Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 218
Breathe In
Indiana's
Cool North.
Top 10 Things To Do Over Spring Break 1
Soak Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
The Top 5 Things to Do in Michigan City LaPorte 1
Celebrate
Indiana's
Cool North.
South Shore 7
Drink Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Outdoor Dining in Indiana's Cool North 9
Experience
Indiana's
Cool North.
Stay in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Beachwalk Vacation Rentals 1
Unwind in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Northern Indiana's Art and Earth Trail 5
Delight In
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 200
1 of 1
Home Page 218
Top 10 Things To Do Over Spring Break 1
The Top 5 Things to Do in Michigan City LaPorte 1
South Shore 7
Outdoor Dining in Indiana's Cool North 9
Beachwalk Vacation Rentals 1
Northern Indiana's Art and Earth Trail 5
Home Page 200

Indiana’s Cool North is calling.

Experience the state’s best kept secret. Come explore our 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.

Request a Visitor Guide

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Top Things

Scenic Fall Drives to Great Dining

🍴🍁

Top Things

Boo-tiful Family Fun

Boo

Top Things

Fall Fun Fever

Catch the Fun

Top Things

Fall Harvest Traditions

Sip & Savor

Top Things

Fall Colors

🚗 Let's Go 🍂

Top Things

Pumpkin, Brews, Autumn Views

It's Fall

Top Things

Iconic Experiences

Experiences

Top Things

Quaint Hometowns

Road Trip

#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

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.

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

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 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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

View Details
Sporting Events

Notre Dame Football Weekends

2026 Home Games: Sept. 12, 19; Oct. 10; Nov. 7, 14, 21

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

View Details
Seasonal

Pumpkin Fest at Johnson Farm

Saturday and Sunday, Sept 26 - Oct 31

Our Pumpkin Festivals are filled with fun farm activities

View Details
Seasonal

Trail of Scarecrows at Gabis Arboretum

October 01 - October 31, 2026

Groups create scarecrows on display during October at Gabis arboretum.

View Details
Hesston Ghost Train
Historical

Hesston Ghost Train

Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-31

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

View Details
Seasonal

Trick or Treat at the Fairgrounds

October 30 - October 30, 2026

Enjoy an afternoon of treats and fun at Trick or Treat at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds

View Details
Nature

Halloween Trail at Fair Oaks Farms

October 31 - October 31, 2026

Walk along the nature trail to gather treats from our friendly, dressed up team members!

View Details
Nature

Breakfast with the Birds @ Indiana Dunes National Park

November 01 - November 01, 2026

Observe and identify the birds visiting the center's bird feeder observation window.

View Details
Arts and Entertainment

The Amish and Mennonite Artists Gathering

November 06 - November 06, 2026

100+ Amish and Mennonite artists from a dozen states gather for this event to share their Wood Crafts, Oil Painting, Acrylics, Pastels, and more.

View Details
Christmas Vintage & Craft Bazaar
Seasonal

Christmas Vintage & Craft Bazaar

November 06 - November 07, 2026

Complete your Christmas shopping with a variety of vendors ranging from hand-made artisan crafts to specialty items

View Details
Historical

Belle Gunness……The Mystery Continues

November 07 - November 07, 2026

Learn more about Belle Gunness and her appalling crimes

View Details
The Lightin
Seasonal

The Lighting of Shipshewana

November 07 - November 07, 2026

The Holiday Light Parade and Ceremony starts at 6pm, but there are things to do all day in Shipshewana.

View Details
Nature

Pumpkin Smash Bash

November 07 - November 07, 2026

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

View Details
SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY 2
Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

Nov 10, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

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

View Details
Seasonal

3 Little Birds Market

November 13 - November 14, 2026

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,

View Details
Food/Beverage

LaPour Brew & Wine Fest

November 14 - November 14, 2026

Great people, music, atmosphere and brews from local and regional breweries to help celebrate the day

View Details
Nature

Annual Festival of Owls – Humane Indiana

November 14 - November 14, 2026

Join Humane Indiana at the largest Owl Festival in Indiana for a day of family-friendly owl-themed fun.

View Details
Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 21 - December 30, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

Holidaze Craft Show

November 21 - November 22, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

Nappanee Home for the Holidays Craft & Vendor Market

November 21 - November 21, 2026

A holiday craft and vendor market with more than 130 vendors spread across two levels.

View Details
WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS
Seasonal

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Nov 27, 2026 - Jan 2, 2027; Dates vary

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

View Details
Community

Day After Thanksgiving Horse Sale

November 27 - November 27, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

2026 Dates coming soon

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

View Details
WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH - SUNSET HILL FARM
Seasonal

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

Every night, November 28, 2026 to January 31, 2027

Drive through Northwest Indiana's top holiday light display.

View Details
Winter Fest and Tree Lighting 1
Community

Winter Fest and Tree Lighting

November 28 - November 28, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

LaPorte Santa Parade

November 28 - November 28, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

A COPPES COMMONS CHRISTMAS

December 04 - December 05, 2026

With 40+ amazing vendors, you’ll find unique crafts, delicious treats, handmade treasures, beautiful décor, and so much more!

View Details
Bremen Holy Walk 2
Seasonal

Bremen Holy Walk

December 04 - December 05, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

Small Town Noel

December 04 - December 05, 2026

Wakarusa's holiday celebration featuring artisans at Doc's Pavilion and a tree-lighting ceremony

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

Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum

December 5, 6, 12, 13, 2026

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

View Details
Seasonal

ELKHART WINTERFEST PARADE and Tree Lighting

December 05 - December 05, 2026

Winterfest is all about cozy vibes, twinkling lights, winter activities, and making memories with family and friends.

View Details
Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Holiday Bazaar
Seasonal

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Holiday Bazaar

December 05 - December 05, 2026

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

View Details
Michigan City Festival of Lights 3
Seasonal

Michigan City Festival of Lights

Dec 5, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027

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

View Details
Seasonal

Jingle & Mingle Market

December 05 - December 05, 2026

Shop from a wonderful selection of artisan makers, crafters, antique dealers, boutiques, specialty shops, and delicious food vendors,

View Details