As the vibrant colors of summer fade away, many of us pack away our swimsuits and sunscreen, thinking that beach days are behind us until next year. However, we can still enjoy the beach, just from a different perspective.
As an example, we chose to take a day trip to Indiana Dunes and the stunning shores of Lake Michigan to simply enjoy a slow fall day. Fall is an ideal time to visit natural wonders such as these.
However, the beach bag essentials that you typically take to the beach during the summer months may need a slight seasonal adjustment. With this in mind, I’m sharing a short guide to what you could consider packing for a fantastic fall day trip to Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan’s shoreline – just as we did.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, Indiana
According to Wikipedia, Indiana Dunes National Park was authorized by Congress in 1966 as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and was redesignated as the nation’s 61st national park on February 15, 2019. The park stretches approximately 20 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan (near Chicago) and covers 15,349 acres.
Being the planner that I am, I decided to plan a nearby day trip to a national park that we have not yet experienced which is why Indiana Dunes was chosen.
Not only that but with the beautiful shoreline, we still get the opportunity to enjoy a fall picnic beach-style – which brings me to the list of fall beach bag essentials that are great to consider should you decide to embark upon your own fall beach journey.
Fall Beach Bag Essentials
Weather-Appropriate Clothing | Consider Layers
Indiana Dunes in the fall can be a bit chilly, so it’s important to dress in layers. Start with a comfortable base layer and add a warm, cozy sweater in addition to a lightweight waterproof jacket for those unexpected Lake Michigan winds.
If you are into fashion and style and plan to take a heaping load of photos (as you should document and romanticize your life), consider opting for earthy tones and autumn colors to blend in with the natural beauty of the dunes.
Camera | Smartphone | Instant Cameras
Speaking of photos, Autumn at the Dunes offers breathtaking landscapes and vibrant foliage. It’s a great idea to bring along a camera or two to document your experience there. I enjoy bringing along a variety of cameras such as instant cameras, toy cameras, and my professional camera.
Since the summer, I have been using my pink 35 mm film camera and am still working to use every exposure. My advice is to choose what feels best to you and capture your life moments.
Comfortable Footwear
With a trip such as this, you are likely to be exploring sandy dunes making it essential to wear comfortable and sturdy footwear. A pair of hiking boots or closed-toe shoes will protect your feet while providing traction on uneven terrain. Don’t forget to wear thick and warm socks.
Beach Blanket and Cozy Throw
Fall beach trips often come with brisk winds, so a warm blanket or throw is a must. Spread it on the beach for a picnic or simply wrap it around yourself as you watch the waves crash on the shore. This versatile item will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Even in the fall, the sun can be quite strong, so be sure that you continue to keep your sunscreen and lip balm in your beach bag to protect your skin and keep your lips moisturized.
Local Map and Trail Guide
While our plan was not to do much hiking on this particular trip, you may choose to do so. If you do plan to hike the trails around Indiana Dunes, be sure to stop and get a local map and trail guide which will help you navigate the dunes and discover hidden gems.
Leave No Trace | Very Important!
- Thermos with Warm Beverages
- Snacks in a Reusable Bag
- Reusable Water Bottles
On such long day trips, bringing snacks and beverages is much needed, however, as you prepare your menu of what to take on your trip, it’s important to pack items in reusable containers to minimize waste and help keep the beautiful environment clean.
While on our Dreamland Safari Tour in Utah, we learned that it’s important to leave no trace that you’ve been there while visiting natural environments.
As a matter of fact, there is a framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors called The 7 Principles which is worth learning about.
Final Thoughts
Overall, heading to Indiana Dunes National Park in the fall can be such a memorable and enjoyable experience, especially by packing these fall beach bag essentials. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty and the cozy charm of autumn will make your visit a truly unique experience.
Photos courtesy of Pixabay.
