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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

Winter Adventures

Dress Warm

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Holiday Shopping Magic

Shop Early

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Ideas for Visiting Friends & Family

Learn More

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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

Top 10

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
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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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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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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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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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Linton's Photos with Santa 1
Seasonal

Linton’s Photos with Santa

Saturday & Sunday, Nov 4 to Dec 24

Bring your camera and one non-perishable food item per each person in the photo

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A Shipshewana Christmas
Community

A Shipshewana Christmas

November 11 - December 31, 2023

Experience the magic of Shipshewana during Christmas time. Shipshewana will put you in the Christmas spirit with holiday lights, musicals, and much more.

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Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 11 - December 30, 2023

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

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Holiday Artisan Market
Seasonal

Holiday Artisan Market

November 11 - January 05, 2024

Explore our Holiday Artisan Market with dozens of regional artists contributing hundreds of hand-crafted holiday pieces,

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SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY 2
Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

November 17-18; then November 24-December 31

Features more than two million LED Christmas lights displayed in a mile and a half long symphony of colorful light scenes

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FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS
Seasonal

FOREST OF LIGHTS AT FAIR OAKS FARMS

Thurs-Sun, Nov 17-Dec 14; Daily Dec 14-31.

Marvel at the abundance of color in the Forest of Lights at Fair Oaks Farms during the holiday season

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WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH - SUNSET HILL FARM
Seasonal

WINTER LIGHTS DRIVE THROUGH – SUNSET HILL FARM

Every night, November 18, 2023 to January 1, 2024

Drive through Northwest Indiana's top holiday light display.

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WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS
Seasonal

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Fri-Sun, November 24-26, Dec 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17; Wed-Sat, Dec 20-23, and Tues-Wed, Dec 26-27

Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights will transport you to a magical setting of lights, sound and beauty

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Christmas Tyme Lights 2
Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

November 24 - December 30, 2023

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

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Things to Do during the Holidays 4
Seasonal

THE GIFT OF LIGHTS AT THE POTAWATOMI ZOO

Friday through Sunday, November 24 to December 23

More than a million lights will be wrapped around trees and in free-standing displays at Potawatomi Zoo.

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Bozak Family Christmas Light Show
Seasonal

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show

November 25 - January 01, 2024

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

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Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds
Seasonal

Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Nov 30 - Dec 30

Our elves are hard at work putting together the most extravagant drive-thru holiday light experience

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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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Whiting's Kris Kringle Market
Seasonal

Whiting’s Kris Kringle Market

Friday & Saturday, Dec 1, 2, 8, & 9

Kris Kringle Market with holiday artisans, festive food vendors, mulled wine, and hot cocoa

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A COPPES COMMONS CHRISTMAS
Seasonal

A COPPES COMMONS CHRISTMAS

December 01 - December 02, 2023

Celebrate Christmas with an open house, and artisans and antique dealers offering their wares.

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Holly Days 2
Seasonal

Holly Days

December 01 - December 02, 2023

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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Skate the Soundtrack at Deep River
Seasonal

Skate the Soundtrack at Deep River

Fridays in December and January

Ice Skate to the sounds of the show!

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Christmas Candle-Light Tour of Historic Homes 1
Community

Christmas Candle-Light Tour of Historic Homes

December 02 - December 03, 2023

Features six private homes, LaPorte First United Methodist Church, and the LaPorte County Courthouse

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Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration
Seasonal

Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade

December 02 - December 02, 2023

Kick off the Festival of Lights with a parade and lighting of the Christmas tree.

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MISTLETOE MARKET 1
Seasonal

MISTLETOE MARKET

December 02 - December 02, 2023

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

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Hammond Holiday Parade
Seasonal

Hammond Holiday Parade

December 02 - December 02, 2023

The 2023 Hammond Holiday Parade

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Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Holiday Bazaar
Seasonal

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Holiday Bazaar

December 02 - December 02, 2023

A show featuring gifts, vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, baked goods, signs and more!

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ELKHART WINTERFEST PARADE and Tree Lighting 3
Seasonal

ELKHART WINTERFEST PARADE and Tree Lighting

December 02 - December 02, 2023

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

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Pioneer Land Christmas Open House
Historical

Pioneer Land Christmas Open House

December 02 - December 03, 2023

Pioneer Land is decorated the way it would have been in the 1840’s

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Winter Wonderland Day at Washington Park Zoo
Seasonal

Winter Wonderland Day at Washington Park Zoo

December 02 - December 02, 2023

Visit the Washington Park Zoo during the off-season to see some of your favorite animals while enjoying some fresh air.

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Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum
Historical

Santa’s Candy Cane Express @ Hesston Steam Museum

First two Saturdays and Sundays in December (Dec 2, 3, 9, 10)

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

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Michigan City Festival of Lights 3
Seasonal

Michigan City Festival of Lights

December 03 - January 06, 2024

A variety of holiday and traditional displays at Washington Park that are truly a sight to behold!

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“NOEL” A Celebration of Christmas
Arts and Entertainment

“NOEL” A Celebration of Christmas

Dec 8-16 (no shows on Dec 10 or 11)

Two full hours of non-stop Christmas excitement filled with nonstop equestrian adventures, featuring beautiful horses with incredibly talented riders.

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Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion
Seasonal

Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion

December 09 - March 31, 2024

Grab your friends, bring the kids, snag your spouse and come out to skate at the William E. Urschel Pavilion.

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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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PAJAMA DAY SALE
Shopping

PAJAMA DAY SALE

February 03 - February 03, 2024

Make plans for the annual trip for overnight pajama parties, and early morning shopping in jammies to take advantage of the sales. giveaways, drawings and deep discounts.

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