A Taste of Indiana’s Cool North at Flavorful Festivals
Posted on June 13, 2025 by Dina Miller
Indiana’s Cool North serves up flavor all summer long at its mouthwatering food festivals. County fairs in Elkhart, Porter and LaPorte counties deliver deep-fried favorites and local treats. Savor the smoky links at Whiting’s Kielbasa Fest or sweet apple delights in Nappanee. The Kouts Pork Fest celebrates all things pork with small-town charm. And Farmed and Forged in LaPorte County blends farm-fresh ingredients with culinary creativity. From heritage eats to chef-crafted fare, food lovers will be full and happy with these 16 festivals to explore!
From Lake Michigan to Legacy: The Diana of the Dunes Dare
The Diana of the Dunes Dare is a hiking challenge at Indiana Dunes National Park’s West Beach, honoring Alice Mabel Gray, known as “Diana of the Dunes.” Gray, a former Chicago intellectual, lived alone in the dunes in the early 1900s, advocating for their preservation. The dare follows the Dune Succession Trail, a 0.9-mile loop showcasing four stages of dune development. Hikers ascend numerous stairs to reach a scenic overlook with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline
For information on nearby lodging. and Dunes Deals. Request a destination guide of the Indiana Dunes
- 25 Minutes to South Shore
- 35 Minutes to Michigan City
- 75 Minutes to Elkhart County
