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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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Outdoor Winter Rec

Dress Warm

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Warm Indoors

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Holiday & Winter Adventures

Dress Warm

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Holiday Shopping Magic

Shop Early

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Ideas for Visiting Friends & Family

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Scenic Hiking Trails

Let's Go

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Fall Spirits (the Beverages!)

Raise your Mug

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Girl's Weekends

Let's Go

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Restaurants Locals Love

Let's Eat

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Spring Events

Breathe in the Spring Air

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Music & Theatre

Can you hear it?

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Family Friendly Staycation Ideas for Spring Break

Do Spring Vibes

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Biggest Events in 2023

Plan Ahead

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Health & Wellness Tips

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Weekend Getaways

Pack the Car

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Girls Getaways

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Pet Friendly Adventures

Woof Woof

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Outdoor Dining Places

Let's Eat!

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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 12

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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The Coolest Museums in Northern Indiana

South Shore

Whiting, Gary, Saint John, Merrillville, Hammond

Discover the City of Whiting, nestled between Chicago and the shores of Lake Michigan, with their World of Mascots at the Mascot Hall of Fame, interactive children’s museum. 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

Free Notre Dame Home Sporting Events
Sporting Events

Free Notre Dame Home Sporting Events

August 01 - May 31, 2024

The University of Notre Dame home athletic events - not including football, basketball and hockey - that fans can attend free of charge

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Shipshewana Weekly Auctions & Monthly Swap Meets
Shopping

Shipshewana Auctions

Auctions are held every Wednesday and Friday, year-round

Antique and miscellaneous auctions and a livestock auction is held every Wednesday. A horse auction is held every Friday, in addition to special yearly sales.

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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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Elkhart County Restaurant Weeks
Food/Beverage

Elkhart County Restaurant Weeks

March 15 - March 30, 2024

Highlights the cuisines that are hand-crafted in kitchens from downtowns to small towns and everywhere in between.

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Lake County Antique & Vintage Market
Shopping

Lake County Antique & Vintage Market

March 22 - March 23, 2024

Antique toys, art glass, primitives and folk art, Farm House Decor, antique and vintage jewelry, Advertising signs

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MARCH ROLLER DERBY MADNESS
Sporting Events

MARCH ROLLER DERBY MADNESS

March 23 - March 23, 2024

Come and cheer on South Shore Roller Derby in our 2024 season opener!

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Linton's Easter Eggstraordinaire 2
Community

Linton’s Easter Eggstraordinaire

March 23 - March 30, 2024

Easter celebration at Linton's; visit baby chicks, ducks, lambs and goats; ride the Easter Eggspress

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Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Nature

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

April 08 - April 08, 2024

Join Valpo Parks downtown for the chance to safely view the 2024 Solar Eclipse!

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Shopping

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows

April 20, 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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WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
Community

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

April 26 - April 28, 2024

Hot from the griddle pancakes smothered in pure maple syrup are a highlight at this event that’s been a town tradition

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Shipshewana Swap Meets
Shopping

Shipshewana Swap Meets

Swap Meets are held on select Saturdays, daylight to 1pm, Apr-Oct

The Swap Meet is an outdoor, open-air marketplace, selling fowl, poultry, small animals, pets, produce, baked goods, antiques, guns, flowers, trees, shrubs, and food

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Annual Nappanee Spring Market
Shopping

Annual Nappanee Spring Market

April 27 - April 27, 2024

A unique shopping experience offering a blend of handcrafted artisan vendors, direct sales companies, and local specialty shops.

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Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest
Nature

Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest

April 27-28; May 4-5

Hoosier Coho Club’s Pro/Am is a Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing contest with cash prizes.

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Shipshewana LaGrange County 13
Shopping

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Flea Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, Apr 30 to Sept 25, 2024

The Shipshewana Flea Market is a do-not-miss Hoosier tradition with an open-air market the size of 30 football fields.

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Shopping

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET

Every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of October

Our European Market provides a strong tradition of quality shopping, live entertainment, and a festive community experience.

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3RD ANNUAL BIRDS OF PREY JAMBOREE 1
Nature

3RD ANNUAL BIRDS OF PREY JAMBOREE

May 04 - May 04, 2024

Meet the bird of prey ambassadors of Humane Indiana to learn about different species of hawks, owls, and falcons

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INDIANA DUNES BIRDING FESTIVAL 1
Community

INDIANA DUNES BIRDING FESTIVAL

May 16 - May 19, 2024

The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is an annual event hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society that showcases the abundance of migratory birds in the Indiana Dunes.

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Michigan City Food Truck Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Michigan City Food Truck Festival

May 25 - May 26, 2024

Michigan City will host an assortment of gourmet food trucks, live music games and delicious drinks off the beach.

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Extended Shipshewana Flea Markets
Community

Extended Shipshewana Flea Markets

Memorial Day: May 27-29; Independence Day: July 2-4; Labor Day: Sept 2-4, 2024

The Midwest’s Largest Flea Market has extended markets on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

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Explore the Gardens of Elkhart County 1
Community

Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail

May 30 - September 15, 2024

This colorful patchwork of quilt inspired gardens and quilt-themed murals is linked by the roads that form the Heritage Trail.

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Hobart Lakefront Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Hobart Lakefront Festival

May 30 - June 02, 2024

This four-day event features live entertainment, an arts and crafts area, children’s activities, food vendors and beer garden.

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Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets 1
Shopping

Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets

June 14-15 and August 2-3, 2024

The Shipshewana Flea Market will be open for a special weekend flea market!

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XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix 1
Community

XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix

July 31 - August 04, 2024

Thousands of visitors head to Michigan City’s Washington Park each summer for a spectacle of speed and sound as some of the world’s fastest and most colorful powerboats roar across Lake Michigan

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