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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 Things

Fall Fun at U-Picks & Farm Markets

Fall Fun

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Quaint Small Towns

Visit Us

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Fall Celebrations

Celebrate Fall

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One-of-a-Kind Lodgings

Pack Your Bags

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Alfresco Dining

Let's Eat Outdoors

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Taco Trail

Yum Yum

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Fine Dining

Hungry?

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Live Music

Get Your Goove on

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Local Favorites

Ask Us!

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The Best of 2024

Mark Your Calendars

Top 12

Ideas for Visiting Friends & Family

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Top 12

Scenic Hiking Trails

Let's Go

Top 12

Girl's Weekends

Let's Go

Top 12

Restaurants Locals Love

Let's Eat

Top 10

Weekend Getaways

Pack the Car

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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.

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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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Top 5 Things to Do Along the South Shore 5

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

Seasonal

County Line Orchard (With Caitlin Clark Corn Maze)

August 31 - October 31, 2024

The Caitlin Clark corn maze, U-Pick pumpkins, Antique Tractor Rides, Animal Barnyard

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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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Shipshewana Swap Meets
Shopping

Shipshewana Swap Meets

Swap Meets are held on select Saturdays, daylight to 1pm, Apr-Oct

The Swap Meet is an outdoor, open-air marketplace, selling fowl, poultry, small animals, pets, produce, baked goods, antiques, guns, flowers, trees, shrubs, and food

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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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CALUMET VOICES, NATIONAL STORIES
Historical

CALUMET VOICES, NATIONAL STORIES

April 19 to Oct 6, 2024

Developed by the Field Museum, the exhibition series showcases Calumet’s natural environment, industrial might, and cultural richness.

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Sporting Events

Notre Dame Football Weekends

2024 Home Games: Sept. 7, 21, 28; Oct. 12; Nov. 9, 16

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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Harvest Season at Fair Oaks Farms
Community

Harvest Season at Fair Oaks Farms

September 14 - November 02, 2024

Oktoberfest, Pumpkinfest, Halloween Trail, and Apple Picking

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Community

Fall Festival at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Saturday's and Sunday's, Sept 28 to Oct 27

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

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Community

Pumpkin Glow Trail at Harvest Tyme Family Farm

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept 28 to Oct 27

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

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Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair 1
Arts and Entertainment

Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair

October 03 - October 05, 2024

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

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Griffith Oktoberfest
Fairs and Festivals

GRIFFITH OKTOBERFEST

October 04 - October 06, 2024

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

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Wickedly Whiting
Community

Wickedly Whiting

October 04 - October 05, 2024

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

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Seasonal

The Garden of Villains

October 04 - October 05, 2024

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

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Porter’s Perfect Pint Fest
Fairs and Festivals

Porter’s Perfect Pint Fest

October 05 - October 05, 2024

More than 40 different brewers, showcasing the best in craft beer. as well as a silent auction and various drawings

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Hesston Ghost Train
Historical

Hesston Ghost Train

Saturdays and Sundays, October 5-27

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

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Westville Pumpkin Festival
Fairs and Festivals

Westville Pumpkin Festival

October 05 - October 05, 2024

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

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Seasonal

Trail of Scarecrows at Gabis Arboretum

October 05 - October 26, 2024

Groups create scarecrows on display during October at Gabis arboretum.

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CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST
Fairs and Festivals

CROWN POINT OKTOBERFEST

October 05 - October 05, 2024

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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BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL
Fairs and Festivals

BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD FALL FESTIVAL

October 05 - October 06, 2024

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

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Annual Elvis FANtasy Fest
Arts and Entertainment

Annual Elvis Fantasy Fest

October 11 - October 13, 2024

A celebration of Elvis's music legacy and remembrance of his humanitarian ways by supporting a local charity.

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FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Fairs and Festivals

VALPARAISO FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

October 12 - October 12, 2024

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

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Nature

The Gardens Haunted Trails

October 20 - October 20, 2024

Wear your Halloween costume for an afternoon of family-friendly scares, trick or treating, and spooky Halloween activities

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Seasonal

Halloween Campfire & Hayrides

October 25 - October 26, 2024

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

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Seasonal

Hometown Hocus Pocus Market

October 25 - October 26, 2024

Shop, trick or treat, costume contests, bounce house!

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Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows 1
Shopping

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows

October 26, & December 7, 2024

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

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EUROPEAN MARKET PUMPKIN PALOOZA
Seasonal

EUROPEAN MARKET PUMPKIN PALOOZA

October 26 - October 26, 2024

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

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Seasonal

“HOWL”WEEN IN THE DUNES!

October 26 - October 26, 2024

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

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Seasonal

Goshen First Fridays: Holiday Light Parade

November 01 - November 01, 2024

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

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Seasonal

3 Little Birds Market

November 08 - November 09, 2024

Start your holiday shopping at the 3 Little Birds Market featuring amazing one-of-a-kind hand-made, up-cycled items and gifts,

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Seasonal

The Lighting of Shipshewana

November 09 - November 09, 2024

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

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Seasonal

Holiday Gift Gallery

November 09 - December 24, 2024

Art Barn’s gallery will overflow with small items perfect for holiday giving. 

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Seasonal

A Christmas Story Comes Home

November 16 - December 30, 2024

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

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SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY 2
Seasonal

SHIPSHEWANA’S LIGHTS OF JOY

Nov 22-Dec 31 (Closed 11/28 and 12/25)

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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Christmas Tyme Lights 2
Seasonal

Christmas Tyme Lights

November 29 - December 29, 2024

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

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Seasonal

WINTER WONDERLAND AT WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Nov 28 - Dec 29; Dates vary

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

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