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The Coolest Museums in Northern Indiana

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Indiana's Cool North

Indiana’s Cool North is home to some seriously unique museums and historic sites. Where else could you see massive mastodon bones, visit the first Amish settlement in the state, or let your inner comic book nerd loose at the world’s only superhero museum? Read on to learn about Northern Indiana’s coolest museums.

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

Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum

Where: Elkhart County/Elkhart

Hall of Heroes Comic and Superhero Museum 6Holy comic book history Batman! The only museum of its kind in the world, Hall of Heroes boasts a collection of over 60,000 comic books and 10,000 action figures, toys, and props from beloved super hero television shows and films. Channel your inner caped crusader in a replica of the Bat Cave set from the 1960’s Batman TV series or fend off foes with the original shield used in the film Captain America: First Avenger.

 

Porter County Museum

Where: Indiana Dunes/Valparaiso

 

Also known as PoCo Muse, this museum is as eclectic as Indiana’s Cool North—and just as interesting!

They have a new home in downtown Valparaiso, dedicated to the history and culture of Porter County.

The exhibits display the diversity, vibrancy  and beauty of Porter County.

Hesston Steam Museum

Where: Michigan City LaPorte/LaPorte

Home Page 122More than just railroads, steam power revolutionized the way Americans worked, traveled, and lived during the Industrial Age. At Hesston Steam Museum, see a variety steam locomotives in action—from the Shay locomotive once used for hauling lumber from the west to the one-eighth scale miniature railroad that’s fun for kids and adults alike. Other highlights include the sawmill, steam crane and rustic blacksmith shop.

The History Museum

Where: South Bend Mishawaka

The Coolest Museums in Northern Indiana 7

The J.D. Oliver family certainly left their mark on South Bend and beyond, creating plows that had a major influence agriculture. Tour their elegant 38-room Victorian man­sion, known as Copshaholm, which retains its original furnishings, plus a charming cottage reflecting the 1930s, a gallery that chronicles local history, a gallery of Notre Dame history, and a children’s museum all in this one location just west of downtown. On the historic house tour, docents provide interest­ing facts about both the mansion and the family so deeply rooted in Northern Indiana. The museum grounds also include two acres of historic gardens for an ideal outdoor stroll.

Studebaker National Museum

Where: South Bend Mishawaka

The Coolest Museums in Northern Indiana 6The craftsmanship and design of the Stude­baker family’s transportation creations is on full display when you roam past more than 100 painstakingly restored vehicles, such as the 1934 Bendix and the 1935 Commander Roadster. The Conestoga wagon that first brought the Studebakers to South Bend in 1852 is on display, as well as carriages the family created for presidents, including the carriage Abraham Lincoln took to Ford’s theater on his last ride.

LaPorte County Historical Museum

Where: LaPorte

Weekend Escape Series: Lake Michigan and Beyond 1

 

To delve into the region’s history, visit the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum. It houses over 80,000 unique artifacts, including the W.A. Jones Antique Firearms Collection and the Kesling Automobile Collection, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. There are a number of period rooms, as well as a riveting exhibit on Belle Gunness, a serial killer who lived on a farm in LaPorte where at least 40 bodies were found.

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Where: Porter

The Coolest Museums in Northern Indiana 15The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center has an exhibit hall featuring Indiana Dunes artwork from the Indiana Dunes National Park’s Artist-in-Residence program, wildlife displays, and interactive displays for children.  You can learn about the history and ecology of the Indiana Dunes at our in-house movie theatre.

Menno-Hof

Where: Shipshewana

Discover the Fascinating World of the Amish in Northern Indiana 13

See and hear the Amish-Mennonite story at Menno-Hof, the perfect place to start your visit to Amish country. Centered amid park-like grounds, the complex was built by Amish and Mennonite craftsmen during an old-fashioned barn raising. Multimedia presentations, historical environments and colorful displays take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Amish and Mennonites. History unfolds as you explore a 17th century sailing ship and replicas of a 19th century print shop, meeting house and Amish home. Experience the simulation of a tornado as the wind blows and the theatre shakes. Tours are educational with hands-on activities for all ages.

RV/MH Hall of Fame

Where: Elkhart

The only museum of its kind; experience eight decades of the RV/MH Industry’s models, while learning how RV’s have impacted our nation!   A new exhibit joining the museum collection is the Charles Lindbergh’s Travel Trailer.  Open year round. Visit website for admission rates and days/hours of operation.

These are just a few of the awesome, interesting, and eclectic museums and attractions you’ll find when you visit Northern Indiana. Explore our Things to Do page to find more fun in Indiana’s Cool North.