Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Breathe In
Indiana's
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Soak Up
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Celebrate
Indiana's
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South Shore 7
Drink Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Perfect Pairings - Dinner and a Show
Experience
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Stay in
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Unwind in
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Cool North.
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Six Splendid Places to Celebrate Spring in Indiana’s Cool North 2
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Perfect Pairings - Dinner and a Show
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Miller Beach Vacation Rentals
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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

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
PHOTO GALLERY

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

Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion
Seasonal

Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion

January 01 - March 31, 2025

Grab your friends, bring the kids, snag your spouse and come out to skate at the William E. Urschel Pavilion.

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Potawatomi Zoo Winter Days 1
Nature

Potawatomi Zoo Winter Days

Every Weekend this winter - 11am to 4pm

Come see what the animals are doing this winter; open every weekend.

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Food/Beverage

Sip and Savor: Elkhart County Restaurant Weeks

February 21 - March 09, 2025

Delicious delights from exceptional eateries.

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Maple Sugar Time at Indiana Dunes
Nature

Maple Sugar Time Festival

March 01 - March 02, 2025

Enjoy a sweet taste of spring during the annual Maple Sugar Time festival

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Sugar Camp Days
Nature

Sugar Camp Days

March 08 - March 09, 2025

Join us in celebration of the end of winter at Sugar Camp Days!

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Nature

Maple Syrup Time

March 8-9 and 15-16, 2025

Come witness this special time of the year, tapping the trees and gathering the sap

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Shopping

Shipshewana on the Road

March 08 - March 09, 2025

Shipshewana On The Road - Gift, Food and Craft Show; a weekend of fun where you'll find anything and everything under the sun!

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Michigan City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Community

Michigan City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

March 15 - March 15, 2025

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be celebrated in Michigan City

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Events 8
Fairs and Festivals

Maple Syrup Days

March 15 - March 16, 2025

We show three different ways to make maple syrup. Horse wagons carry visitors into the maple woods to see the tapped maples.

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Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows 1
Shopping

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows

March 22 - March 22, 2025

A show featuring gifts, vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing, accessories, jewelry, baked goods, signs and more!

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Arts and Entertainment

The Lerner Loves You: 101 Dalmatians (1961)

March 23 - March 23, 2025

“The Lerner Loves You,” a free series designed to thank the community for its continued support and connection throughout the last 100 years.

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WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Community

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

April 25 - April 27, 2025

Hot from the griddle pancakes smothered in pure maple syrup are a highlight at this event that’s been a town tradition

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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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