From Trails to Museums: Experience Indiana’s Cool North Heritage

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Dina Miller

Indiana’s Cool North is rich with history, offering travelers a journey through time. Explore historic sites like the Barker Mansion and Buckley Homestead, wander scenic heritage trails in Amish Country and Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail.  Celebrate diverse ethnic heritage through cultural events, museums, and community festivals, while strolling charming small towns. From Native American roots to immigrant influences, history and culture come alive across this northern Indiana region.

Map of Holiday Lights 2025

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  1. Christmas in the Park, St John
  2. Winter Wonderlights, Merrillville
  3. Lowell Winterfest
  4. Christmas Tyme Lights at Harvest Tyme Farm, Lowell
  5. Kouts Christmas Open House
  6. Holly Days, Valparaiso
  7. Sunset Hill Winter Lights, Valparaiso
  8. Bozak Family Light Show
  9. Festival of Lights, Washington Park, Michigan City
  10. Candy Cane Express, Hesston Steam Museum
  11. Downtown LaPorte
  12. Preserve Historic LaPorte Candlelight Tour
  13. Wellfield Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights, Elkhart
  14. Holiday Lights at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Goshen
  15. Shanklin Park Holiday Lights, Goshen
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