Posted on January 10, 2024 by Dina Miller
No bah-humbugging allowed when winter rolls around in Northern Indiana! If you’re entertaining family or just want to shake off any winter blahs, head out for festivals and entertainment of all kinds, and plenty of outdoor activities. Take time to discover all that makes winter wonderful in Indiana’s Cool North.
Where: Shipshewana
When: January 19-20, 2024
Works of art emerge from huge blocks of ice as professional ice carvers create amazing sculptures. Roam the streets of downtown Shipshewana to watch the artists in action. Then taste masterpieces of a different kind at the chili cook-off. Shipshewana Ice Festival
Where: Culver
When: February 9-11, 2024
Culver Winterfest is a fantastic 3-day FREE festival that encourages family fun! Join us February 10-12, 2023 to celebrate Winter. Saturday begins with Cupid’s Crawl, an informal and unofficial fun run, a pancake breakfast by the Lion’s Club, and TONS of sledding, skating on the lake and fishing! Sunday includes the famous Polar Plunge, sponsored by the Culver Bear Club.
Where: Michigan City
When: February 24, 2024
The amazing winter beer fest held outside in the Uptown Arts District in downtown Michigan City. The Shelf Ice Brewfest is an outdoor winter beer festival hosted by the Michigan City Mainstreet Association. The event highlights Michigan City’s 3 local breweries (Shoreline Brewery, Burn ‘Em Brewing, and Zorn Brew Works) and brings together dozens of other regional breweries for a exhilarating experience. The event also features a warming/music tent which features local bands, local food vendors, and a various games to play.
Every Friday in December and January join in the fun ice skating to your favorite movie soundtrack at the Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point. Guests are welcome to dress up to coordinate with the theme of the week.
Grab your hat and mittens and embrace winter in South Bend! The new ice trail and pond at Howard Park and is the new premier winter destination. The Merrifield Park Ice Rink offers skating and skate rentals several days a week. Squeals of delight fill the air on the innertube runs at Ferrettie/Baugo and St. Patrick’s County Parks. St. Patrick’s also offers cross-country skiing.
Skaters love the NIBCO Water & Ice Park, complete with an ice rink and path, skate rentals, and a warming facility with concessions. Cross-country skiers head for the groomed trails at Ox Bow County Park and Bonneyville Mill Park a few miles away. Both parks offer sledding and snowshoeing too.
Winter turns the Indiana Dunes into a quiet wonderland perfect for hiking along snowy woodland trails and among sandy dunes. Head out yourself anytime or join naturalists at the Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton who lead special hikes during the holidays–including New Year’s Day for a more rugged trek through the high dunes.
At Valparaiso’s open-air William E. Urschel Pavilion, you’ll hardly notice you’re outdoors. A roof protects you from any wintry elements, and lights, music, and a well-maintained rink make ice skating a dream. Part of downtown’s Central Park Plaza development, the pavilion includes an indoor area for skate rentals and hot drinks during the winter months.
Where: Michigan City
Here’s an ultimate winter escape for a few hours or a few days! At the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa in Michigan City, the beat goes on 24/7 year-round with 65,000 square feet of gaming space, including 1,700 slot machines and 40 table games. Add in musical entertainment, fabulous food, luxurious lodgings and a pampering spa to complete the fun.
A boutique bowling experience in Schererville where an upscale restaurant and bar collide with an entertainment facility. Enjoy 50,000 sq. ft. filled with 20 bowling lanes, axe throwing, laser tag, Cybersport and 60 arcade games.
The historic Morris Performing Arts Center provides an outstanding venue for Broadway shows, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, plus other entertainment. Also in town, Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center features concerts, theater performances and film.
This state-of-the-art complex includes the intimate Blue Gate Theatre and the Blue Gate Music Hall with a full line up of theatre productions, musicians and other shows.
Built in 1923 as a movie house, this historic theater has been completely renovated. The Lerner features concerts, theater and films. During the holiday season, various holiday productions are scheduled.
Experience thrilling action as the Fighting Irish compete in men’s basketball and hockey and women’s basketball at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend.
Winter is the perfect time for indoor dining, and we’ve got some great dining experiences in Indiana’s Cool North.
For gift shopping or post-holiday bargains, here are some ideas: