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 Water Wheels to Wilderness: Deep River County Park
Deep River County Park in Hobart, is a 1,362-acre park that blends natural beauty with rich history. Its centerpiece is Wood’s Historic Grist Mill, originally built in 1838 by John Wood, marking one of Lake County’s first industrial sites. The mill, restored in the 1970s, features a working water wheel and offers demonstrations of traditional cornmeal grinding. The park also includes picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing spots at Big Maple Lake, and seasonal hayrides, making it a popular destination for both education and recreation.
For information on nearby lodging and Trip Ideas. Request a destination guide for the South Shore.
- 29 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
- 43 Minutes to Michigan City
- 83 Minutes to Elkhart County
