You Can't Go Home Again
But I did and it was terrific! Let me explain:
I grew up in a northwest Indiana town called Munster – not far from Chicago, not far from farms, and not far from steel mills and similar factories. It wasn’t a bad place to grow up but I was anxious to shed The Region, as it’s called, and make my way to New York.
Me, about 1984
And I did. I finished high school in 1985 and by 1988 (and ever since) I’ve called New York my home. Over those past decades, I only retuned to my Indiana hometown for a few days in 1989 to collect any remaining belongings, and in the years since, have only briefly driven through the area a couple times on road trips.
Me in April 1989
My recent 40th high school reunion was the impetus to revisit and rather than stay in nearby Chicago, we spent a long weekend in the town I left as soon as I could. But now my interest changed – I was looking forward to seeing the town and communities through adult eyes, and not those of a somewhat bored teenager. Let me tell you – it was a delight!
I knew much changed over the years just by an Expedia search showing a plethora of hotels where there had been none. Other changes reflected those seen in all towns and cities, but so very much remained making it a heartwarming time capsule.
Blue Top Drive In - Highland, Indiana
Johnny’s Tap - Munster, Indiana
As you’d imagine, exploring nature has been a constant in my life as a child into adulthood (admittedly with a teenage break when I was more interested in the local mall). My town offered some nice spots to get outside, but as I researched for this trip, I learned how much I missed, along with places that didn’t even “exist” during the 1970s and 80s.
Case in point: the Little Calumet River. This waterway was heavily affected as the area become more populated and land use moved to agriculture and later industry. Sewage and waste from nearby factories contaminated both water and land. There was no reason to come into any contact with this polluted water unless it came to you when the river crested over its banks and flooded nearby communities.
Little Calumet River - Highland, Indiana
Today, the Little Calumet River Levee Trail runs from Munster to Gary and appears to be ever expanding its bike and walking path, thanks to environmental remediation efforts. We lacked suitable time to explore the trail, but did visit a section connected to the Highland Heron Rookery.
I couldn’t find any historical references to what predates the Rookery, but recall it being a dirty retention area. Today, it focuses on providing habitat for birds and recreation for people. In fact, our early evening visit was so beautiful that we returned the next morning for a second look-around.
Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
True to its name, we saw herons (Great Blue and Green) and their Great Egret relatives. Ducks included American Black, Mallard, Wood, Blue-winged Teal and Northern Shoveler. There were certainly warblers about but too difficult to see for a solid identification. We had a quick treat of an American Kestrel fly-by, and I also saw a little Garter Snake.
Black ducks and Mallard, Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
Green Heron, Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
Great Egret, Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
Great Blue Heron, Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
Northern Shoveler, Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
American Kestrel, Highland Heron Rookery - Highland, Indiana
Roughly 30 minutes north is Whiting. I don’t have a recollection of ever visiting this town as a kid and sadly wouldn’t have a proper experience this time. Our visit was on a Sunday when most shops and restaurants were closed, but the charming little downtown looked like it would be hopping other days. Onwards to nearby Whihala Beach along Lake Michigan filled with sunbathers and swimmers, where the sandy shoreline gave way to a hazy view of Chicago to the left, and an equally hazy view of what I believe was Inland Steel to the right.
Whihala Beach - Whiting, Indiana
Whihala Beach - Whiting, Indiana
Indiana and its fellow midwestern states are noted for prairie habitat, so that was a must-see on this visit. My research showed several to choose from, but based on timing and proximity, we headed to Oak Ridge Prairie in Griffith.
Late summer and early fall are prime time for many prairie plant species, and the swaths of goldenrod, aster, and grasses did not disappoint. While I see plenty of goldenrod here in New York, something about these were extra special – they seemed more vibrant or robust than those at home. Were they a different goldenrod species? According to the Native Plant Database from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, there are 148 species of plants within the genus Solidago.
Goldenrod, Oak Ridge Prairie - Griffith, Indiana
Prairie Grasses, Oak Ridge Prairie - Griffith, Indiana
Unfortunately, I couldn’t locate a plant list for Oak Ridge Prairie so my goldenrod question, along with similar ones about the grass species, will require further research. But there was no question about one thing: anyone who dismisses prairies as boring hasn’t properly visited a prairie to appreciate both their beauty and robust habitat.
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Oak Ridge Prairie - Griffith, Indiana
And that sort of sums up my whole experience over this long weekend. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect spending time in a town I haven’t seen for nearly 40 years. Sure…I expected to enjoy the time, but instead, I adored it! Remediation of the industrial past has provided opportunity for people and nature to flourish. Unused railroad tracks have been converted to bike and walking trails connecting towns like the old trains once did. And the prime reason for the visit – my 40th high school reunion – was more meaningful than I would’ve ever imagined.
I’m not sure if I will ever get back to The Region but I’m grateful for this visit which gave me a fresh view of my home with a sense of pride about how special it is.
