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.
The Grand Old Lady of Crown Point
The Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, affectionately known as the “Grand Old Lady,” is a striking example of Romanesque and Georgian architecture. Designed by Chicago architect John C. Cochrane, construction began in 1878 and was completed in 1880. The building features a distinctive clock tower and was constructed using approximately 500,000 hand-kilned bricks. Today, the former courthouse houses the Lake County Historical Society Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history. The building also accommodates shops and professional offices.
For information on nearby lodging and Trip Ideas. Request a destination guide for the South Shore.
- 33 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
- 47 Minutes to Michigan City
- 88 Minutes to Elkhart County
