Explore
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Cool North.
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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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Top Things

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.

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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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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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Sporting Events

Notre Dame Football Weekends

2025 Home Games: Sept. 13, 20; Oct. 4, 11, 18; Nov. 8, 22

The weekends when Notre Dame Football has a home game are always a little more special than any other weekend of the year.

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Community

Fall Festival at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Saturday's and Sunday's, Sept 28 to Oct 27

Enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, amusement rides, and so much more!

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Seasonal

Fall at Coulter’s Farm

September 22 - October 31, 2025

Enjoy pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, squash, straw and corn shocks with wagon rides and corn maze on weekends.

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Seasonal

Pumpkin Fest at Johnson Farm

Saturday and Sunday, Sept 27 - Oct 26

Our Pumpkin Festivals are filled with fun farm activities

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WAKARUSA PUMPKIN TREE 1
Seasonal

WAKARUSA PUMPKIN TREE

September 29 - November 01, 2025

Visit Historic Downtown Wakarusa in the fall to witness the Giant Pumpkin Tree

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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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Arts and Entertainment

Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair

October 02 - October 04, 2025

Shipshewana will be hosting a festival of crafters, entertainers, and musicians that has become an annual fall event.

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Community

Wickedly Whiting

October 03 - October 04, 2025

Come dressed in your Halloween best and prepare to be scared at this wickedly fest!

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Seasonal

The Garden of Villains

October 03 - October 04, 2025

Wellfield partners with Hall of Heroes Museum to present a spooky spectacular.

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Community

Pumpkin Glow Trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Oct 3-26

Thousands of lights along a half-mile walking trail filled with jack-o-lanterns.

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Seasonal

Fall Fest at Coppes Commons

October 04 - October 04, 2025

Enjoy pumpkin painting, hayrides, train rides, face painting, games, bonfires,

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Seasonal

Harvest Festival – Founders Square Park

October 04 - October 04, 2025

Fall into fun at the Harvest Festival at Founders Square

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Seasonal

Fall Festival at Sunset Hill Farm

October 04 - October 04, 2025

FREE hayrides, campfires with s’mores, games, a costume contest for kids, and a trunk-or-treat area for all who attend

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CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST
Fairs and Festivals

CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST

October 04 - October 04, 2025

A festival at Bulldog Park offering a variety of local and traditional German meals, live music, a beer garden, face painting, hayrides. and more.

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Hesston Ghost Train
Historical

Hesston Ghost Train

Saturdays and Sundays, October 4-26

All aboard for some spooky fun when the Hesston Ghost Train rolls out at the Hesston Steam Museum

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Westville Pumpkin Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Westville Pumpkin Festival

October 04 - October 04, 2025

Join us for a celebration of the pumpkin harvest in a true Midwestern-style family event.

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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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FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Fairs and Festivals

VALPARAISO FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

October 11 - October 11, 2025

Fall themed interactive events such as a Pumpkin Bounce House, pumpkin painting, caramel apple dipping and more!

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Fairs and Festivals

Pumpkinfest at Fair Oaks

October 11 - October 12, 2025

Farmers from all over Indiana will come to have their pumpkins weighed

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BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL
Fairs and Festivals

BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL

October 11 - October 12, 2025

The BEST way to experience all that there is to see, hear, smell, and taste around the farm

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Seasonal

ZOO BOO at Potawatomi Zoo

Oct 17, 18, 19 and 24, 25, 26, 2025

Trick or treat with our vendor partners and enjoy seeing the animals, pumpkins, lights, and decorations at Zoo Boo!

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Boo at the Zoo - Washington Park Zoo 1
Seasonal

Boo at the Zoo – Washington Park Zoo

October 18 - October 18, 2025

Make plans to fly your broomstick down to the Washington Park Zoo with your young goblins, ghosts, princesses, and zooperheros to spend a day with the animals.

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Seasonal

Halloween Campfire & Hayrides

October 24 - October 25, 2025

Craft and activity stations, delicious food trucks, spooky décor, thrilling night hikes, and a hayride in the dark.

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Shopping

Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Fall Show

October 25 - October 25, 2025

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

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Seasonal

HALLOWEEN IN THE DUNES!

October 25 - October 26, 2025

Get spooked and thrilled this Halloween at Indiana Dunes State Park.

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Seasonal

Halloween Market

October 25 - October 25, 2025

The Halloween Market will be in downtown Chesterton in the footprint of the European Market

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Nature

The Gardens Haunted Trails

October 26 - October 26, 2025

Wear your Halloween costumes for an afternoon of family-friendly fun

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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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Nature

Pumpkin Smash Bash

November 01 - November 01, 2025

Get ready to smash, stomp, and celebrate the end of harvest season at Fair Oaks Farms

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Seasonal

Light Parades: Goshen and Shipshewana

November 07 - November 08, 2025

Light Parades this weekend in Goshen and Shipshewana

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Seasonal

Goshen First Fridays: Light Parade

November 07 - November 07, 2025

A spectacle of lighted floats and parade entries wind their way down Main Street, illuminating the night

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The Lightin
Seasonal

The Lighting of Shipshewana

November 08 - November 08, 2025

The Holiday Light Parade and Ceremony starts at 7pm, but there are things to do all day in Shipshewana.

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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

November 14 - November 15, 2025

Start your holiday shopping at the 3 Little Birds Market! Vendors will feature amazing one-of-a-kind hand-made, up-cycled items and gifts,

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Seasonal

Holidaze Craft Show

November 22 - November 23, 2025

See the finest crafts and vendors from all over the Chicagoland Region

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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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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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