Best attractions and places to see around Highland offer a variety of outdoor experiences, primarily focusing on trails and natural areas. This region provides opportunities for cycling and walking, with several well-maintained paths. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from former railway lines converted into scenic routes to conservation areas with wetlands and forests. The area is characterized by its accessible outdoor spaces, suitable for various activity levels.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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This quiet nature reserve in Indiana features dirt and gravel paths surrounded by wetlands and trees. Be prepared for uneven surfaces and a few puddles after rain. It's a gem for those who like cycling surrounded by forest.
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This pedestrian bridge sits above the intersection of Calumet Avenue and River Drive and helps increase safety at the busy intersection off I-94.
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This trail runs 17.7 miles (28.5 km) from Hammond to Crown Point. It follows the former Erie Lackawanna Railway which closed was abandoned in 1986. You cycle through green countryside and several towns. It's paved and smooth – a great place to ride!
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This trail leads 17.8 miles (28.6 km) through lovely nature. The paved trail traces the former Port Branch of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. Highlights en route include the Indiana Dunes, oak savanna ecosystems and Oak Ridge Prairie Park. In Griffith, the trail joins the Erie Lackawanna Trail.
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Great traffic free cycling and walking route. Nice surface and plenty of places to stop along the way.
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The Pensy Greenway is part of a much longer paved path. Very well maintained, it goes through beautiful areas of southern Chicago.
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This is cool! I’ll definitely check this route out.
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The most popular attractions around Highland primarily focus on trails and natural areas. The Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail is highly rated for its traffic-free cycling and walking, offering a paved 28.5 km route. Another favorite is the Illinois Pennsy Greenway, a well-maintained paved path extending through scenic areas of southern Chicago.
Yes, the Oak Savannah Trail is a family-friendly option. This paved trail spans 28.6 km, tracing a former railway line through lovely nature, including highlights like the Indiana Dunes and Oak Ridge Prairie Park. It's suitable for various activity levels.
Highland offers a variety of cycling routes, many utilizing former railway lines converted into scenic paths. You can find numerous options for both touring and road cycling. For example, the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail and Oak Savannah Trail are excellent for traffic-free rides. You can explore more routes on the Cycling around Highland guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Highland guide.
Yes, several attractions in Highland are wheelchair accessible. The Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail and the Illinois Pennsy Greenway are both paved and suitable for wheelchairs. Additionally, the Calumet Avenue Pedestrian Bridge is specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing safe passage over a busy intersection.
The Chase Street Conservation Area is a notable natural reserve in Indiana. It features dirt and gravel paths winding through wetlands and trees, offering a quiet escape for those who enjoy cycling or walking surrounded by nature. Be aware that paths can be uneven or have puddles after rain.
Visitors frequently praise the trails for their smooth, paved surfaces and traffic-free environments, making them ideal for cycling and walking. Many appreciate the scenic green countryside and the numerous places to stop and rest along routes like the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail. The well-maintained nature of paths like the Illinois Pennsy Greenway is also a common highlight.
Yes, Highland offers several running trails. You can find various loops with moderate difficulty, such as the Grand Prairie loop from Munster or the Lake Highland loop. For more detailed options, refer to the Running Trails around Highland guide.
The trails around Highland offer diverse landscapes. On the Oak Savannah Trail, you'll encounter oak savanna ecosystems and the Indiana Dunes. The Chase Street Conservation Area features wetlands and forests, providing a lush, natural setting.
Beyond the extensive trail network, the Calumet Avenue Pedestrian Bridge stands out as a point of interest. It's a modern, wheelchair-accessible bridge designed to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists at a busy intersection, offering a functional yet notable structure in the area.
Yes, several trails in the Highland area are interconnected, allowing for longer and more varied outdoor adventures. For instance, the Oak Savannah Trail joins the Erie Lackawanna Trail in Griffith, providing opportunities to extend your cycling or walking routes. You can find various loop routes combining these trails in the cycling guides.


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