Weekend Nature Getaways

Parks

Here's a list of ten parks within a three-hour drive of many major cities that could make for a great Presidents Day weekend trip:

1. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana, near Chicago) - Sandy beaches, dunes, and hiking trails along Lake Michigan.

2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio, near Cleveland) - Scenic beauty, waterfalls, and historic sites along the Cuyahoga River.

3. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky, near Louisville) - Explore the world's longest cave system and enjoy hiking and scenic drives.

4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Michigan, near Traverse City) - Stunning sand dunes, beaches, and forests along Lake Michigan.

5. Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Michigan, near Grand Rapids) - Beautiful dunes and hiking trails with views of Lake Michigan.

6. Turkey Run State Park (Indiana, near Indianapolis) - Unique sandstone formations, hiking trails, and scenic views along Sugar Creek.

7. Hocking Hills State Park (Ohio, near Columbus) - Stunning waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails through picturesque gorges.

8. Brown County State Park (Indiana, near Bloomington) - Rolling hills, forests, and hiking trails ideal for outdoor recreation.

9. Starved Rock State Park (Illinois, near Chicago) - While you mentioned not wanting to visit it, it's worth considering if you haven't been before. However, if you prefer an alternative, you might explore Illinois Beach State Park (Illinois, near Chicago) - Sandy beaches, dunes, and hiking trails along Lake Michigan.

10. Grand Mere State Park (Michigan, near Kalamazoo) - Quiet beaches, sand dunes, and hiking trails in a tranquil setting.