Kox College Explores Indiana Dunes National Park, the Nation’s Newest Park!

The first weekend of May, our group set out for an unforgettable adventure through Indiana Dunes National Park filled with lake swims, sandy hikes, campfire meals, music, and meaningful connections. From exploring the dunes and learning about the park’s history with NPS rangers to sharing sunsets and stargazing under the night sky, every moment brought new experiences and stronger friendships. What started as a weekend camping trip quickly turned into a reminder of how powerful time outdoors can be in bringing people together.

On Saturday, we kicked off the weekend at the visitor center before heading to Lake View Beach for a picnic lunch. From there, we hiked Cowles Bog and even took a jump into the lake along the way. Back at camp, we gathered around the fire for dinner with elotes and soup before ending the evening at Kemil Beach, where we watched the sunset with the Chicago skyline glowing in the distance while banjo and ukulele music played beside us. The night wrapped up with a stargazing program led by astronomers and organized by NPS — the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

After a quick breakfast on Sunday morning, we packed up camp and headed to the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, where we met Ranger Shane Griffin. He shared a film about the park’s history, introduced us to some of the center’s animal ambassadors — including Cleo the Eastern Box Turtle — and then guided us on a hike through the dunes to a lagoon in Miller Woods. The trails were filled with blooming wildflowers, making the hike even more beautiful. We enjoyed one last picnic lunch together before hitting the road just as the rain started to fall — perfect timing. Between climbing sand dunes, sharing meals, and spending the weekend outdoors together, new friendships were formed and memories were made. Apparently, struggling up dunes together builds both quad strength and lifelong bonds! Picnic lunch before getting on the road again (just as it began to rain- perfect timing!) New friendships made, mutual struggling up those sand dunes builds quad strength AND bonds people for life.