Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 218
Breathe In
Indiana's
Cool North.
WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS
Soak Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 1
Celebrate
Indiana's
Cool North.
South Shore 7
Drink Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Perfect Pairings - Dinner and a Show
Experience
Indiana's
Cool North.
Stay in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Miller Beach Vacation Rentals
Unwind in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 215
1 of 1
Home Page 218
WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS
Home Page 1
South Shore 7
Perfect Pairings - Dinner and a Show
Miller Beach Vacation Rentals
Home Page 215

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.

Request a Visitor Guide

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Top Things

Ultimate Holiday Shopping Guide

Let's Go Shopping

Top Things

Magical Holiday Lights

See the Magic

Top Things

Pizza Lover's Trail

Go Hungry

Top Things

Fall Fun at U-Picks & Farm Markets

Fall Fun

Top Things

Quaint Small Towns

Visit Us

Top Things

Fall Celebrations

Celebrate Fall

Top Things

One-of-a-Kind Lodgings

Pack Your Bags

Top Things

Alfresco Dining

Let's Eat Outdoors

Top Things

Taco Trail

Yum Yum

Top Things

Fine Dining

Hungry?

Top Things

Live Music

Get Your Goove on

Top Things

Local Favorites

Ask Us!

Top Things

The Best of 2024

Mark Your Calendars

Top 12

Ideas for Visiting Friends & Family

Learn More

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
Home Page 217

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!

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Home Page 221

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.

Learn More

Home Page 119

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Festivals & Events

Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana's Cool North 3
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.

View Details
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

View Details
Seasonal

Holiday Market at Fair Oaks Farms

November 05 - January 05, 2025

Freshly baked treats, unique home décor, and Fair Oaks Farms Merchandise.

View Details
Seasonal

Holiday Gift Gallery

November 09 - December 24, 2024

Art Barn’s gallery will overflow with small items perfect for holiday giving. 

View Details
Holiday Artisan Market
Seasonal

Holiday Artisan Market

November 09 - January 03, 2025

Explore our Holiday Artisan Market with dozens of regional artists contributing hundreds of hand-crafted holiday pieces,

View Details
Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 16 - December 30, 2024

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

View Details
SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY 2
Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

Nov 22-Dec 31 (Closed 11/28 and 12/25)

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

View Details
FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS
Seasonal

FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS

Thurs-Sun, Nov 22-Dec 8; Daily Dec 12-Jan 5

Marvel at the abundance of color in the Forest of Lights at Fair Oaks Farms during the holiday season

View Details
WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH - SUNSET HILL FARM
Seasonal

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

Every night, November 23, 2024 to January 1, 2025

Drive through Northwest Indiana's top holiday light display.

View Details
Seasonal

Goshen Nights of Lights

November 23 - January 01, 2025

Light up your season with our spectacular Christmas light show!

View Details
Seasonal

LaPorte Christkindlmarkt

November 29 - December 01, 2024

The magical sights and sounds of German style Christmas markets done with small town American style!

View Details
Seasonal

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Nov 28 - Dec 29; Dates vary

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

View Details
Seasonal

Winter Wonderlights

November 29 - December 29, 2024

A captivating drive-thru holiday light attraction

View Details
Christmas Tyme Lights 2
Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

November 29 - December 29, 2024

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

View Details
Seasonal

Holiday Market on the Square

November 30 - November 30, 2024

Caroling, food trucks, artisan vendors, sleigh ride, live Nativity scene

View Details
Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum
Historical

Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum

Saturdays and Sundays, November 30, December 1, 7, & 8

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

View Details
Bozak Family Christmas Light Show
Seasonal

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show

November 30 - January 01, 2025

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

View Details
Seasonal

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 30 - November 30, 2024

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

View Details
Winter Fest and Tree Lighting 1
Community

Winter Fest and Tree Lighting

November 30 - November 30, 2024

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

View Details
Seasonal

LaPorte Santa Parade

November 30 - November 30, 2024

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

View Details
Goshen First Fridays Hometown Holidays 1
Community

GOSHEN FIRST FRIDAYS HOMETOWN HOLIDAY

December 06 - December 06, 2024

It’s the holiday season! Come warm up and spread the holiday cheer in downtown Goshen during our Hometown Holiday celebration.

View Details
Seasonal

Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds Holiday Lights

December 06 - December 28, 2024

Join us for a merry and bright Holiday Light experience this December

View Details
Seasonal

Whiting’s Kris Kringle Market

Friday & Saturday, Dec 6, 7, 13, 14

Kris Kringle Market with holiday artisans, festive food vendors, mulled wine, and hot cocoa

View Details
Seasonal

ELKHART WINTERFEST PARADE and Tree Lighting

December 07 - December 07, 2024

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

View Details
Seasonal

The Elf Experience

December 07 - December 07, 2024

A magic filled holiday pop-up market and meet and greet experience.

View Details
Shopping

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows

December 07 - December 07, 2024

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

View Details
MISTLETOE MARKET 1
Seasonal

MISTLETOE MARKET

December 07 - December 07, 2024

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

View Details
Seasonal

Holly Days

December 07 - December 07, 2024

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

View Details
Seasonal

Christmas at the Mill

December 14 - December 14, 2024

It's Christmas at The Mill! Come out and celebrate the holiday season

View Details
Seasonal

Prancer Palooza

December 15 - December 15, 2024

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Prancer

View Details
La Porte Invitational Basketball Tournament
Sporting Events

LaPorte Basketball Invitational

January 09 - January 11, 2025

Witness future college and professional stars including 27 of ESPN’s top-ranked recruits

View Details