Cowles Bog

Gary Indiana Hikes

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(2 Member Reviews)

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This is a loop hike around a bog, through wooded dunes, past marshes, and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Cowles Bog is a historically significant site. It was here in the early 1900s that Dr. Henry Cowles, a professor at the University of Chicago, did much of his scientific research on plant ecology. The area was designated a national natural landmark in 1965. Access to the bog is restricted, but it can be seen from a distance while hiking the trail. The trail is well-defined, with marked intersections, although wind-blown sand can obscure the marker along the beach. Special Attractions: Cowles Bog and the Lake Michigan shoreline.

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Trail Statistics & Information


Activity Type:	Hiking
Nearby City:	Gary
Length:	5 total miles
Elevation Gain:	100 feet
Trail Type:	Loop
Skill Level:	Easy to moderate
Season:	Year-round
Local Contacts:	Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 219-926-7561
Local Maps:	Dune Acres USGS, Dunes National Lakeshore map.
Topo Map:	Cowles Bog Topographic Map
Guide Book:	Hiking Indiana Guide Book
Driving Directions:	View Guide
Trail Directions:	View Guide

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Recent Trail Reviews

Jeff Rating:

Date of Trip: 6/4/2006
0 Props

For the most part this was an easy hike with the exception of climbing a sa…

Rating:

Date of Trip: 11/9/2001
0 Props

This trail is very diverse-wooded paths,high dunes and a spectacular beach!…

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Weather Conditions

Rest Of Tonight
Partly cloudy. Areas of fog after midnight. Lows in the upper 30s. Southwest winds around 10 mph in the late evening and early morning becoming light and variable during the predawn hours.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. Areas of fog early in the morning. Mild. Highs in the mid 50s. Light and variable winds in the morning becoming southeast around 10 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. East winds around 10 mph in the evening becoming light and variable after midnight.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. Continued mild. Highs in the mid 50s. Southeast winds around 10 mph.