Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Breathe In
Indiana's
Cool North.
Soak Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Celebrate
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Drink Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Experience
Indiana's
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Stay in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Unwind in
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Delight In
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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 can you 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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Holiday Lights

See the Magic

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Holiday Shopping

Grab Your Wallet

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Pottery, Textiles & Taste

Try Something New

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Family Friendly Halloween

Boo 🎃

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Trails and Museums

Explore the Heritage

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Secrets and Surprises

Be Surprised

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Fall for Indiana's Cool North

Fall for Fun

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Antique Trail Shopping

Start the Car

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Farms to Forks

Eat In or Take Home

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Vine to Stein to Still

Lift Your Glass

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Top Food Festivals

Yum Yum

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Summer Escapes

Read to Go?

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Cool North - Hot Festivals

See the Best

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We Are Blooming

Find the Blooms

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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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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!

#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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The Top 5 Things to Do in Michigan City LaPorte 1

Michigan City Laporte

Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville, Wanatah, Hesston

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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Discover the Fascinating World of the Amish in Northern Indiana 3

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 6

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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South Shore 7

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

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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Birding in the Indiana Dunes - Sandhill Crane Migration
Nature

Sandhill Crane Viewing

Early October to Late November

thousands of sandhill cranes migrate through Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area

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Shipshewana Weekly Auctions & Monthly Swap Meets
Shopping

Shipshewana Weekly Antique & Misc Auctions

Auctions are held every Wednesday year-round

Antique and miscellaneous auctions and a livestock auction is held every Wednesday.

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Nature

Fall Fest Weekends at the Washington Park Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays in November

Enjoy the Washington Park Zoo exhibits and attractions on Saturdays and Sundays throughout November.

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Community

Miller Beach Winter Farmers Market

Various Sundays, Nov 2 to Mar 1, 2026

Shop local produce, baked goods, and handmade treats at our monthly INDOOR market. 

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SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY 2
Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

Nov 14 – Nov 16 (Fri, Sat, & Sun Only). Nov 21 - Dec 31 (seven days/week)

Features more than two million LED Christmas lights displayed in a mile and a half long symphony of colorful light scenes

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Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 15 - December 30, 2025

Featuring six animated displays depicting scenes from the holiday classic "A Christmas Story."

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Seasonal

Winter Wonderlights

November 21 - December 25, 2025

A captivating drive-thru holiday light attraction

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WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH - SUNSET HILL FARM
Seasonal

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

Every night, November 26, 2025 to January 1, 2026

Drive through Northwest Indiana's top holiday light display.

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Community

Day After Thanksgiving Horse Sale

November 28 - November 28, 2025

The Shipshewana Day After Thanksgiving Horse Auction is a special sale attracting hundreds of horse lovers from all over the country.

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Recreation

Skate the Plaza at Deep River Waterpark

November 28 - February 01, 2026

Skate the Plaza at Deep River! Glide across a 14,500-sq-ft ice rink under festive lights

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Things to Do during the Holidays 4
Seasonal

THE GIFT OF LIGHTS AT THE POTAWATOMI ZOO

Fridays, Saturdays, 5-9 pm, and Sundays 5-8 pm, November 28-December 28.

More than a million lights will be wrapped around trees and in free-standing displays at Potawatomi Zoo.

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Christmas Tyme Lights 2
Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

November 28 - December 28, 2025

A twinkling display of holiday lights with one-of-a-kind creations and favorite seasonal characters

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WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS
Seasonal

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Nov 28 - Jan 3; Dates vary

Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights will transport you to a magical setting of lights, sound and beauty

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Seasonal

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 29 - November 29, 2025

Eat and shop at the outdoor holiday market, with a tree lighting ceremony, and the Twilight Christmas parade! 

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Bozak Family Christmas Light Show
Seasonal

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show

November 29 - January 01, 2026

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show is celebrating it's yearly spectacular holiday lights and music magic.

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Seasonal

Chesterton Hometown Market & Celebration

November 29 - November 29, 2025

Holiday themed Chesterton's European Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Twilight Parade.

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Seasonal

LaPorte Santa Parade

November 29 - November 29, 2025

The Santa Parade welcomes Santa for the season; after the parade visit him in his chalet

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Winter Fest and Tree Lighting 1
Community

Winter Fest and Tree Lighting

November 29 - November 29, 2025

Caroling, figure skating performances, photos with Santa, and lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree.

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Community

Market on Madison, Peace on Earth Edition

December 05 - December 06, 2025

Join us for a weekend of shopping, sipping, and socializing.

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Seasonal

Makers Market

December 05 - December 07, 2025

Discover something handmade, heartfelt, and completely local at the December Makers Market at Artspace.

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Bremen Holy Walk 2
Historical

Bremen Holy Walk

December 05 - December 06, 2025

Take a journey of love back to Bethlehem—back to the very first Christmas.

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Seasonal

Santa’s Reindeer at Luhr County Park

December 05 - December 05, 2025

Meet Santa and one of his reindeer! We’ll have live music from the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, games and glow-in-the-dark hike.

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Opening Day at the Zoos
Nature

Wild Winter Days at Washington Park Zoo

December 06 - December 06, 2025

Visit the Washington Park Zoo for our last open day of the 2025 season.

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Michigan City Festival of Lights 3
Seasonal

Michigan City Festival of Lights

December 06 - January 03, 2026

Millions of lights provide a holiday glow on this iconic park drive-through

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MISTLETOE MARKET 1
Seasonal

MISTLETOE MARKET

December 06 - December 06, 2025

Chesterton’s European Market dresses up for the holidays, becoming a beloved holiday tradition for the European Market community.

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Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum
Historical

Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum

Saturdays and Sundays, December 6, 7, 13, 14

All aboard Santa’s Candy Cane Express…Don’t let the magic pass you by!

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Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration
Seasonal

Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade

December 06 - December 06, 2025

Ring in the Holiday Season with the traditional Festival of Lights Parade, followed by the Festival of Lights display in Washington Park

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Seasonal

ELKHART WINTERFEST PARADE and Tree Lighting

December 06 - December 06, 2025

Join us for the WinterFest Parade down Main Street in Elkhart and Tree lighting at the Civic Plaza

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Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Holiday Bazaar
Seasonal

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Holiday Bazaar

December 06 - December 06, 2025

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

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Seasonal

Holly Days

December 06 - December 06, 2025

City sidewalks are the prefect place to welcome the holidays with ice carvers, carolers, the Live Nativity and Santa’s arrival

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Seasonal

Mistletoe Market

December 18 - December 20, 2025

Stroll throught a festive wonderland featuring a variety of food and artisan vendors, and a Biergarten.

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Historical

Christmas Candlelight Tour at Barker Mansion

December 26 - December 26, 2025

A candlelight guided tour and end the evening with a Barker Mansion holiday sing-a-long

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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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Annual First Day Hike
Nature

Annual First Day Hike

January 01 - January 01, 2026

Complete a 2-mile loop in the Indiana Dunes State Park on New Year's Day morning.

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La Porte Invitational Basketball Tournament
Sporting Events

LaPorte Basketball Invitational

January 09 - January 11, 2026

This three-day event brings together some of the nation’s elite high school basketball programs, featuring ESPN’s top-ranked recruits.

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Community

WinterFest 2026

January 23 - January 25, 2026

Celebrate winter in downtown LaPorte

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