Name: Hobart Prairie Grove (Oak Savannah Trail)
Rating: 4.0

“A nice rail trail for biking, walking or running to get some exercise and fresh air.”

— Rafi Wilkinson

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Wildlife

Free parking and access. Trail is open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. No motorized vehicles allowed. Bicycles are allowed. Stay on the trail to protect the wildlife and yourself. Pets are permitted on a leash (6' or shorter). There are no restrooms or potable water source.

Overview

This is a rail trail that uses the corridor of the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railroad. The trail crosses several ravines and scenic Lake George, part of the Deep River. In Hobart, this trail connects with the Prairie Duneland Trail, which runs all the way to Chesterton (Porter).

Description

The trail is wheelchair accessible. The Hobart Prairie Grove Trail is a great place for biking, pushing a stroller, or just running to relax and improve your health. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore owns two miles of this almost 9 mile trail extending from Hobart to the east and Griffith to the west. To use the national lakeshore's portion of the trail, park at one of two locations. From the west, use the Robinson Park parking lot on South Liverpool Road just north of East 53rd Avenue. From the east, there is dedicated parallel street parking on South Wisconsin Street.

History & Background

Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly national lakeshore) was established to preserve portions of the Indiana Dunes and other areas of scenic, scientific, historic and recreational value. Up to two million annual visitors enjoy the park's 15,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, sand dunes, oak savannas, forests, and historic sites. The park's 15 miles of beaches hug the southern shore of Lake Michigan from Gary, IN, to Michigan City, IN. For more information, visit nps.gov/indu/index.htm or facebook.com/IndianaDunesNPS.