A Shopping Guide to Indiana’s Cool North

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Dina Miller

From authentic, locally made treasures, to eclectic experiences you’ll only find in the Cool North, shopping is a fun experience across our seven unique counties. Indiana’s Cool North is full of shopping surprises.

Outlet Shopping and Boutiques in Michigan City LaPorte

You can’t go wrong with one of the largest retail centers in Northern Indiana. At Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City, you’ll find top fashion brands for the whole family—with prices that won’t blow your budget.  Michigan City is an edgy and artistic community, and their downtown, the Uptown Arts District, is buzzing with hip breweries, eateries, boutiques and galleries.  Downtown LaPorte offers classy antiques, boutiques, and specialty shops.

Boutiques and Amish-made in Elkhart County

Local creativity and craftsmanship come together to make one awesome shopping destination at Coppes Commons. Visit a number of small shops in the building.  Drop by Dutch Lady Antiques for something that hard-to-buy-for friend will love.   While you are in Nappanee, stop in at the Neighbors Mercantile for those unique and nostalgic finds.  Visit  Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury and browse seven unique Village Shops, each housed in an original Amish farm outbuilding.   Downtown Goshen is filled with eclectic shops, specialty boutiques, cozy cafes and lively entertainment.  Downtown Elkhart’s Gateway Mile is a walkable mile filled with inviting locally owned shops, restaurants, gorgeous gardens, museums and more.

Boutiques and Eclectic Shops in Indiana Dunes

The Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques, a former 1886 Porter County Schoolhouse, is a shopping destination that offers an eclectic array of antiques and gifts near the Indiana Dunes.  The popular Bass Pro Shop located in Portage is a shopping destination and museum.  In Chesterton wander through the clothing and homeware shops, get lost in the aisles of the bookstore, or spend an afternoon exploring the antique mall. Enjoy Chesterton’s European Market on Saturdays or the Coffee Creek Farmers Market on Wednesdays from May to October.   The streets of historic downtown Valparaiso are filled with unique gift shops, clothing stores, antique shops, and gourmet bakeries.

Shingle Shops, Antiques, Charming Shops in Shipshewana

Shipshewana offers many shops that are open year round.  Check out Davis Mercantile for a collection of small shops, while the houses on the downtown streets are filled with other shopping adventures.  The flea market in the summer, and the year-round auctions provide other exciting opportunities to find those unique treasures.  Don’t miss the Shingle Shops around the county; the small shops on the backroads that hang up their business shingle.

Along the South Shore

A perennial favorite is Cabela’s in Hammond, where museum and shopping converge for good times!  Crown Point’s Grand Old Lady, the historical courthouse, is now filled with shops and a museum.  Miller School Shops is another great place to find the unique art, vintage treasures, and homemade goods.  Merrillville has delicious sweets and treats!  The Albanese Candy Factory has become a favorite place to visit – you can see how those famous gummies are made, and purchase candies from the outlet store.  In addition to the gummies, there are also the nuts and chocolates. Don’t miss the giant chocolate fountain! Is popcorn your thing?  Then you won’t want to miss the The Chicagoland Popcorn locations, with over 250 seasonal flavors!

The Village at Winona

With more than a dozen shops and services all centrally located along gorgeous Winona Lake in Kosciusko County, The Village at Winona is the place to gear up for an outdoor adventure, and show a little local love. Put a personal touch on your gift from Pottery Bayou, discover the coolest selection of curated goods and vintage finds at Belove, or get out into the great outdoors with the help of Cloud 9 Multisport.

The Fighting Irish

If you have a Fighting Irish fan in your life, you may not be able to treat them to the real deal with a ticket to a game this upcoming year, but perhaps you can pick up the latest Irish gear or other home decor by visiting the Hammes Bookstore either at the Eck Center on campus, on Eddy Street, or by ordering online.

Now that you’ve got some shopping inspiration, why not plan a getaway in Indiana’s Cool North? Check out more places to shop, and even more things to do in Northern Indiana here.