Best Tri-State National Parks

 Best Tri-State National Parks

Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park.

See what the Midwest and South has to offer 

Since the redesignation of Indiana Dunes as a National Park on February 15, 2019, the Tri-state region has been home to three of America’s 63 National Parks. Each Park has its own charm that reflects the beauties and wonders of each state. If you’ve got a free weekend coming up, add these parks to your bucket list and start packing.  

Kentucky – Mammoth Cave National Park  

Nestled in Western Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is truly a world of its own. Not only is Mammoth Cave a United States National Park, but this cave system is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave system, and they haven’t even scratched the surface yet—there’s still so much to explore.  

Mammoth Cave National Park’s Historic Entrance.

Mammoth Cave has more than just caves—rolling hills, diverse wild and plant life, nature trails, river valleys and more.  

You can’t truly be a citizen of the Bluegrass state without visiting Mammoth Cave.  

Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley National Park  

Located in Northern Ohio, right outside of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley has plenty to offer. Hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, golfing, horseback riding—you name it.  

A frozen Brandywine falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  

Cuyahoga has plenty of lush waterfalls, woodlands, and wetlands. Don’t be deterred if you think a National Park so close to a city can’t have nature; you might be surprised just how pretty Northern Ohio is.  

Every Buckeye must check this park off their to-do list before they die.  

Indiana – Indiana Dunes National Park  

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes brings the beauty of the beach to a Midwestern state. Indiana Dunes has over 15,000 acres of dunes, swamps, marshes, forests, rivers, and more.  

With over 15 miles of Lakes Michigan’s shoreline, there’s plenty of room for swimming, playing and relaxing. According to the National Park Service, Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex freshwater lakes in the world. Enjoy your day of fun knowing mother nature is working hard.  

If you’re a true Hoosier, you’ll stop by Indiana Dunes at least once. 

 

By Natalie Hamren