Looking for a unique fall weekend getaway near Chicago? The Century of Progress homes tour at Indiana Dunes National Park is an unforgettable excursion. National park lovers will enjoy the sweeping dunes and hiking trails while history buffs will get lost in the lore of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.
Complete your weekend escape with a stay at Goldberry Woods, one of the most unique places to stay Indiana Dunes travelers will find. Our sprawling 30 acre farm retreat in Harbor Country is a quick 25 minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park. As nature lovers and national park junkies ourselves, we’d love to host you at our boutique inn, cozy cottages or one of our charming vintage glampers.
As local hosts, we’re here to help you plan the perfect fall weekend getaway, including insider tips on our favorite local hiking trails, dining spots and more.
Everything You Need to Know About the Century of Progress Homes Tour
The 5 Century of Progress Homes are one of the coolest historical spots you didn’t know existed. The five homes were built for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, held along the lakefront at what is now Museum Campus. The fair attracted an impressive 48 million visitors over its two year run despite the financial background of the Great Depression.
The homes were built to represent 5 architectural styles: Art Deco, International, Cypress Log, Armco-Ferro, and Florida Tropical. After the fair the homes were moved to Beverly Shores, Indiana on barges across Lake Michigan. The contrast of the homes against the dunes landscape is a genuinely surreal and unforgettable experience.
Tours of the Century of Progress homes are held once a year in late September and tickets sell out quickly. Visit Indiana Landmarks for more information.
Indiana Dunes: Things to Do Before You Check In
Indiana Dunes consists of multiple parks spread across about 15 miles of shoreline and there is truly much to do in both parks. Check out our top 10 tips on exploring Indiana Dunes National Park before you go.
Indiana Dunes State Park is separate from the National Park but close by and absolutely worth a visit. Here are some of our favorite spots to explore at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Hiking the Dunes: The parks offer more than 50 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to intense dune climbs. The most popular hike is a steep trek up Mount Baldy, a 126 foot living sand dune. This trail is currently available for guided tours only, check the park’s website for the most current information. Can’t get enough of scaling the dunes? Test your stamina with the three dune challenge, a strenuous climb up three large sand dunes.
The Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm are one of Indiana Dunes’ best kept secrets. Explore a 19th century fur trade settlement and a working Swedish farm just minutes from the beach. The National Park Service maintains Chellberg as a working farm with animals, seasonal programming and more.
Enjoy the sun at West Beach, the park’s most popular stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. With ample parking, picnic pavilions, and restrooms, it’s the easiest spot in the park to set up for a full beach day and unwind by the water.
Birdwatching Birders visiting Indiana Dunes National Park can spot warblers, herons, sandpipers, and even bald eagles across its beaches, wetlands, and prairie habitats. The park’s mix of dune, woodland, and marsh ecosystems makes it easy to see a wide variety of species, learn more about birdwatching in and around Indiana Dunes.
Goldberry Woods: Indiana Dunes Accommodations That Keep You in Nature
If you’re searching for Indiana Dunes accommodations that match the spirit of the park, Goldberry Woods is the perfect fit. A short drive from the park in Union Pier, Michigan, it sits on 30 acres along the Galien River. Our sustainable, natural farm setting is nothing like the hotels near Indiana Dunes National Park, giving you a truly unique experience.
Choose from eight suites in the inn featuring artisan made tree beds that make you feel like you are sleeping in the forest, three private cottages, or one of our vintage glampers. If that’s not enough, enjoy the year round pool, soak in the hot tub, or grab a kayak and head down the river.
Jump on a bike and head to the beach for a Lake Michigan sunset or over to Warren Dunes State Park. Or take a free wellness class. For anyone wondering where to stay near Indiana Dunes that matches the park’s natural setting, you’ve found it at Goldberry Woods. Wondering if your dog can join the fun? Our cottages and glampers are dog friendly so your pup can make memories right alongside you.
Explore our regenerative farm and enjoy scratch made farm to table breakfasts before packing up to explore Indiana Dunes National Park.
Innkeepers Eric and Julie live on the property and have an intense love for nature, hiking, and sustainability. We’re the kind of hosts who remember your name and want to help you make the most of your stay. An easy drive from Chicago, Goldberry is the perfect place for your National Park weekend trip.
Frequently Asked Questions for Your Indiana Dunes Getaway
Is Goldberry Woods close to Indiana Dunes National Park? Yes, Goldberry Woods is located in Union Pier, Michigan, about 25 minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park.
What are the best places to stay near Indiana Dunes? For travelers who want to stay in nature, Goldberry Woods in Union Pier offers inn suites, cottages, and vintage glampers on a sustainable 30 acres farm along the Galien River.
Are there hotels near Indiana Dunes National Park? There are traditional hotel options in the area, but many guests prefer a more intentional stay. Goldberry Woods offers a pool, hot tub, fire pit, kayaks, and an organic farm with warm and friendly hosts.
When is the Century of Progress Homes Tour? The homes are open to the public one weekend per year in late September through Indiana Landmarks. Tickets sell out quickly. Visit Indiana Landmarks for current dates and availability.
How far is Indiana Dunes from Chicago? Indiana Dunes National Park is about 60 miles from downtown Chicago, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
What is there to do at Indiana Dunes? The park offers hiking, swimming at West Beach, hikes up Mount Baldy, the Three Dune Challenge, bird watching, and the historic Century of Progress Homes tour in Beverly Shores.
Come Back to Goldberry Woods
After you wear yourself out hiking and exploring the dunes, come back to Goldberry Woods to unwind. Soak your sore muscles in the hot tub, gather around the fire pit, and wake up to a farm fresh breakfast before you head back out. We’re just 25 minutes from the park and we’d love to be your home base for the weekend. Book your stay today and reach out to us if you have any questions, we can’t wait to host you.
