Indiana's Cool North

Cool Things

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Broken Wagon Bison

Cool Things

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Aftermath & Misbeehavin Meads

Cool Things

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Downtown Chesterton Artists

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Beach Bum Jewelry

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Hook Pottery Paper

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Little Chocolates

Cool Things

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Studebaker National Museum

The Coolest Museums in Northern Indiana 6

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RV Hall of Fame

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Goshen

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The Heritage Trail

Top 15 Local Favorites in Northern Indiana 17

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Made in Northern Indiana

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10 Cool Things Made in Northern Indiana

Indiana’s Cool North is filled with creative makers! It’s a great place to live and work; or to plan your next getaway around some of those coolest things made in Northern Indiana.

It’s a great idea to call an attraction, restaurant and shop to make sure they’re open before visiting.

10 Things Made in Northern Indiana

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Broken Wagon Bison

⇒ 13 minutes to Misbeehavin' & Aftermath

1. Learn all about the beast that is an American icon when you visit a facility where bison are raised. Shop for an assortment of bison meat, bison hides and skulls, as well as handmade bison leather purses and other bison leather products and jewelry. Take a tour aboard a wagon that travels into the resident bison herd. You’ll be introduced to the importance of bison in Native American life and how bison are used today.

For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals. Request a destination guide of the Indiana Dunes

37 Minutes to Michigan City
65 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame
93 Minutes to Elkhart County

Check out the Fun Kid Friendly Activities to find more animals in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Aftermath & Misbeehavin Meads

⇐ 13 minutes to Broken Wagon Bison ⇒ 21 minutes to Chesterton

2. Misbeehavin’ Meads, a winery in downtown Valparaiso, creates their own meads on site, features a tasting room, and has available meat, cheese, fruit and honey pairings. Aftermath Cidery and Winery offers their locally-made ciders with small-plate food pairings.

For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals. Request a destination guide of the Indiana Dunes

34 Minutes to Michigan City
64 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame
89 Minutes to Elkhart County

Discover more delicious dining in downtown Valparaiso.

Discover more about dining in the Indiana Dunes

Downtown Chesterton Artists

⇐ 21 minutes to Misbeehavin' & Aftermath ⇒ 21 minutes to Beach Bum Jewels

3. Enjoy the local artists of downtown Chesterton and perhaps bring home a painting or two to remind you of your trip. Start off by visiting the gallery of Holly Jackson, whose colorful paintings are inspired by local landscapes of the Indiana Dunes. Then walk over to the Chesterton Art Center to attend artist exhibitions, view artwork for sale in their member gallery, or purchase locally-made paintings, drawings, fiberworks, or stained glass in their gift shop.

For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals. Request a destination guide of the Indiana Dunes

22 Minutes to Michigan City
55 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame
80 Minutes to Elkhart County

Discover the most instagrammable places where you can be inspired for your own artistic creations.

Discover More About Downtown Chesterton Artists

Beach Bum Jewels

⇐ 21 minutes to Chesterton ⇒ 19 minutes to Hook Pottery Paper

4. The beach bum jewels studio/gift shop features authentic beach glass jewelry, tumbled by Mother Nature and handcrafted by 3 generations of “beach bums.” It also contains artwork by local artists, artisan crafted gift items, nautical home decor and more.

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages Request a Visit Michigan City LaPorte Visitor Guide.

20 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
49 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame
68 Minutes to Elkhart County

Learn more about the top 15 things locals love to do in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Hook Pottery Paper

⇐ 19 minutes to Beach Bum Jewels ⇒ 18 minutes to Little Chocolates

5. At Hook Pottery Paper two Northern Indiana artists like to incorporate materials indigenous to the area so they can reflect the region in two very different types of art. Jon Hook creates ceramics uniquely fired with wood.The wood ash dusts the surface of his pottery and sculptures,creating glazed flashes of color. Andrea Peterson makes unusual papers and stationery that reflect the environment, as well as prints and drawings. You can also shop for soaps and beeswax candles

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages Request a Visit Michigan City LaPorte Visitor Guide.

20 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
50 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame
68 Minutes to Elkhart County

Discover other artisans in Indiana’s Cool North on the Art and Earth Trail.

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Little Chocolates

⇐ 18 minutes to Hook Pottery Paper ⇒ 36 minutes to Studebaker National Museum

6. A unique array of fresh, hand-made candies. Everything a chocoholic could dream of from turtles, truffles, caramels and cake pops. You’re sure to find something that delights your taste buds. Everyone could use a “Little Chocolate.”

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages Request a Visit Michigan City LaPorte Visitor Guide.

32 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
43 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame
59 Minutes to Elkhart County

Chocolate lovers will find more of those delicious sweets in Indiana’s Cool North!

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Studebaker National Museum

⇐ 36 minutes to Little Chocolates ⇒ 32 minutes to RV Hall of Fame

7. Exhibits and vehicles relate how the family business evolved from a blacksmith shop in 1852 to the largest wagon and buggy manufacturer in the world. Impressive Studebaker-built carriages for presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Harrison are part of the museum’s National Treasures collection, which includes the carriage that transported Abraham Lincoln to the Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865. The Studebakers purchased that historic vehicle in 1889

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages

54 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
43 Minutes to Michigan City
36 Minutes to Elkhart County

If you love a good museum, be sure to check out the coolest museums in Northern Indiana.

Discover More About Studebaker National Museum

RV Hall of Fame

⇐ 32 minutes to Studebaker National Museum ⇒ 22 minutes to Goshen

8. Did you know that the first recreational vehicle was built 120 years ago or that Elkhart County is the RV Capital of the world! That’s right, Elkhart County produces over 80% of all RVs built in the U.S. Come to the place where RVs are built and explore the nation’s only shrine to the RV, the RV/MH Hall of Fame. Here you’ll discover the fascinating history of RVs from early 1913 travel-trailers to today’s state-of-the-art motor homes.

For information on nearby lodging and lodging packages and deals. Request a destination guide for Elkhart County.

74 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
63 Minutes to Michigan City
31 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame

Go to the best camping spots in Northern Indiana to see some of the RV’s in use!

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Goshen

⇐ 22 minutes to RV Hall of Fame ⇒ 5 minutes to Heritage Trail

9. Enjoy Goshen, IN, a city where innovation meets craftsmanship and a magnet for creative young entrepreneurs. Hand-crafted isn’t just a buzzword here. Amp up your ride with a hand-manufactured, custom designed motorcycle from Janus Motorcycles. These lightweight easy-to-ride motorcycles are built in Goshen, IN and offer bullet proof power for a thrilling ride. Discover the artfully crafted wood-fired pizza at Venturi and then head over to Goshen Brewing Co. (or GBCo, as the locals call it) for a craft brew. Shop for luxurious handcrafted soap and skincare products at the Soapy Gnome then drive over to the Old Bag Factory to watch Mark Goertzen at the pottery wheel where traditional techniques meet contemporary designs.

For information on nearby lodging and lodging packages and deals. Request a destination guide for Elkhart County.

82 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
71 Minutes to Michigan City
41 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame

Venturi has award winning pizza, and Northern Indiana locals have also chosen their favorite pizzas. A Chicago food critic wrote all about it!.

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Heritage Trail

⇐ 5 minutes to Goshen

10. Welcome to Elkhart County, Indiana. A place where close-knit communities are connected by a passion for craftsmanship and quality of life. From classic small towns to vibrant cities, the handmade welcome mat is always out. The best way to experience all that Elkhart County has to offer is along the Heritage Trail. Let the free Heritage Trail audio driving tour be your personal guide to must-see attractions, handmade special finds and behind the scenes glimpses of Amish life. Along the way, reminders of what’s made here are all around. From RVs and motorcycles to Amish furniture, quilts, and noodles. It’s well crafted in Elkhart County.

For information on nearby lodging and lodging packages and deals. Request a destination guide for Elkhart County.

67 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
57 Minutes to Michigan City
24 Minutes to South Bend / Notre Dame

Shop Amish made goods while you are on the Heritage Trail!

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Arts and Entertainment

Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana’s Cool North

See individual theatres for schedule of shows and concerts.

Indiana's Cool North

Indiana's Cool North has a number of theatres. See the individual theatres for their show and concert schedules.

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Birding in the Indiana Dunes - Sandhill Crane Migration

Nature

Sandhill Crane Viewing

Early October to Late November

Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area

thousands of sandhill cranes migrate through Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area

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Seasonal

Holiday Market at Fair Oaks Farms

November 05 - January 05, 2025

Fair Oaks Farms Adventure Center

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

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Seasonal

Holiday Gift Gallery

November 09 - December 24, 2024

Art Barn School of Art

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

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Seasonal

Holiday Artisan Market

November 09 - January 03, 2025

Lubeznik Center for the Arts

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

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Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 16 - December 30, 2024

Indiana Welcome Center

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

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Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

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

Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market

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

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Seasonal

FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS

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

Fair Oaks Farms

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

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Seasonal

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

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

Sunset Hill Farm County Park

Drive through Northwest Indiana's top holiday light display.

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Featured Experiences Articles

A Holiday Shopping Guide to Indiana’s Cool North

Shop safely and check a few names off your nice list with our shopping and gift guide to Northern Indiana.

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Magical Light Displays in Indiana’s Cool North

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Things to Do during the Holidays

Entertaining family or looking for your own festive jaunt, head out for dazzling lights and festivals, and outdoor activities in Indiana's Cool North.

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View More Things to Do Indiana's Cool North

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Stay up-to-date with all the latest events and activities.

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10 Cool Things Made in Northern Indiana

10 Things Made in Northern Indiana

Broken Wagon Bison

Aftermath & Misbeehavin Meads

Downtown Chesterton Artists

Beach Bum Jewels

Hook Pottery Paper

Little Chocolates

Studebaker National Museum

RV Hall of Fame

Goshen

Heritage Trail

Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana’s Cool North

Sandhill Crane Viewing

Holiday Market at Fair Oaks Farms

Holiday Gift Gallery

Holiday Artisan Market

A Christmas Story Comes Home

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

A Holiday Shopping Guide to Indiana’s Cool North

Magical Light Displays in Indiana’s Cool North

Things to Do during the Holidays

8 Spectacular Holiday Light Displays

Featured Experiences Articles

A Holiday Shopping Guide to Indiana’s Cool North

Magical Light Displays in Indiana’s Cool North

Things to Do during the Holidays

Keep Informed

Request Destination Guides