Explore
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Breathe In
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Soak Up
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Indiana's
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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

Spring Instagram Places

Grab the Camera

Top 12

Tourism Week Inspiration

Discover!

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Restaurants Locals Love

Let's Eat

Top 12

Spring Events

Breathe in the Spring Air

Top 12

Music & Theatre

Can you hear it?

Top 12

Family Friendly Staycation Ideas for Spring Break

Do Spring Vibes

Top 12

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

Top 10

Pet Friendly Adventures

Woof Woof

Top 10

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

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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Sporting Events

South Bend Cubs Baseball

April 11 - September 10

These Cubs are a High-A affiliate of the big league squad., and has been recognized as one of the best ballparks in the Minor League. 

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

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Flea Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, May through September

The Shipshewana Flea Market is a do-not-miss Hoosier tradition with nearly 700 booths in an open-air market covering 40 acres.

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Indiana Dunes 15
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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DINO TYME ON THE FARM
Community

DINO TYME ON THE FARM

May 06 - June 11, 2023

Walk through the Farm property and enjoy the sights and sounds of these majestic, pre-historic creatures as they come back to life

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Shipshewana LaGrange County 13
Community

Extended Shipshewana Flea Markets

Memorial Day: May 29-31; Independence Day: July 3-5; Labor Day: Sept 4-6

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, 2023

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 in the Park
Arts and Entertainment

Arts in the Park

Thursday Concert Series: Jun 1-Aug 31; 7-8pm, Preconcerts 6-7pm (LaPorte City Band every Wed, June 7-Aug 9)

A different band is featured each week throughout the summer… jazz, pop, blues, country, Christian, barber-shop, big band

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Elkhart County Quilt & Fiber Expo
Arts and Entertainment

Elkhart County Quilt & Fiber Expo

June 08 - June 10, 2023

Three days of seminars, demonstrations, presentations, and workshops.

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Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival 1
Fairs and Festivals

Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival

June 09 - June 11, 2023

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

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Crown Beer Fest
Fairs and Festivals

Crown Beer Fest

June 10 - June 10, 2023

Crown Brewery is closing down East St. in downtown Crown Point. Join them for music, food and unlimited beer!

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Shipshewana Weekend Flea Market
Shopping

Shipshewana Weekend Flea Markets

June 16-17 and August 4-5

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

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Elkhart Jazz Festival 1
Fairs and Festivals

Elkhart Jazz Festival

June 22 - June 25, 2023

Downtown Elkhart’s Arts & Entertainment district comes alive with a weekend-long celebration of jazz during the Elkhart Jazz Festival!

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Valpo Blues & BBQ Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Valpo Blues & BBQ Festival

June 23 - June 23, 2023

This NEW EVENT will feature a lineup of Blues artists and BBQ from some of Valpo’s best Restaurants!

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Annual Nativity Fest
Fairs and Festivals

Annual Nativity Fest

July 06 - July 09, 2023

NATIVITY FEST IS BACK! Come and Join us for food, rides, live bands, and of course the return of the Nativity Beer Garden

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Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix
Sporting Events

Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix

July 08 - July 09, 2023

Come watch the top riders battle it out for their qualifying spot for the World Championship in the SBT P1 AquaX Race to the Bahamas!

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LaPorte County Fair and Pioneer Land 1
Fairs and Festivals

LaPorte County Fair and Pioneer Land

July 08 - July 15, 2023

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

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FESTIVAL OF THE LAKES 1
Arts and Entertainment

FESTIVAL OF THE LAKES

July 12 - July 16, 2023

Five nights of fun on Wolf Lake, George Lake and Lake Michigan

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Sand Sculpture Contest at Indiana Dunes State Park
Community

Sand Sculpture Contest at Indiana Dunes State Park

July 15 - July 15, 2023

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

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Porter County Fair 3
Fairs and Festivals

Porter County Fair

July 20 - July 29, 2023

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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Indiana’s Cool North and County Fairs 10
Fairs and Festivals

Elkhart County 4-H Fair

July 21-19, 2023

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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Pierogi Fest
Community

Pierogi Fest

July 28 - July 30, 2023

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

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City of LaPorte Lakefest 1
Fairs and Festivals

City of LaPorte Lakefest

July 28 - July 30, 2023

LakeFest boasts three days of music, AquaX racing, artisan market, venetian boat parade, fireworks, food and fun for the whole family on LaPorte’s lakes.

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Great Lakes Grand Prix 1
Community

XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix

August 02 - August 06, 2023

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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ARTS, CRAFTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL The Barns at Nappanee 1
Arts and Entertainment

ARTS, CRAFTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL – The Barns at Nappanee

August 03 - August 05, 2023

Vendors from all over the country and two outdoor music concerts in the evenings.

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Lake County Fair
Fairs and Festivals

Lake County Fair

August 04 - August 13, 2023

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

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Chesterton Art Fair
Arts and Entertainment

Chesterton Art Fair

August 05 - August 06, 2023

Over 100 juried artists from across the country display their work in all mediums; includes food, live music, family art activities.

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KOUTS PORK FEST
Fairs and Festivals

KOUTS PORK FEST

August 26 - August 26, 2023

Still Getting Dirty South of 30 for over 40 years. The annual Porkfest in downtown Kouts. Events will be happening all day throughout the downtown area.

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Rock ‘N’ Rail Music and Street Festival 2
Fairs and Festivals

Rock ‘N’ Rail Music and Street Festival

August 31 - September 03, 2023

Griffith celebrates it’s history every Labor Day weekend with the Rock ‘N’ Rail Music and Street Festival. 

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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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Valparaiso Popcorn Festival 1
Community

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

September 09 - September 09, 2023

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

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INDIANA DUNES OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FESTIVAL 2
Fairs and Festivals

INDIANA DUNES OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FESTIVAL

September 09 - September 17, 2023

Showcases the region's natural and cultural significance through hiking, paddling, biking, and other activities such as geocaching, photography, birding, and orienteering in the Indiana Dunes

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