Explore
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Indiana’s Cool North is calling.

Experience the state’s best kept secret. Come explore our eight eclectic counties filled with all sorts of gems—hidden and otherwise—that you might be surprised to find side by side.

Where else you can visit the Indiana Dunes, ride in a real Amish buggy, hit a Vegas-style casino, and walk the grounds of the University of Notre Dame in the same day? Yeah, it’s eclectic mix—but we’d suggest that’s part of what makes it so cool. Plan your visit to Indiana’s Cool North.

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Top Things

Live Music

Turn Up the Cool!

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Girlfriend Getaway

Call Your Besties

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2025's Biggest Events

Mark the Calendar

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Cozy Indoor Escapes

Stay Inside

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An Outdoor Winter Playground

Dress Warm

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Pizza Lover's Trail

Go Hungry

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Quaint Small Towns

Visit Us

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One-of-a-Kind Lodgings

Pack Your Bags

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Taco Trail

Yum Yum

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Fine Dining

Hungry?

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Local Favorites

Ask Us!

Top 12

Scenic Hiking Trails

Let's Go

Top 12

Girl's Weekends

Let's Go

Top 12

Restaurants Locals Love

Let's Eat

Top 10

Weekend Getaways

Pack the Car

Top 10

Pet Friendly Adventures

Woof Woof

Top 10

Outdoor Dining Places

Let's Eat!

#INDIANASCOOLNORTH
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Share your photo and video memories using the #IndianasCoolNorth hashtag and you could be featured in our gallery!
Let’s show everyone why Indiana’s Cool North is Calling.

 

                                            

Places to Explore in the Cool North.

Learn More About Our Destinations
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Indiana Dunes

Chesterton, Portage, Valparaiso, Porter, Hebron, Kouts

Rolling sand dunes. A national park. Relaxing beach vibes. Endless aquatic adventures. And that’s just what you’ll find along the shore. Explore a little more in Indiana Dunes and you’ll discover world-class dining, unique shopping experiences, and fantastic accommodations. A mecca for lovers of the great outdoors, you might need to add another day to your stay with all there is to see and do!

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Michigan City LaPorte 12

Michigan City Laporte

Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville, Wanatah

Looking for a laid-back vacation, or is it time to let loose and live it up? You’ll find the perfect blend of both in Michigan City LaPorte. Roll the dice or shop till you drop. Explore the area’s unique history or carve out your own outdoor adventure. Whatever you decide, one thing is for sure—authentic Midwestern spirit comes standard.

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The Most Instagrammable Places in Indiana’s Cool North

South Bend Mishawaka

Notre Dame, South Bend, Mishawaka, New Carlisle, North Liberty

Big city attractions and small town charm. You’ll find the best of both worlds when you visit this vibrant Northern Indiana county. The iconic campus of the University of Notre Dame is a must-see, and each community holds its own hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Kid-friendly fun? Definitely. Outdoor activities? Absolutely. The ideal getaway to suit your travel style is waiting in South Bend Mishawaka.

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Elkhart County

Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, Wakarusa, Shipshewana

Amish life and culture play a big part in daily life here in Indiana’s Cool North, and Elkhart County is no exception. Whether by car, by bike, or by buggy, tour the Heritage Trail and discover the communities that Northern Indiana is famous for. Winding nature trails, quilt gardens and historic downtowns all add to an experience that is original, authentic, and a little outside of the ordinary.

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Kosciusko

Warsaw, Syracuse, Winona Lake, North Webster, Pierceton

It doesn’t get any better than life on the lakes. And with over 100 of them, you’re sure to find a unique experience around every turn. Dine on the water’s edge at The Village at Winona, explore eclectic artisan’s shops, or take an old-school ride on a sternwheeler boat. The name might be a little tricky, but there’s definitely nothing complicated about life in Kosciusko County.

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Shipshewana LaGrange County

Shipshewana, LaGrange, Topeka

You won’t hear phrases like “daily grind” or “rush hour commute” in these parts. Life in Shipshewana LaGrange County is unhurried, uncomplicated, and definitely unlike anywhere else. Amish culture thrives here, and combined with a focus on the great outdoors, this truly is the place to get away from it all.

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Top 5 Things to Do Along the South Shore 5

South Shore

Whiting, Gary, Saint John, Merrillville, Hammond

Discover the City of Whiting, nestled between Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan, with their Pierogi Fest in July.   You won’t want to miss the Hard Rock Casino or Miller Beach in Gary, and the Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville, Stop at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond to view exhibits, purchase your gifts, or get information about the area.

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Festivals & Events

Arts and Entertainment

Zoo Luminate

March 19 - May 25, 2025

A spectacular Chinese lantern festival

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Places to Go 5
Arts and Entertainment

Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana’s Cool North

See individual theatres for schedule of shows and concerts.

Indiana's Cool North has a number of theatres. See the individual theatres for their show and concert schedules.

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Nature

Tulip Tyme at the Farm

April 19 - May 11, 2025

This spring, immerse yourself in the elegance of Harvest Tyme’s first-ever Tulip Festival,

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Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest
Nature

Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest

April 26-27, May 3-4, 2025

Hoosier Coho Club’s Pro/Am is a Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing contest with cash prizes.

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Community

Essenhaus Classic Car Cruise In

Thursday evenings, May 1 through September 25

Whether you are a classic car owner or a car enthusiast this event is for you

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Food/Beverage

Chocolate Walk

May 03 - May 03, 2025

Join for a day of chocolate bliss! Traverse downtown while stopping at participating businesses to collect delectable chocolate treats.

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Historical

Five Medals A Living History Experience

May 03 - May 04, 2025

Take part in the 18th and early 19th centuries in an extremely personal and hands-on way!

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Shipshewana Mayfest
Community

Shipshewana Mayfest

May 03 - May 03, 2025

Ole’ fashioned hometown fun, bustling with kid’s activities, live entertainment, tournaments, food trucks, benefit breakfast and more!

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CHESTERTON'S EUROPEAN MARKET 1
Shopping

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET

Every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of October

Our European Market provides a strong tradition of quality shopping, live entertainment, and a festive community experience.

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Sporting Events

DEEP RIVER GRINDERS VINTAGE BASEBALL

See Website for Dates: May 4 - Oct 5

Base ball played by the original 1858 rules.

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Shipshewana LaGrange County 13
Shopping

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Flea Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6 to Oct 1, 2025

The Shipshewana Flea Market is a do-not-miss Hoosier tradition with an open-air market the size of 30 football fields.

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Gary SouthShore Railcats
Sporting Events

Gary South Shore Railcats

See Website for Dates: May 9 - Sept 1, 2025

A day at U.S. Steel Yard is non-stop fun, and that's even without the baseball!

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Seasonal

Mother’s Day Tea at Barker Mansion

May 10 - May 10, 2025

This Mother’s Day, give Mom a gift she’ll cherish—Tea at The Barker Mansion!

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Community

INDIANA DUNES BIRDING FESTIVAL

May 15 - May 18, 2025

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an annual event hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society that showcases the abundance of migratory birds in the Indiana Dunes.

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Michigan City LaPorte 6
Community

Memorial Day Weekend at Hesston Steam Museum

May 24 - May 26, 2025

Clickety-clack on old-time steam-powered railroads, visit the blacksmith shop, and see this living history museum

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Shopping

Memorial Day Market

May 24 - May 25, 2025

This two-day craft and vendor show is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday weekend

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Extended Shipshewana Flea Markets
Community

Extended Shipshewana Flea Markets

Memorial Day: May 26-28, and Labor Day, Sept 1-3

The Midwest’s Largest Flea Market has extended markets on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

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Community

Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail

May 30 to Sept 15, 2025

This colorful patchwork of quilt inspired gardens and quilt-themed murals is linked by the roads that form the Heritage Trail.

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Arts and Entertainment

Hall of Heroes Comic Con

May 31 - June 01, 2025

Join in Elkhart's very own Comic Con, a fun, family, pop culture event for all ages. 

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Hobart Lakefront Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Hobart Lakefront Festival

June 05 - June 07, 2025

This four-day event features live entertainment, an arts and crafts area, children’s activities, food vendors and beer garden.

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STEAMBOAT RIDES ON MAGNIFICENT CEDAR LAKE
Historical

STEAMBOAT RIDES ON CEDAR LAKE

Wednesdays, Jun 11 to Sept 24, 2025

Steam across magnificent Cedar Lake in an authentic 1915 steamboat.

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Elkhart Jazz Festival - June 2
Fairs and Festivals

Elkhart Jazz Festival

June 19 - June 22, 2025

Downtown Elkhart’s Arts & Entertainment district comes alive with a 4 day celebration of jazz, including free concerts.

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Nature

FREE Entrance Day in the National Parks

Apr 19, June 19, Aug 4, Sept 24 and Nov 11, 2025

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates

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Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets 1
Shopping

Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets

June 20-21 and August 1-2, 2025

The Shipshewana Flea Market will be open for a special weekend flea market!

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Arts and Entertainment

Red Wine and Brew

June 27 - June 29, 2025

This annual event features some of Nashville’s greatest artists, a beer and wine tasting, drone show, kids area, and incredible food.

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LaPorte County Fair and Pioneer Land 1
Fairs and Festivals

LaPorte County Fair and Pioneer Land

July 05 - July 12, 2025

Oldest Indiana fair features Pioneer Land, rides, 4-H exhibits, bazaar, demolition derbies, food and celebrity entertainment,

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FESTIVAL OF THE LAKES 1
Arts and Entertainment

FESTIVAL OF THE LAKES

July 16 - July 20, 2025

Five nights of fun on Wolf Lake with rides, live entertainment, Polka Party and fishing derby.

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Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival 1
Fairs and Festivals

Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival

July 18 - July 20, 2025

A professional sand sculpting 3-day competition and exhibition on Michigan City's lakefront

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Elkhart County 4-H Fair for all the Fair Food
Fairs and Festivals

Elkhart County 4-H Fair

July 18-26, 2025

Non-stop action and 9 days of family fun are guaranteed at one of the largest county fairs in the nation.

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Pierogi Fest
Community

Pierogi Fest

July 25 - July 27, 2025

Taking place in Whiting, Indiana, Pierogi Fest® celebrates Eastern European food and culture with a wacky familial twist.

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Fairs and Festivals

City of LaPorte Lakefest

July 25 - July 27, 2025

LakeFest boasts three days of music, artisan market, venetian boat parade, fireworks, food and fun for the whole family on LaPorte’s lakes.

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Community

XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix

July 28 - August 03, 2025

Thousands of visitors head to Michigan City’s Washington Park each summer for a spectacle of speed and sound as some of the world’s fastest and most colorful powerboats roar across Lake Michigan

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Fusic Fest - A Fusion of Food, Fun & Music
Arts and Entertainment

Fusic Fest

August 01 - August 03, 2025

Fusic Fest is a fusion of food, music & fun at Jeorse Park Beach in East Chicago. 

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Chesterton Art Fair
Arts and Entertainment

Chesterton Art Fair

August 02 - August 03, 2025

Over 100 juried artists from across the country display their work in all mediums; includes food, live music, family art activities.

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Community

Gary Air Show

August 09 - August 10, 2025

Come see aerial acts perform along the south shore of Lake Michigan at the beautiful Marquette Park, just outside of the Indiana Dunes National Park.

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INDIANA DUNES OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FESTIVAL 4
Fairs and Festivals

INDIANA DUNES OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FESTIVAL

September 05 - September 21, 2025

Showcases the region's natural and cultural significance through hiking, paddling, biking, and other activities such as geocaching, photography, birding, and orienteering in the Indiana Dunes

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Valparaiso Popcorn Festival 1
Community

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

September 06 - September 06, 2025

This long-standing community tradition, The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continues to offer family-fun activities for all ages

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Lively Summer Festivals Spell Fun Across Indiana’s Cool North 3
Community

Nappanee Apple Festival

September 18 - September 21, 2025

The Nappanee Apple Festival is home to Indiana’s largest 7 foot baked apple pie and comes out of the oven just in time to kick off the festival!

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Annual Elvis FANtasy Fest
Arts and Entertainment

Annual Elvis Fantasy Fest

October 10 - October 12, 2025

A celebration of Elvis's music legacy and remembrance of his humanitarian ways by supporting a local charity.

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Community

MIDWEST RAIL RANGERS ON THE SOUTH SHORE LINE

One Saturday per Month; Check website for dates and times

Come ride the South Shore to learn about the historic steel-making region of Northwest Indiana, Indiana Dunes State and National Parks, and the breadbasket region of Indiana.

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