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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 12

Fall Color Spots

Bring Your 📸

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Fall Spirits (the Beverages!)

Raise your Mug

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Fall Family Friendly

Start the Car 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

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Fall Events

It's Fall 🎃🍁🌻

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Girl's Weekends

Let's Go

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Summer Shopping Places

Bring your Wallet

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Ways to Cool Off!

Splash!! 💦

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Food Events

I'm Hungry

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Summer Events

Start the Car

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Spring Instagram Places

Grab the Camera

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Tourism Week Inspiration

Discover!

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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

Let's Go

Top 10

Weekend Getaways

Pack the Car

Top 10

Girls Getaways

Let's Go

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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.

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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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

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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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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GOSHEN FIRST FRIDAYS
Community

GOSHEN FIRST FRIDAYS

The first Friday of every month

Experience a themed celebration each month as the downtown is filled with live performances, shopping and dining specials, and family-friendly activities.

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AMERICAN ADVENTURE BY MINOTAUR MAZES
Historical

AMERICAN ADVENTURE BY MINOTAUR MAZES

August 01 - October 01, 2023

Do you have what it takes to survive in 1607? Take a step back into history to find out!

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Sporting Events

Notre Dame Football Weekends

2023 Home Games: Sept. 2, 16, 23; Oct. 14, 28; Nov. 18

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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Fair Oaks Farms Fall Adventures
Community

Harvest Season at Fair Oaks Farms

September 02 - October 28, 2023

Oktoberfest, Pumpkinfest, Halloween Trail, and Apple Picking

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Westville Pumpkin Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Westville Pumpkin Festival

September 30 - September 30, 2023

Join us for a celebration of the pumpkin harvest in a true Midwestern-style family event.

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BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL
Fairs and Festivals

BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL

September 30 - October 01, 2023

The BEST way to experience all that there is to see, hear, smell, and taste around the farm

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Pumpkin Glow Trail
Seasonal

Pumpkin Glow Trail

Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Sept 30 to Oct 29

Imagine thousands of lights along a half-mile walking trail filled with jack-o-lanterns

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Fall Festival at Harvest Tyme Family Farm
Community

Fall Festival at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Saturday's and Sunday's, Sept 30 to Oct 29

Enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, amusement rides, and so much more!

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Pumpkin Glow Trail 1
Community

Pumpkin Glow Trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept 30 to Oct 29

Thousands of lights along a half-mile walking trail filled with jack-o-lanterns.

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WAKARUSA PUMPKIN TREE 1
Seasonal

WAKARUSA PUMPKIN TREE

October 01 - October 31, 2023

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

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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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Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair 1
Arts and Entertainment

Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair

October 05 - October 07, 2023

Shipshewana will be hosting a festival of crafters, entertainers, and musicians that has become an annual fall event.

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CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST
Fairs and Festivals

CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST

October 06 - October 07, 2023

A festival at Bulldog Park offering a variety of local and traditional German meals, live music, a beer garden, face painting, hayrides. and more.

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Griffith Oktoberfest
Fairs and Festivals

GRIFFITH OKTOBERFEST

October 06 - October 08, 2023

Enjoy German food, a pumpkin patch, live authentic German music, and a wide variety of German biers and wines!

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The Garden of Villains
Seasonal

The Garden of Villains

October 06 - October 07, 2023

Wellfield partners with Hall of Heroes Museum to present a spooky spectacular.

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EUROPEAN MARKET PUMPKIN PALOOZA
Seasonal

EUROPEAN MARKET PUMPKIN PALOOZA

October 07 - October 07, 2023

A special Halloween themed market! Trick or treat with select vendors, with costume contests for kids and dogs.

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Porter’s Perfect Pint Fest
Fairs and Festivals

Porter’s Perfect Pint Fest

October 07 - October 07, 2023

More than 50 different brewers, showcasing the best in craft beer. as well as a silent auction and various drawings

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Fall Festival at Sunset Hill Farm
Seasonal

Fall Festival at Sunset Hill Farm

October 08 - October 08, 2023

FREE hayrides, campfires with s’mores, games, a costume contest for kids, and a trunk-or-treat area for all who attend

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Wickedly Whiting
Community

Wickedly Whiting

October 13 - October 14, 2023

Come dressed in your Halloween best and prepare to be scared at this wickedly fest!

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Hesston Ghost Train
Historical

Hesston Ghost Train

Saturdays and Sundays, October 14-29

All aboard for some spooky fun when the Hesston Ghost Train rolls out at the Hesston Steam Museum

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FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Fairs and Festivals

VALPARAISO FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

October 14 - October 14, 2023

Fall themed interactive events such as a Pumpkin Bounce House, pumpkin painting, caramel apple dipping and more!

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Light Up the Gourds!
Seasonal

Light Up the Gourds!

October 14 - October 14, 2023

Annual Light Up the Gourds! illuminated pumpkin trail at Imagination Glen

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ZOO BOO at Potawatomi Zoo
Seasonal

ZOO BOO at Potawatomi Zoo

October 20 - October 22, 2023

Zoo Boo is the Potawatomi Zoo’s annual safe trick-or-treating event complete with pumpkins, candy, lights and decorations

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Boo at the Zoo - Washington Park Zoo 1
Seasonal

Boo at the Zoo – Washington Park Zoo

October 21 - October 21, 2023

Make plans to fly your broomstick down to the Washington Park Zoo with your young goblins, ghosts, princesses, and zooperheros to spend a day with the animals.

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Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
Seasonal

Halloween Campfire & Hayrides

October 27 - October 28, 2023

Craft and activity stations, delicious food trucks, spooky décor, thrilling night hikes, and a hayride in the dark.

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Seasonal

“HOWL”WEEN IN THE DUNES!

October 28 - October 28, 2023

Get spooked and thrilled this Halloween at Indiana Dunes State Park.

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Shipshewana Rodeo
Sporting Events

Shipshewana Rodeo

November 02 - November 04, 2023

Enjoy family fun and kid-friendly activities at the largest Ranch Rodeo east of Mississippi!

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Goshen First Fridays: Holiday Light Parade
Seasonal

Goshen First Fridays: Holiday Light Parade

November 03 - November 03, 2023

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

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The Lightin
Seasonal

The Lighting of Shipshewana

November 11 - November 11, 2023

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

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LaPour Brew & Wine Fest
Food/Beverage

LaPour Brew & Wine Fest

November 11 - November 11, 2023

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

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First Skate 1
Community

First Skate

November 11 - November 11, 2023

This exclusive, family friendly, first skate will take place before the skating season begins

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LaPorte Christkindlmarkt 1
Seasonal

LaPorte Christkindlmarkt

Nov 22, 24, 25 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)

The magical sights and sounds of German style Christmas markets done with small town American style!

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Bremen Holy Walk 2
Historical

Bremen Holy Walk

December 01 - December 02, 2023

Take a journey of love back to Bethlehem—back to the very first Christmas.

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MIDWEST RAIL RANGERS ON THE SOUTH SHORE LINE
Community

MIDWEST RAIL RANGERS ON THE SOUTH SHORE LINE

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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