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.
Walk, Bike or Drive thru Nights of Lights at Shanklin Park
Nightly through January 1, 2026
Shanklin Park in Goshen sparkles each holiday season with its “Nights of Lights” display. From 5–10 p.m. nightly through the new year, over 60 illuminated silhouettes—featuring themes like Candy Land and Toy Land—shine among wrapped trees, offering a free, walk-through, bike-through and drive-through winter wonderland.
For information on nearby lodging. Request a destination guide for Elkhart County.
- 68 Minutes to Michigan City
- 74 Minutes to Indiana Dunes
- 93 Minutes to South Shore
