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Outdoor Getaways

3 Dunes Challenge

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Outdoor Getaways

Biking at the Dunes

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Outdoor Getaways

Wandering at the Dunes

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Outdoor Getaways

Lighthouse at Michigan City

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Charter Fishing

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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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Outdoor Getaways

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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.

Discover More About Charter Fishing in Michigan City

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.

Discover More About Quilt Gardens

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

Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana’s Cool North

See individual theatres for schedule of shows and concerts.

Indiana's Cool North

Indiana's Cool North has a number of theatres. See the individual theatres for their show and concert schedules.

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Shopping

Shipshewana Auctions

Auctions are held every Wednesday and Friday, year-round

Auction Buildings and Barns at Shipshewana Trading Place

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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Fairs and Festivals

Plain and Simple Craft Fair

April 16 - April 17, 2021

miscellaneous building on flea market grounds

Plain and Simple, an Amish craft and decor magazine, will be holding it's very first craft fair

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Community

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

April 23 - April 25, 2021

Downtown Wakarusa

Hot from the griddle pancakes smothered in pure maple syrup are a highlight at this event that’s been a town tradition

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Nature

Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest

April 24 - April 25, 2021

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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Food/Beverage

Chocolate Walk

May 01, 2021

Downtown Valparaiso

Join for a day of chocolate bliss! With more than 20 participating retail locations, as well as several restaurants offering special sweet treats

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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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Shopping

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Flea Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, May through September; Auctions held Wednesday & Friday year-round

Shipshewana Flea Market

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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Community

Classic Car Cruise In

Thursday evenings from 4:30pm-8:00pm, May 6 through September 30.

Whether you are a classic car owner or a car enthusiast this event is for you

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Featured Experiences Articles

Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do this Spring

Learn More

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?

Learn More

Top 10 Spring Break and Staycation Ideas

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View More Things to Do Indiana's Cool North

Keep Informed

Stay up-to-date with all the latest events and activities.

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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

Theatre Shows & Concerts in Indiana’s Cool North

Shipshewana Auctions

Plain and Simple Craft Fair

WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

Hoosier Coho Club Pro/Am Fishing Contest

Chocolate Walk

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET

Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Classic Car Cruise In

Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do this Spring

Northern Indiana’s Best Farmers’ Markets

Top 10 Spring Break and Staycation Ideas

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

Featured Experiences Articles

Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do this Spring

Northern Indiana’s Best Farmers’ Markets

Top 10 Spring Break and Staycation Ideas

Keep Informed

Request Destination Guides