Warren Dunes State Park boasts big dunes and beautiful beaches. You could honestly just go to climb (and then run down!) a dune! But for those who like to cover some ground, enjoy any of their 6 miles of hiking trails and 3 miles of shoreline. You'll traverse beach, forest, and dunes on your hikes, with stunning views of Lake Michigan as you go.

You'll no doubt endure some climbing while at Warren Dunes, and luckily Greenbush will satisfy any appetite you work up. Get the Joique Wings or GGBLT to satisfy your hunger, and quench your thirst with a glass of Sunspot Hefeweizen. Enjoy your meal indoors or on the patio. 

ADDED BONUS: While not a brewery, SideYard across the street from Greenbush has an amazing side yard with lawn games, and amazing cocktails (plus, beer too!). Their recently opened kitchen also has an amazing selection of food. Try a frozen cocktail or Phony Negroni, and the Chili Crunch Tots!

 

Grand Mere State Park + Watermark Brewing (20 minute drive North)

With 1100 beach-facing acreage, and just over a mile of trails, sand dunes, and inland lakes, Grand Mere State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Afterwards, drive a few miles inland to Watermark Brewing and enjoy a beer on their massive patio (rated #3 best beer garden by USA Today!) and a snack from one of the many rotating foodtrucks parked out front. If the foodtruck of the day doesn't whet your palette, grab a hot dog from DogSlinger across the street - they're delicious! Sip on the Bodega Mexican Style Lager to refresh you from all that sunshine.

 

Myron Perlman Nature Preserve + River St. Joe (30 minute drive East)

Departing from our South to North Lakeshore trail, this combination has you heading inland to Buchanan where you'll find Myron Perlman Nature Preserve. As one of the many Chikaming Open Lands preserves, this one has about a mile of forested wetland and farmland for you to enjoy.

Then head over to River St. Joe, a hop farm, and farmstead brewery destination on a large piece of land adjacent to the St. Joe River. The outdoor space is beautiful, and fun! If you're there on a Wednesday, you may catch some Bocce out back. Or, start up your own game of Cornhole. While all their beer is good, be sure to try one of their farmed and foraged housemade sodas accompanied with a delcious flatbread! 

 

Enjoy the veauty of NW Indiana and SW Michigan both on your feet, and through the experience of handcrafted beverages and foods. There really is no better way to immerse in a time and place like walking the land and eating/drinking the farm-to-plate/pint goodness.