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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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2025's Biggest Events

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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!

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Scenic Hiking Trails

Let's Go

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Girl's Weekends

Let's Go

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Restaurants Locals Love

Let's Eat

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Weekend Getaways

Pack the Car

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Pet Friendly Adventures

Woof Woof

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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.

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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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Sporting Events

South Shore Roller Derby

April 05 - April 05, 2025

Action-packed events that promise excitement for fans of all ages

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Arts and Entertainment

Swan Lake in Goshen

April 05 - April 05, 2025

The classic ballet, Swan Lake, tells a timeless tale of romance and transformation

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Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration
Community

Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration

April 12 - April 12, 2025

Annually Earth Day is celebrated across the nation. Join us in celebration of this incredible day.

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Shopping

Vintage, Thrift and Dunes Shop Hop Bus Trip

April 12 - April 12, 2025

Fun day trip to hit some of the area’s best thrift, vintage and dunes inspired shops

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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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Seasonal

3 Little Birds Market

April 25 - April 26, 2025

Start your Mother's Day shopping at the 3 Little Birds Market featuring amazing one-of-a-kind hand-made, up-cycled items and gifts,

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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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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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Historical

Plow Day

April 27 - April 27, 2025

The LaPorte County Draft Horse Association will be hosting their annual Spring Plow Day

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Food/Beverage

Portage Parks Earth Day Brewfest

April 27 - April 27, 2025

Portage Earth Day Brewfest: Earth First. Beer Second -- celebrating Earth Day and our love for community.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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