Explore
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Cool North.
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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 can you 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

Family Friendly Halloween

Boo 🎃

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Trails and Museums

Explore the Heritage

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Secrets and Surprises

Be Surprised

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Fall for Indiana's Cool North

Fall for Fun

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Antique Trail Shopping

Start the Car

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Farms to Forks

Eat In or Take Home

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Vine to Stein to Still

Lift Your Glass

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Top Food Festivals

Yum Yum

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Summer Escapes

Read to Go?

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Cool North - Hot Festivals

See the Best

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We Are Blooming

Find the Blooms

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Live Music

Turn Up the Cool!

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Girlfriend Getaway

Call Your Besties

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2025's Biggest Events

Mark the Calendar

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Pizza Lover's Trail

Go Hungry

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Quaint Small Towns

Visit Us

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One-of-a-Kind Lodgings

Pack Your Bags

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Taco Trail

Yum Yum

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Fine Dining

Hungry?

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Local Favorites

Ask Us!

#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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The Top 5 Things to Do in Michigan City LaPorte 1

Michigan City Laporte

Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville, Wanatah, Hesston

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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Discover the Fascinating World of the Amish in Northern Indiana 3

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 6

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 7

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

Places to Go 5
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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Seasonal

County Line Orchard

September 01 - October 31, 2025

A Michael Jordan corn maze, U-Pick pumpkins, Antique Tractor Rides, Animal Barnyard

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Sporting Events

Notre Dame Football Weekends

2025 Home Games: Sept. 13, 20; Oct. 4, 11, 18; Nov. 8, 22

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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Seasonal

Fall at Coulter’s Farm

September 22 - October 31, 2025

Enjoy pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, squash, straw and corn shocks with wagon rides and corn maze on weekends.

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WAKARUSA PUMPKIN TREE 1
Seasonal

WAKARUSA PUMPKIN TREE

September 29 - November 01, 2025

Visit Historic Downtown Wakarusa in the fall to witness the Giant Pumpkin Tree

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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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Seasonal

Trail of Scarecrows at Gabis Arboretum

October 04 - October 31, 2025

Groups create scarecrows on display during October at Gabis arboretum.

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Shipshewana Weekly Auctions & Monthly Swap Meets
Shopping

Shipshewana Weekly Antique & Misc Auctions

Auctions are held every Wednesday year-round

Antique and miscellaneous auctions and a livestock auction is held every Wednesday.

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Nature

Fall Fest Weekends at the Washington Park Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays in November

Enjoy the Washington Park Zoo exhibits and attractions on Saturdays and Sundays throughout November.

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Nature

Pumpkin Smash Bash

November 01 - November 01, 2025

Get ready to smash, stomp, and celebrate the end of harvest season at Fair Oaks Farms

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Community

Miller Beach Winter Farmers Market

Various Sundays, Nov 2 to Mar 1, 2026

Shop local produce, baked goods, and handmade treats at our monthly INDOOR market. 

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Seasonal

Goshen First Fridays: Light Parade

November 07 - November 07, 2025

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

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Seasonal

Light Parades: Goshen and Shipshewana

November 07 - November 08, 2025

Light Parades this weekend in Goshen and Shipshewana

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Christmas Vintage & Craft Bazaar
Seasonal

Christmas Vintage & Craft Bazaar

November 07 - November 08, 2025

Complete your Christmas shopping with a variety of vendors ranging from hand-made artisan crafts to specialty items

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The Lightin
Seasonal

The Lighting of Shipshewana

November 08 - November 08, 2025

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

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Holiday at the Mill
Seasonal

Holiday at the Mill

November 08 - November 08, 2025

Horse-drawn carriages, cookies, and crafts, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and live reindeer!

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Nature

FREE Entrance Day in the National Parks

Apr 19, June 19, Aug 4, Sept 24 and Nov 11, 2025

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates

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Seasonal

3 Little Birds Market

November 14 - November 15, 2025

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

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Nature

Annual Festival of Owls – Humane Indiana

November 15 - November 15, 2025

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 15 - December 30, 2025

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

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Seasonal

Winter Wonderlights

November 21 - December 25, 2025

A captivating drive-thru holiday light attraction

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Seasonal

Holidaze Craft Show

November 22 - November 23, 2025

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

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Seasonal

Autumn Artisan Market @ Journeyman Distillery – Valpo

November 22 - November 23, 2025

Over 130 talented makers and artists spread across five large spaces, this two-day event offers an unforgettable shopping experience.

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Food/Beverage

LaPour Brew & Wine Fest

November 22 - November 22, 2025

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

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Community

Day After Thanksgiving Horse Sale

November 28 - November 28, 2025

The Shipshewana Day After Thanksgiving Horse Auction is a special sale attracting hundreds of horse lovers from all over the country.

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Recreation

Skate the Plaza at Deep River Waterpark

November 28 - February 01, 2026

Skate the Plaza at Deep River! Glide across a 14,500-sq-ft ice rink under festive lights

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Christmas Tyme Lights 2
Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

November 28 - December 28, 2025

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

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Seasonal

Chesterton Hometown Market & Celebration

November 29 - November 29, 2025

Holiday themed Chesterton's European Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Twilight Parade.

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Bozak Family Christmas Light Show
Seasonal

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show

November 29 - January 01, 2026

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show is celebrating it's yearly spectacular holiday lights and music magic.

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Seasonal

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & TWILIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 29 - November 29, 2025

Eat and shop at the outdoor holiday market, with a tree lighting ceremony, and the Twilight Christmas parade! 

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Winter Fest and Tree Lighting 1
Community

Winter Fest and Tree Lighting

November 29 - November 29, 2025

Caroling, figure skating performances, photos with Santa, and lighting of the Central Park Plaza Christmas tree.

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Seasonal

LaPorte Santa Parade

November 29 - November 29, 2025

The Santa Parade welcomes Santa for the season; after the parade visit him in his chalet

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Community

Market on Madison, Peace on Earth Edition

December 05 - December 06, 2025

Join us for a weekend of shopping, sipping, and socializing.

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MISTLETOE MARKET 1
Seasonal

MISTLETOE MARKET

December 06 - December 06, 2025

Chesterton’s European Market dresses up for the holidays, becoming a beloved holiday tradition for the European Market community.

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Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum
Historical

Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum

Saturdays and Sundays, December 6, 7, 13, 14

All aboard Santa’s Candy Cane Express…Don’t let the magic pass you by!

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Seasonal

ELKHART WINTERFEST PARADE and Tree Lighting

December 06 - December 06, 2025

Join us for the WinterFest Parade down Main Street in Elkhart and Tree lighting at the Civic Plaza

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Seasonal

Holly Days

December 06 - December 06, 2025

City sidewalks are the prefect place to welcome the holidays with ice carvers, carolers, the Live Nativity and Santa’s arrival

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Community

MIDWEST RAIL RANGERS ON THE SOUTH SHORE LINE

One Saturday per Month; Check website for dates and times

Come ride the South Shore to learn about the historic steel-making region of Northwest Indiana, Indiana Dunes State and National Parks, and the breadbasket region of Indiana.

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