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Indiana’s Cool North is calling.

Experience the state’s best kept secret. Come explore our eight eclectic counties filled with all sorts of gems—hidden and otherwise—that you might be surprised to find side by side.

Where else you can 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

BOO-tiful Family Fun

Get Your Costume

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Fall Fun at U-Picks & Farm Markets

Fall Fun

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Quaint Small Towns

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Fall Celebrations

Celebrate Fall

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One-of-a-Kind Lodgings

Pack Your Bags

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Alfresco Dining

Let's Eat Outdoors

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Taco Trail

Yum Yum

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Fine Dining

Hungry?

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Live Music

Get Your Goove on

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Local Favorites

Ask Us!

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The Best of 2024

Mark Your Calendars

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Ideas for Visiting Friends & Family

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Scenic Hiking Trails

Let's Go

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Girl's Weekends

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Restaurants Locals Love

Let's Eat

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Weekend Getaways

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Pet Friendly Adventures

Woof Woof

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Outdoor Dining Places

Let's Eat!

#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.

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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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Michigan City Laporte

Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville, Wanatah

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

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

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

Seasonal

County Line Orchard (With Caitlin Clark Corn Maze)

August 31 - October 31, 2024

The Caitlin Clark corn maze, U-Pick pumpkins, Antique Tractor Rides, Animal Barnyard

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Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana's Cool North 3
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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Sporting Events

Notre Dame Football Weekends

2024 Home Games: Sept. 7, 21, 28; Oct. 12; Nov. 9, 16

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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Harvest Season at Fair Oaks Farms
Community

Harvest Season at Fair Oaks Farms

September 14 - November 02, 2024

Oktoberfest, Pumpkinfest, Halloween Trail, and Apple Picking

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Birding in the Indiana Dunes - Sandhill Crane Migration
Nature

Sandhill Crane Viewing

Early October to Late November

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

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Shopping

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows

October 26, & December 7, 2024

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

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Seasonal

Goshen First Fridays: Holiday Light Parade

November 01 - November 01, 2024

A spectacle of lighted floats and parade entries wind their way down Main Street, illuminating the night

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Nature

Pumpkin Smash Bash

November 02 - November 02, 2024

Help us promote next year’s pumpkin growth in our patch! Smash a section of the pumpkin patch to a PULP!

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Seasonal

3 Little Birds Market

November 08 - November 09, 2024

Start your holiday shopping at the 3 Little Birds Market featuring amazing one-of-a-kind hand-made, up-cycled items and gifts,

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The Lighting of Shipshewana

November 09 - November 09, 2024

The Holiday Light Parade and Ceremony starts at 7pm, but there are things to do all day in Shipshewana.

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Seasonal

Holiday Gift Gallery

November 09 - December 24, 2024

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

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Nature

Annual Festival of Owls – Humane Indiana

November 16 - November 16, 2024

Join Humane Indiana at the largest Owl Festival in Indiana for a day of family-friendly owl-themed fun.

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Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 16 - December 30, 2024

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

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Food/Beverage

LaPour Brew & Wine Fest

November 16 - November 16, 2024

Great people, music, atmosphere and brews from local and regional breweries to help celebrate the day

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FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS
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FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS

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

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

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SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY 2
Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

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

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

Holidaze Craft Show

November 23 - November 24, 2024

See the finest crafts and vendors from all over the Chicagoland Region

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WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH - SUNSET HILL FARM
Seasonal

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

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

Drive through Northwest Indiana's top holiday light display.

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Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

November 29 - December 29, 2024

A twinkling display of holiday lights with one-of-a-kind creations and favorite seasonal characters

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Seasonal

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Nov 28 - Dec 29; Dates vary

Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights will transport you to a magical setting of lights, sound and beauty

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