Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
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Indiana’s Cool North is calling.

Experience the state’s best kept secret. Come explore our 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

Live Music

Feel the Beat

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Garden Gems

It's Spring!

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Unique Places to Stay

Get Inspired

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Girlfriend Weekends

Call Your Besties

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Don't Miss Events

Mark Your Calendar

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Sweet Stops

Bring Your Sweet Tooth

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Charming, Calm & Safe

Let's Go

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Pottery, Textiles & Taste

Try Something New

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Trails and Museums

Explore the Heritage

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Secrets and Surprises

Be Surprised

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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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Cool North - Hot Festivals

See the Best

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Girlfriend Getaway

Call Your Besties

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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.

Learn More About Our Destinations
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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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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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Arts and Entertainment

Zoo Luminate – Potawatomi Zoo

Wed - Sun; Apr 22 - June 28

A spectacular lantern festival; "Sea" to believe

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Shopping

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Flea Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5 to Sept 30, 2026

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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Community

Essenhaus Classic Car Cruise In

Thursday evenings, May 7 through September 24

Whether you are a classic car owner or a car enthusiast this event is for you

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Community

INDIANA DUNES BIRDING FESTIVAL

May 14 - May 17, 2026

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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Historical

40th and Final Voyageur Rendezvous

May 16 - May 17, 2026

Peek into the lives of those who would have lived or traded along the waterways of the Midwest more than 250 years ago

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Nature

Wildflower Wander @ Indiana Dunes State Park

May 23 - May 23, 2026

Join the Naturalist on a hike from the Nature Center to explore a few different ecosystems in search of the first spring blooms.

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Community

MC Food and Music Fest

May 23 - May 24, 2026

Over 20 food trucks and some seriously groovy music!

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Community

Memorial Day Weekend at Hesston Steam Museum

May 23 - May 25, 2026

Clickety-clack on old-time steam-powered railroads, visit the blacksmith shop, and see this living history museum

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Six Splendid Places to Celebrate Spring in Indiana’s Cool North 1
Community

Memorial Day Extended Flea Market

May 25 - May 27, 2026

The Midwest’s Largest Flea Market is open Monday through Wednesday for Memorial Day!

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Community

Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail

May 30 to Sept 15, 2026

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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Food/Beverage

German Biergarten @ Sunset Hill Farm County Park

June 04 - June 06, 2026

Porter County Parks & Recreation and BrewFest Partners present a traditional German-style Biergarten at Sunset Hill!

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Fairs and Festivals

Brew at the Zoo

June 06 - June 06, 2026

Wine and beer enthusiasts are invited to enjoy animals, live entertainment, local food vendors and over 20 craft breweries

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Shopping

Indiana Vintage Market

June 06 - June 06, 2026

Come shop with over 95 vendors selling primarily vintage clothing, as well as other vintage items, including home goods, vinyl records, and more!

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Community

Schererville Fest

June 10 - June 14, 2026

The BIGGEST party of the summer; five days packed with music, fun, and community vibes

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Arts and Entertainment

RHAPSODY ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

June 12 - June 13, 2026

A waterside celebration of summer at Island Park

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Fairs and Festivals

Johnson’s Strawberry Festival Weekends

June 13-14, 20-21, & 27-28

 It’s one of the sweetest traditions in Northwest Indiana! Celebrate the magic of summer weekends.

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Fairs and Festivals

Elkhart Jazz Festival

June 18 - June 21, 2026

Downtown Elkhart’s Arts & Entertainment district comes alive with a 4 day celebration of jazz, including free concerts.

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Arts and Entertainment

Summer Chill Concert Series

Every third Friday, June-September

A free concert series at the NIBCO Water and Ice Park on the third Friday of June, July, August, September.

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Arts and Entertainment

Roxx Fest

June 19 - June 20, 2026

An outdoor concert with Legendary Bands, Food Trucks, and the ultimate rock experience.

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Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets 1
Shopping

Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets

Two Weekends: June 19-20 and July 31-Aug 1

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

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Arts and Entertainment

Red Wine and Brew

June 25 - June 28, 2026

This annual event features some of Nashville’s greatest artists, a beer and wine tasting, drone show, kids area, and incredible food.

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Fairs and Festivals

Cedar Lake Summerfest

July 02 - July 05, 2026

Family fun festival, carnival, bingo, entertainment, food vendors, cardboard boat race, car show and rides

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LaPorte County Fair and Pioneer Land 1
Fairs and Festivals

LaPorte County Fair and Pioneer Land

July 11 - July 18, 2026

Oldest Indiana fair features Pioneer Land, rides, 4-H exhibits, bazaar, demolition derbies, food and celebrity entertainment,

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Arts and Entertainment

Decades Music Fest

July 11 - July 11, 2026

Step back in time to experience this ultimate musical journey through the ages!

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Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
Community

Sand Sculpture Contest at Indiana Dunes State Park

July 11 - July 11, 2026

Watch the sand come alive with dragons, monsters, and fairy tale characters. Participate or watch others' creations.

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FESTIVAL OF THE LAKES 1
Arts and Entertainment

FESTIVAL OF THE LAKES

July 15 - July 19, 2026

Five nights of fun on Wolf Lake with rides, live entertainment, Polka Party and fishing derby.

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Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival 1
Fairs and Festivals

Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival

July 17 - July 19, 2026

A professional sand sculpting 3-day competition and exhibition on Michigan City's lakefront

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Porter County Fair 3
Fairs and Festivals

Porter County Fair

July 23 - August 01, 2026

There are great rides, great food and loads of exhibits and events. Check out the 4-H exhibits; ride the double Ferris Wheel.

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Elkhart County 4-H Fair for all the Fair Food
Fairs and Festivals

Elkhart County 4-H Fair

July 24 - August 01, 2026

Non-stop action and 9 days of family fun are guaranteed at one of the largest county fairs in the nation.

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Fairs and Festivals

City of La Porte Lakefest

July 24 - July 26, 2026

LakeFest boasts three days of music, artisan market, fireworks, food and fun for the whole family on La Porte’s lakes.

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Pierogi Fest
Community

Pierogi Fest

July 24 - July 26, 2026

Taking place in Whiting, Indiana, Pierogi Fest® celebrates Eastern European food and culture with a wacky familial twist.

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Community

XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix

July 27 - August 02, 2026

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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Food/Beverage

Great Lakes Grand Prix Brewfest

July 31 - July 31, 2026

The Great Lakes Grand Prix just got even better with the Great Lakes Grand Prix Brewfest

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Lake County Fair
Fairs and Festivals

Lake County Fair

August 07 - August 16, 2026

The fair hosts exciting grandstand events, horse shows, farm animals and thousands of exhibits.

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Community

Gary Air Show

August 21 - August 23, 2026

Come see aerial acts perform along the south shore of Lake Michigan at the beautiful Marquette Park, just outside of the Indiana Dunes National Park.

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Labor Day Extended Shipshewana Flea Market
Community

Labor Day Extended Flea Market

September 07 - September 09, 2026

The Midwest’s Largest Flea Market is open Monday through Wednesday for Labor Day!

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Valparaiso Popcorn Festival 1
Community

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

September 12 - September 12, 2026

This long-standing community tradition, The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continues to offer family-fun activities for all ages

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