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 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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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.

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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

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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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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Nature

Tulip Tyme at the Farm

April 18 - May 10, 2026

This spring, immerse yourself in the elegance of Harvest Tyme’s Tulip Festival,

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Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration
Community

Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration

April 18 - April 18, 2026

Annually Earth Day is celebrated across the nation. Join us in celebration of this incredible day.

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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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Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival 1
Community

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

April 24 - April 26, 2026

Maple syrup, giant jellybeans, and a whole series of sweet surprises in this towns traditional festival.

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Community

Cedar Lake Farmers Market at Harvest Tyme

April 25 - April 26, 2026

Shop incredible local vendors while strolling through thousands of beautiful tulips in bloom. 

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Shipshewana Mayfest
Community

Shipshewana Mayfest

May 01 - May 01, 2026

Ole’ fashioned hometown fun, bustling with kid’s activities, live entertainment, tournaments, food trucks, benefit breakfast and more!

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Munster Car Show
Community

Munster Car Show

May 02 - May 02, 2026

Enter your car or truck in this spectacular car show or join us for a terrific display of vehicles.

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Historical

Five Medals A Living History Experience

May 02 - May 03, 2026

Take part in the 18th and early 19th centuries in an extremely personal and hands-on way!

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Shipshewana LaGrange County 13
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

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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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

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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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

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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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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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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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 22 - 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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