Explore
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 218
Breathe In
Indiana's
Cool North.
Soak Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 111
Celebrate
Indiana's
Cool North.
South Shore 7
Drink Up
Indiana's
Cool North.
Perfect Pairings - Dinner and a Show
Experience
Indiana's
Cool North.
Stay in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Miller Beach Vacation Rentals
Unwind in
Indiana's
Cool North.
Home Page 215
1 of 1
Home Page 218
Home Page 111
South Shore 7
Perfect Pairings - Dinner and a Show
Miller Beach Vacation Rentals
Home Page 215

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.

Request a Visitor Guide

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Top Things

Cozy Indoor Escapes

Stay Inside

Top Things

An Outdoor Winter Playground

Dress Warm

Top Things

Pizza Lover's Trail

Go Hungry

Top Things

Quaint Small Towns

Visit Us

Top Things

One-of-a-Kind Lodgings

Pack Your Bags

Top Things

Taco Trail

Yum Yum

Top Things

Fine Dining

Hungry?

Top Things

Local Favorites

Ask Us!

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

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
Home Page 217

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!

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Home Page 221

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.

Learn More

Home Page 119

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Festivals & Events

Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion
Seasonal

Ice Skating under the Urschel Pavilion

January 01 - March 31, 2025

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

View Details
Potawatomi Zoo Winter Days 1
Nature

Potawatomi Zoo Winter Days

Every Weekend this winter - 11am to 4pm

Come see what the animals are doing this winter; open every weekend.

View Details
WinterFest 2023 1
Community

WinterFest 2024

January 24 - January 26, 2025

Includes your old favorite winter events, to some new twists; everything from Ice Sculptures to Softball Tournaments.

View Details
ONCE UPON A WEEKEND 1
Community

ONCE UPON A WEEKEND

Jan 24-25; Feb 21-22, 2025

An invitation to every princess for a customized overnight stay

View Details
Fairs and Festivals

Big Barn Beer Fest

February 01 - February 01, 2025

Sample the best craft beer from all over the region; there will also be live music and a food buffet. 

View Details
Nature

Sparkly Winter Walks

February 07 - February 07, 2025

Enjoy an evening walk in Wellfield's Winter Wonderland, partnered with local restaurants.

View Details
Shopping

Winter Wonderland Artisan Fair

February 08 - February 08, 2025

With over 40 unique vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—from tasty bites to handmade treasures.

View Details
Historical

Living History: Maple Syrup Production

February 08 - February 08, 2025

Learn about maple sugar production as it would have been done centuries ago all over North America.

View Details
Top 10 Valentine Day Inspirations
Seasonal

Valentines Vendor Market

February 08 - February 08, 2025

Shop a variety of antiques, handmade craft items, direct sales and food vendors

View Details
Sporting Events

16th Annual Frosty Five 5K/5M

February 08 - February 08, 2025

The Frosty Five is the perfect way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of winter.

View Details
Fairs and Festivals

Chesterton’s Winter Markets

February 15 - February 15, 2025

Bringing the European Market indoors! Escape the winter chill and discover unique treasures 

View Details
Sporting Events

Picklemania 20K Challenge

February 21 - February 23, 2025

219 Pickleball Presents PICKLEMANIA 2025 20K Challenge in the brand new Jean Shepherd Pickleball Complex

View Details
Historical

MAPLE SUGAR TIME

March 01 - March 02, 2025

Enjoy a sweet taste of spring at the Indiana Dunes National Park's annual Maple Sugar Time.

View Details
Michigan City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Community

Michigan City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

March 15 - March 15, 2025

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be celebrated in Michigan City

View Details
Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows 1
Shopping

Shipshewana Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows

March 22 - March 22, 2025

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

View Details
Community

MIDWEST RAIL RANGERS ON THE SOUTH SHORE LINE

One Saturday per Month; 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.

View Details