Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Breathe In
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Cool North.
Top 10 Things To Do Over Spring Break 1
Soak Up
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Cool North.
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Drink Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
The Vine - A Charming Bistro
Experience
Indiana's
Cool North.
Stay in
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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.

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Top Things

Fall Harvest Traditions

Sip & Savor

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Fall Colors

🚗 Let's Go 🍂

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Pumpkin, Brews, Autumn Views

It's Fall

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Iconic Experiences

Experiences

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Quaint Hometowns

Road Trip

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The Sweet Side

Sweet Spots

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Off-the-Beaten-Path

Let's Go

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Dine along our Shores

Dine Here

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Local Festivals

❤️ our Festivals

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Live Music

Feel the Beat

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Garden Gems

It's Spring!

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Unique Places to Stay

Get Inspired

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Girlfriend Weekends

Call Your Besties

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Don't Miss Events

Mark Your Calendar

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Sweet Stops

Bring Your Sweet Tooth

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Charming, Calm & Safe

Let's Go

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Pottery, Textiles & Taste

Try Something New

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Trails and Museums

Explore the Heritage

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Secrets and Surprises

Be Surprised

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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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Cool North - Hot Festivals

See the Best

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Girlfriend Getaway

Call Your Besties

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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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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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Shipshewana LaGrange County 13
Shopping

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Flea Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5 to Sept 30, 2026

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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Community

Essenhaus Classic Car Cruise In

Thursday evenings, May 7 through September 24

Whether you are a classic car owner or a car enthusiast this event is for you

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Arts and Entertainment

Summer Chill Concert Series

Every third Friday, June-September

A free concert series at the NIBCO Water and Ice Park on the third Friday of June, July, August, September.

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Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival 6
Fairs and Festivals

INDIANA DUNES OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FESTIVAL

September 04 - September 20, 2026

Showcases the region's natural and cultural significance through hiking, paddling, biking, and other activities such as geocaching, photography, birding, and orienteering in the Indiana Dunes

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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.

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Lively Summer Festivals Spell Fun Across Indiana’s Cool North 3
Community

Nappanee Apple Festival

September 17 - September 20, 2026

The Nappanee Apple Festival is home to Indiana’s largest 7 foot baked apple pie and comes out of the oven just in time to kick off the festival!

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Community

Fall Festival at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Saturday's and Sunday's, Sept 19 to Oct 25

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

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Community

Pumpkin Glow Trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept 19-Oct 25

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

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Arts and Entertainment

JAMMIN WITH SAVE THE DUNES

September 19 - September 19, 2026

Join Save the Dunes for an afternoon packed with live music, food trucks, local breweries, artisian vendors and more.

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Sunflower Fair 1
Community

Sunflower Fair

September 19 - September 19, 2026

The Sunflower Fair in beautiful, historic Downtown La Porte, with over 100 craft and nonprofit vendors

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Wanatah Scarecrow Festival 2
Community

Wanatah Scarecrow Festival

September 25 - September 27, 2026

Arts and crafts, rides for children, a pork chop dinner, fish fry and pancake breakfast, a parade, scarecrow sculpting, variety acts, a car show, and more!

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Fairs and Festivals

Oktoberfest at Fair Oaks

September 26 - September 27, 2026

Enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest in the Fair Oaks Farms Orchard!

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Community

Pioneer Days at Creek Ridge County Park

September 26 - September 27, 2026

Experience wagon rides, outdoor cooking, crafts, food, and more. Visit with historically clad vendors, and try activities that are both fun and educational!

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Seasonal

Pumpkin Fest at Johnson Farm

Saturday and Sunday, Sept 26 - Oct 31

Our Pumpkin Festivals are filled with fun farm activities

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VALPO BREWFEST
Fairs and Festivals

VALPO BREWFEST

September 26 - September 26, 2026

Join the FINAL Valpo Brewfest.; a celebration of great craft beer and the cool people that enjoy it

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Arts and Entertainment

Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair

October 01 - October 03, 2026

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

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Seasonal

Trail of Scarecrows at Gabis Arboretum

October 01 - October 31, 2026

Groups create scarecrows on display during October at Gabis arboretum.

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Community

Wickedly Whiting

October 02 - October 03, 2026

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

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CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST
Fairs and Festivals

CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST

October 03 - October 03, 2026

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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Westville Pumpkin Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Westville Pumpkin Festival

October 03 - October 03, 2026

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

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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

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Fairs and Festivals

Mac and Cheese Fest

October 04 - October 04, 2026

Sample mac & cheese from lots of local restaurants. Live music, cash bar, artisan vendors, face painting and more!

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Annual Elvis FANtasy Fest
Arts and Entertainment

Annual Elvis FANtasy Fest

October 09 - October 10, 2026

A celebration of Elvis's music legacy and remembrance of his humanitarian ways by supporting a local charity.

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Fairs and Festivals

Pumpkinfest at Fair Oaks

October 10 - October 11, 2026

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

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Seasonal

ZOO BOO at Potawatomi Zoo

Oct 16,17, 18 and 23, 24, 25, 2026

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

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Seasonal

Boo at the Zoo – Washington Park Zoo

October 17 - October 17, 2026

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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Fairs and Festivals

Trail Creek Fall Festival

October 17 - October 17, 2026

Vendors, music, food, games, crafts, pumpkin painting, even a face painter/balloon artist, and bounce house!

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Nature

The Gardens Haunted Trails

October 18 - October 18, 2026

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

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Shopping

Ship-Chic Craft, Gifts & Goodies

October 24 - October 24, 2026

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

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Seasonal

“HOWL”WEEN IN THE DUNES!

October 24 - October 24, 2026

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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