Discovering America's Best Idea: A Journey Through 63 National Parks

Indiana Dunes National Park

In the summer of 2019, my mother and I set out on an epic road trip, fueled by the ambitious goal of her visiting all 50 states.

Beginning our journey in Chicago, I found myself in an unexpected hour-long line at the car rental, a record-breaking wait for me. Undeterred, we set off for Springfield late in the evening. Rising early the next day, we immersed ourselves in the rich history of the Illinois state capital. A poignant connection unfolded as we visited Lincoln's home and grave, sharing a birthday with Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who resided in Springfield for a significant part of his life. Today, his former residence stands as a National Historic Site, preserving the legacy of a remarkable era.

Our adventure pressed on to St. Louis, where we marveled at the iconic Gateway Arch—a first-time experience for my mom. The Gateway Arch stands tall as the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, reaching an impressive height of 630 feet. Our exploration in St. Louis wasn't complete without savoring foodie delights; Mama Toscano's ravioli and the long lines at Ted Drews, crafting frozen custard since 1929, were undoubtedly worth the wait.

Our next destination led us to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, named after a Native American legend and designated a national lakeshore in 1970. As we explored, we walked the dunes barefoot, took breaks by sitting in the sand, and marveled at the surroundings, transitioning from city life to being surrounded by endless sand.

For our overnight stay, we found comfort at the Marriott in Bay Harbor on Lake Michigan. Our room, equipped with a jetted tub and a full kitchen, offered breathtaking views. The lake's vibrant colors created an island-like ambiance, and the added bonus of free laundry services, complete with detergent, was a pleasant surprise. The following morning's buffet breakfast showcased the most incredible variety of fruit, including the most delicious strawberries, the largest raspberries I had ever seen, and cherries—a delightful treat to start our day.

Our adventure for the day, we embarked on a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, coincidentally during the lilac festival—a delightful surprise that filled the air with the heavenly scent of lilacs. Immersed in the festivities, we hopped on a buggy ride to the Grand Hotel, boasting the world's longest porch. Indulging in the most delicious fudge from Murdick's was a must. Since 1887, Murdick's has been the original Mackinac Island fudge maker, and I savored the cherry fudge—a delightful blend of light pink with dark chunks of locally harvested cherries.

A fascinating tidbit about Mackinac Island is its ban on motor vehicles since 1898. The primary modes of transportation are horse-drawn carriages or bicycles, adding a charming and nostalgic touch to this unique island experience. Located at the intersection of two Great Lakes, Mackinac Island is technically floating on Lake Huron, marking a significant milestone for me as I have now visited every Great Lake.

Upon reaching Indiana, we visited Indiana Dunes National Park, claiming its national park status as the 61st in the United States in February 2019, is like a hidden treasure along the shores of Lake Michigan. Imagine beautiful beaches, towering sand dunes, cozy forests, and vibrant wetlands – it's a nature lover's dream with birdwatching, hiking trails, and all sorts of exploring.

While I tackled the Mt. Baldy trail, my mom had her own chill session in the car with her trusty paper – a classic move that she loves. This trail takes you from woods to sandy dunes and lands you right on the shores of Lake Michigan. What makes it even cooler is the mix of nature vibes with a nearby power plant. It's like having a touch of industry meet the beauty of the lake, making the whole scene pretty unforgettable.

Back in Chicago, we made a beeline to Pequod's for a taste of their deep-dish pizza – my first dive into this style, and it was seriously good. Resisting the temptation to order another (even though I totally could have), we saved room for dinner at Gibsons Steakhouse. Our finale feast included a Porterhouse for two and this colossal Macadamia Turtle Pie. It was so massive that we ended up sharing it with the table next to us – that's how gigantic it was.