Meet Kyra Ball! Kyra is currently attending Purdue University working toward a major in Food Science and a minor in Forensic Science. While at school, she is also competing as a part of the Women’s Purdue Cross Country and Track team. At home, in Ogden Dunes, she lives with her family of five along with two dogs and a guinea pig. She’s always enjoying the outdoors; at any given time you can see me either running or on the beach with friends and family.
What brought you to the dunes? Technically, I would have to say my parents, Nate and Kai Ball, brought me to the dunes. I was too little to make choices on my own, but they made a great decision in moving so close to the dunes. Being able to watch the sunset from on the beach or from my back porch is a sight I would not be able to see anywhere else.
How long have you lived here? I have lived here since I was the age of one. My parents and I lived in Chicago for a year and then when my mom was about to have my sister, Corinne, we picked up and moved to Ogden Dunes where we have been ever since.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? I can’t pick a favorite thing to do in the area, so I am tied between three: walking the trails and taking pictures of my dogs, paddleboarding at the beach, or eating ice cream at Oink’s in New Buffalo. My dogs are very photogenic, but only when my mom, Kai, is around to persuade them with love to sit and stay in place. Paddleboarding is something my family picked up on three years ago. It took a while to learn how to stay balanced, but once you get going, it is an enjoyable workout out on the water. As my whole family can witness to, I am a big sweets person. In the summer, ice cream is the go to dessert and Oink’s in New Buffalo has numerous flavors to choose from, so I can never go wrong.
Tell us a secret about the dunes. I am not sure if this is a secret, but there are many locations to go geocaching, which is a great way to get out under the sun and explore the trails.
Give us your top three “hidden treasures” (restaurant, shop, trail, beach, event…really anything!)
a) The 3 Dunes Challenge is another way to explore the trails. I found out about it through my friends who have previously completed it. It was a pleasant hike to do and getting all the way to the top of each dune is a reward in itself, a gorgeous view over Lake Michigan.
b) Bridges in downtown Michigan City is a cute restaurant next to the harbor. It is outside seating with lively surroundings and the staff is very friendly. The food options are revolved around fish and seafood, but there is a large amount of variety to choose from.
c) Urban Soles (now frolic) is a little boutique in downtown Michigan City. (with a new store in New Buffalo!) Every time I go in with my family, we spend a great amount of time enjoying the creative displays of the accessories, clothing, and shoes. The Lake Michigan Unsalted brand clothing always appears somewhere on my receipt as I checkout.
Anything else? I want people to appreciate all that the dunes provide for us. The beaches, trails, events, restaurants, and shops are for everyone to have a great time. Take advantage of all the great places around the area!
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