Indiana's Cool North

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3 Dunes Challenge

25 Outdoor Adventures in Northern Indiana 6

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Biking at the Dunes

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Wandering at the Dunes

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Lighthouse at Michigan City

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Charter Fishing

25 Outdoor Adventures in Northern Indiana 5

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UPick Berries

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Rafting

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Quilt Gardens

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RV Park & Campgrounds

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& Recreation in Elkhart County

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Home > Places to Go > Safe & Nearby Outdoor Experiences

10 Safe & Nearby Outdoor Getaways

It’s a great idea to call an attraction, restaurant and shop to make sure they’re open before visiting.

10 Cool Outdoor Getaways

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The 3 Dune Challenge

⇒ 5 minute to Bike Trails

1. Take “The 3 Dune Challenge,” a tough trek running or hiking a 1.5-mile course on the State Park’s three tallest dunes. Most climbers find the steep, sandy slopes take them backwards as often as forward. Some may scoff at the short distance, but as anyone who has ever run on dunes before can attest, it’s a challenge like no other. After all, sand-sprinting was difficult enough to be included in a Rocky training montage, so you know it’s gotta be tough.

For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals.

20 Minutes to Michigan City
57 Minutes to University of Notre Dame
65 Minutes to Elkhart County

After a hot day on the dunes, learn more about breweries in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Indiana Dunes Biking

⇐ 5 minute to 3 Dunes Challenge ⇒ 5 minutes to Indiana Dunes Wandering Spots

2. There’s nothing like bicycling in the Indiana Dunes, with views of towering sand dunes and miles of sandy beaches. Bring your own bike or rent one at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center and ride the 2.5-mile Dunes-Kankakee Trail, a paved trail that goes from the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to Indiana Dunes State Park. It also connects with the South Shore Line train and the Calumet Bike Trail.

For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals.

20 Minutes to Michigan City
57 Minutes to University of Notre Dame
65 Minutes to Elkhart County

Learn more about other biking trails in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Indiana Dunes Wandering Spots

⇐ 5 minutes to Indiana Dunes Bicycling ⇒ 20 minutes to Michigan City

3. Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Listen to the waves on the shore. Feel the gentle breeze on your cheeks. Watch the sunlight dancing through the leaves in the forest. The Indiana Dunes area offers plenty of places where you can leisurely stroll, explore or simply sit and relax in nature.

For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals.

20 Minutes to Michigan City
57 Minutes to University of Notre Dame
65 Minutes to Elkhart County

Learn more about other places to wander in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Lighthouse at Michigan City

⇐ 20 minutes to Indiana Dunes Wandering Spots ⇒ 1 minute to Charter Fishing

4. In Michigan City, a supreme stretch of powder-soft sand lines the shore at Washington Park. To add to the lakeside panorama, Indiana’s only working lighthouse, the East Light, stands guard. The Washington Park Zoo is close by. Bring your camera to capture that Instagram shot!

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages

20 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
45 Minutes to University of Notre Dame
57 Minutes to Elkhart County

Find more Instagrammable Places in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Charter Fishing in Michigan City

⇐ 1 minute to Michigan City Lighthouse ⇒ 27 minutes to Garwood Orchards UPick

5. There’s a reason Michigan City is known as the “Coho Capital of the World.” Every angler on earth dreams of reeling in a prize catch, and the waters of Lake Michigan offer some of the best Coho and Chinook salmon fishing around. Not to mention steelhead, lake trout, brown trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. It’s easy to get out on the water with one of Michigan City’s professional charter boat captains. These experienced pros provide everything you need, from the boat, bait and licenses to lures and poles.

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages

20 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
45 Minutes to University of Notre Dame
57 Minutes to Elkhart County

When you are done fishing, find the best burger in Indiana’s Cool North.

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Garwood Orchards UPick

⇐ 27 minutes to Charter Fishing ⇒ 48 minutes to Notre Dame & Rafting

6. Garwood Orchards in LaPorte has been in the family for more than 180 years, and it’s still a favorite spot for apple picking. The 350-acre farm is about half fruit trees (apple, peach and cherry) and about half veggies. The Garwood calendar isn’t measured so much by months, but by what’s growing: strawberries, then raspberries, cherries, peaches, apples and finally pumpkins.

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages

20 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
45 Minutes to University of Notre Dame
57 Minutes to Elkhart County

Find more farm markets in Indiana’s Cool North.

Discover More About Garwood Orchards UPick

East Race Waterway

⇐ 48 minutes to Garwood Orchards UPick ⇒ 28 minutes to Quilt Gardens

7. Prepare for the ride of your life on a three-mile rafting adventure right in the middle of downtown South Bend! With a water scale rating of 2, this thrilling course is fun for the whole family. Maneuver the rapids and conquer the waves as you race through the historic downtown district.

For information on nearby lodging and Deals and Packages

51 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
45 Minutes to Michigan City
21 Minutes to Elkhart County

Want to make a weekend getaway? Find your inspiration in our Weekend Escapes!

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Quilt Gardens

⇐ 28 minutes to Notre Dame & Rafting ⇒ 5 minutes to RV Parks and Campgrounds

8. Supersized gardens planted in quilt designs give visitors an exciting, unique, and free way to view the patterns that are so much a part of history in Indiana’s Cool North. More than a million vibrant blooms go into creating these living displays in 16 gigantic gardens that change each year along Elkhart County’s Heritage Trail, a winding loop that also passes through welcoming communities, and features area attractions and Amish life. The drive was voted a USA Today Readers Choice and named one of America’s Most Scenic Drives. (The gardens will be on display from May 30-Sept. 15 in 2020.)

For information on nearby lodging and lodging packages and deals

62 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
54 Minutes to Michigan City
24 Minutes to University of Notre Dame

Indiana’s Cool North offers other places to celebrate the Art and Earth of the region.

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RV Parks & Campgrounds

⇐ 5 minutes to Quilt Gardens ⇒ 5 minutes to Elkhart County Outdoor Recreation

9. This is the summer of the RV, and Elkhart County is the RV capital of the world. So pack up your camper and bring it to the center of its universe. Camping is fun, affordable, and can be as relaxing or exciting as you’d like. Rural roads with working Amish farms and iconic farm scenes can also lead to vibrant downtown areas with beautiful gardens and RiverWalks. Elkhart County RV Parks and Campgrounds are close to so many attractions and activities that you can easily mix things up. This will be a road trip that is unique and worth taking!

For information on nearby lodging and lodging packages and deals

62 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
54 Minutes to Michigan City
24 Minutes to University of Notre Dame

Find more camping spots in Indiana’s Cool North.

Discover More About RV Parks & Campgrounds

Outdoor Recreation in Elkhart County

⇐ 5 minutes to RV Parks and Campgrounds

10. The great outdoors doesn’t get any greater than in Elkhart County. Fish, kayak or canoe on the miles of river and waterways, bike or hike on dozens of trails, and swing your clubs on the challenging golf courses. Catch a large-mouth bass. Hike or bike on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail; you’ll see the signature white Amish farmsteads, where fields are tended with horse-drawn equipment, and hand-washed clothing and quilts flap on clotheslines. Visit a park where you can view the diverse wildlife and plants.

For information on nearby lodging and lodging packages and deals

62 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
54 Minutes to Michigan City
24 Minutes to University of Notre Dame

Now you are ready to find the Best Ice Cream in Indiana’s Cool North.

Discover More About Outdoor Recreation in Elkhart County

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Arts and Entertainment

Zoo Luminate

March 19 - May 25, 2025

Potawatomi Zoo

A spectacular Chinese lantern festival

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Nature

FREE Entrance Day in the National Parks

Apr 19, June 19, Aug 4, Sept 24 and Nov 11, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates

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Seasonal

3 Little Birds Market

April 25 - April 26, 2025

Porter County Expo Center

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

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Community

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

April 25 - April 27, 2025

Downtown Wakarusa

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

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Nature

Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest

April 26-27, May 3-4, 2025

Washington Park Marina

Hoosier Coho Club’s Pro/Am is a Lake Michigan salmon and trout fishing contest with cash prizes.

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Historical

Plow Day

April 27, 2025

The LaPorte County Draft Horse Association will be hosting their annual Spring Plow Day

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Food/Beverage

Portage Parks Earth Day Brewfest

April 27, 2025

Portage Lakefront Open Air Pavilion

Portage Earth Day Brewfest: Earth First. Beer Second -- celebrating Earth Day and our love for community.

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Shopping

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET

Every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of October

Broadway and Third St., next to Thomas Centennial Park

Our European Market provides a strong tradition of quality shopping, live entertainment, and a festive community experience.

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Historical

Five Medals A Living History Experience

May 03 - May 04, 2025

The Farm at Amish Acres

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

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Featured Experiences Articles

Northern Indiana’s Best Farmers’ Markets

To market to market we go! What better way to connect with a local community than to be surrounded by farmers, chefs, artisans and merchants that showcase the culinary and commercial diversity of Indiana’s Cool North?

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Cool Girlfriends, Cool Vibes, Indiana’s Cool North

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Outdoor Dining in Indiana’s Cool North

Outdoor dining is always popular in the summer; here are some local favorites.

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View More Things to Do Indiana's Cool North

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Get Yours

10 Safe & Nearby Outdoor Getaways

10 Cool Outdoor Getaways

The 3 Dune Challenge

Indiana Dunes Biking

Indiana Dunes Wandering Spots

Lighthouse at Michigan City

Charter Fishing in Michigan City

Garwood Orchards UPick

East Race Waterway

Quilt Gardens

RV Parks & Campgrounds

Outdoor Recreation in Elkhart County

Zoo Luminate

FREE Entrance Day in the National Parks

3 Little Birds Market

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest

Plow Day

Portage Parks Earth Day Brewfest

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET

Five Medals A Living History Experience

Northern Indiana’s Best Farmers’ Markets

Cool Girlfriends, Cool Vibes, Indiana’s Cool North

Outdoor Dining in Indiana’s Cool North

Eight Spring Scenes to Explore in Indiana’s Cool North

Featured Experiences Articles

Northern Indiana’s Best Farmers’ Markets

Cool Girlfriends, Cool Vibes, Indiana’s Cool North

Outdoor Dining in Indiana’s Cool North

Keep Informed

Request Destination Guides