Do you like going out and discovering nature but hate overcrowding? National Geographic released its list of the 10 best national parks to avoid summer overcrowding, and several Midwestern entries made the cut.
In fact, the magazine cited Indiana Dunes National Park as the best in the country for families looking to stay away from the massive crowds that pack into places like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite every year.
The park not only includes 15 miles of sandy shoreline, but also offers notable hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
Admission to the park starts at $15 for pedestrians and $25 for private vehicles, and entry is valid for seven days after purchase.
An annual pass can be purchased for $45.
Also in the Midwest is Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Guided tours are the only way to actually see the caves, but they’re a surefire way to avoid the summer heat, according to the magazine.
According to the National Park Service, admission to Mammoth Cave National Park is free, but access to the various guided cave tours starts at $15, with more information available on the park’s website.
Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota has also earned praise, both for its many coastal and water activities, but also for its quiet campsites, where visitors can sometimes admire the incredible light shows of the Northern Lights .
The park does not require an entrance fee, but tickets must be purchased for tour boats, camping fees and more.
More information can be found on the park’s website.
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