Hiking Dunes, Honoring Lincoln, and Exploring Chicago: One Epic Midwest Adventure

First post of the Wild West Adventure Trip!

From trout hatcheries and presidential history to sandy hikes and Chicago pizza—this Midwest road trip packed in more than we expected and left us with stories we’ll be telling for years.

Stops Included In This Post:

1. Atlanta, GA (Start)
2. Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
3. Wolf Creek Dam / Lake Cumberland
4. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
5. Indiana Dunes State Park
6. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago (End)

Stop #1: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Trout Hatchery

Location: Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

We kicked off our journey at one of the 79 National Fish Hatcheries operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These hatcheries are the backbone of fish stocking in America’s lakes, rivers, and streams.

This hatchery specializes in trout, raising them from eggs to stockable size—around 16 months. The kids loved watching the trout swarm during feeding time and learning how these operations support recreational fishing and aquatic ecosystems.

Stop #2: Wolf Creek Dam at Lake Cumberland

Location: Wolf Creek Dam

[Insert photo of the dam overlook with caption: “Holding back Lake Cumberland and powering the region.”]

Right next to the hatchery sits the Wolf Creek Dam, which holds back the massive Lake Cumberland. It’s a critical piece of infrastructure providing hydroelectric power to the region. We stopped for a quick look at the engineering marvel and soaked in some beautiful views of the water below.

Stop #3: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace and Boyhood Home

Location: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Our next stop took us back in time. Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky, situated on Sinking Springs Farm, and we visited the symbolic cabin housed in a stone memorial. At just two years old, Lincoln’s family was forced to move due to a land dispute. His father had purchased the land for $200, but it was contested in court.

They moved 10 miles away to Hodgenville, where Lincoln spent the next several years of his childhood. We hiked the Lincoln Childhood Home Overlook Trail, learning about his early life—including how a childhood friend named Austin Galleher once pulled young Abe from a creek after he fell in. Lincoln also began to build his storytelling skills at a young age, reportedly entertaining others from the top of a tree stump.

Stop #4: Indiana Dunes State and National Park

Location: Indiana Dunes State Park

This was the most action-packed—and chaotic—part of our trip, and it all started with an unplanned detour to the USS Indianapolis Memorial in Indianapolis on the way. We thought it was a historical site for a different reason, but the unexpected stop turned out to be a meaningful one.

When we arrived at the Dunes, the fun began fast. On our first night, we tried sledding down the sandy slopes of Devil’s Slide—a blast even without snow.

The next morning, we joined a ranger program about the JD Marshall shipwreck that started at the Nature Center and ended at the beach. Madison and Lincoln weren’t too interested, but Lacy, Liam, and Lucas stuck with it and learned about the ship and the formation of the dunes.

Later that morning, Lincoln and Madison hiked the iconic 1.5-mile Three Dune Challenge, which rewards you with spectacular views from the tops of three towering dunes.

That afternoon, we drove to the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, then finished the day with beach time—easily the boys’ favorite part of the park.

The next morning got off to a frantic start. Madison and Liam went missing just before we were scheduled to pick up Cassy from the airport. We searched the campground, the beach trail, and even the Three Dune Challenge loop. After what felt like forever, we found them walking calmly along the road to the Nature Center. Crisis averted.

Final Stop: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago With Cassy!

Location: Lincoln Park Zoo

We wrapped up the trip in Chicago, cruising down Lake Shore Drive past the Sears Tower and the Buckingham Fountain—cue the theme song to “Married… with Children.”

Thanks to SpotHero, we grabbed a $10 parking spot right in Lincoln Park. It was one of the smoothest city parking experiences we’ve ever had—highly recommend it for unfamiliar cities.

It started pouring just as we arrived at the Lincoln Park Zoo, but that didn’t stop us. We ran from exhibit to exhibit, taking in monkeys, seals, birds, penguins, gorillas, and more. The zoo exceeded all expectations—and the best part is, it’s completely free.

We ended the day with authentic Chicago deep-dish at Bacino’s in Lincoln Park, which lived up to the hype in every cheesy, crusty, delicious bite.

Final Thoughts

From trout tanks and early American history to sand dunes and urban wildlife, this trip offered something new and unexpected at every turn. The Indiana Dunes were the highlight—offering a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and family bonding (plus a few good-natured panic moments).

Next time you’re planning a road trip, consider tracing this route. You’ll come away with sore legs, sandy shoes, and a fresh appreciation for the Midwest’s quieter corners.