It’s never too early to plan your South Shore summer activities. We’ve compiled an A to Z list of things to do in Northwest Indiana with family and friends this summer.
Arts
The South Shore is filled with public art and artistic opportunities. The Rensselaer Art Walk features larger than life murals from artists around the world. Or if you prefer to do the art yourself, check out our blog on where to find art classes and workshops.
Brewery Trail
Find your new favorite porter, stout, ale or seasonal brew with your friends along the South Shore Brewery Trail. Download the South Shore Passport App on your phone to start planning your adventure.
Canoe
See some of Northwest Indiana’s most scenic waterways on your canoe or kayak. Some of our favorites include Cedar Lake and the Deep River Water Trail. Read more about places to kayak and canoe.
Dewey
Visit The Museum at Lassen's Resort on Cedar Lake and ride the Dewey Line aboard an authentic 1915 steamboat while you learn resort era history. You can also tour the museum or relax on their wrap around porch.
Early Bird
Grab your poles this summer and head out to the South Shore’s lakes and rivers. Catch anything from bluegill to walleye and northern pike. You’ll enjoy a quiet morning along the water from as far north as Lake Michigan and Wolf Lake to as far south as the Kankakee River and Willow Slough. Check out our list of the 10 best fishing spots in Northwest Indiana.
Farm Life
See what life is like on a working farm. Fair Oaks Farms dairy, pig and crop adventures offer a sneak peek into modern day farming with interactive and educational exhibits for all ages. During the summer, they have Music on the Porch at their Farmhouse Restaurant, plus Mooville is open outdoors where you can climb a 22 foot milk carton, jump on a giant bouncing pillow and slide down the Legen Dairy Drop.
Golf
The South Shore is home to more than a dozen golf courses, including Lost Marsh and White Hawk Country Club. If it's too hot or raining, check out the indoor simulators at Net Par in Crown Point, Net Par in Munster, Public Bar & Rec in Crown Point or Hyatt Place Munster.
Hotel
Book a hotel for your family and take advantage of a mini getaway close to home. Or rent a vacation home near the shore with Beachwalk Vacation Rentals.
Indiana Dunes
An obvious stop along Lake Michigan if you want to enjoy the sun and sand is the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. Climb the sand dunes, relax on the beach or search for birds and other wildlife as well as native flower and plant species.
Jogging and Biking
Stretch your legs along miles of trails. Find trails closest to you or venture out to explore new landscapes. Find trail details and maps for the Indiana Dunes and more area trails here.
Kankakee Sands
Get away from it all at Kankakee Sands 8,400 acres of prairies and wetlands. Managed by the Nature Conservancy, these natural areas are being restored and preserved for more than 86 rare and endangered species. On your journey, you will see some of the 600 species of native plants as well as herds of bison.
Lemon Lake
Home to the nation’s largest disc golf courses, Lemon Lake is the perfect place to learn something new. You can also enjoy fishing, hiking or a family picnic.
Museums
If anyone in your group is into trains, you're in luck. Northwest Indiana is home to three train museums, Hesston Steam Museum in LaPorte, Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson and Monon Connection Museum in Monon. Learn more about all three train attractions in our blog here.
Nature
Explore Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso and Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City. Both are open to the public and feature walking trails and gorgeous formal gardens.
Outdoor Dining
Eat your way through the South Shore while enjoying your meal with a view at these fun spots in Northwest Indiana. Start with this guide to outdoor dining.
Popcorn
Settling in for family movie night? Stop by ChicagoLand Popcorn in Merrillville for one of their hundreds of popcorn flavors, ranging from cherry cola and bubblegum to crab legs and creamy cucumber and dill.
Quack
Relax along the shores of Cedar Lake, Wolf Lake, Lake George or the Kankakee River to watch the ducks. Don’t forget to pack a picnic for a lazy afternoon by the water.
Race
Visit Deep River Waterpark and race your friends down the Kraken, a six lane mat slide racer ride. You can also take a few laps around the lazy river, splash in the wave pool and test out the rest of the slides throughout the park.
Sweet Tooth
Grab a bag of award winning gummies from Albanese Confectionery. Try their Ultimate bears, which include flavors like Alphonso Mango, Amity Raspberry, Asian Pear, Black Currant, Blood Orange, Crimson Cranberry, Fuji Apple and Queen Pineapple.
Treasure Hunting
Stroll through the downtowns of Crown Point or Valparaiso and hunt the small shops for treasures to take home.
Under the Stars
Stargaze at Kemil Beach at the Indiana Dunes National Park or the Thomas Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead in Lowell. See the rings of Saturn, meteor showers and possibly the hazy outlines of the Milky Way right here in the South Shore.
Visit Family
Take some time off to visit with your family and friends. Better yet, invite them on some of your staycation adventures.
Wine Tasting
Enjoy fine samples of wine at Running Vines, Carpenter Creek, Four Corners, Shady Creek or Manic Mead Wine Cider. Find a winery along the South Shore Winery Trail.
eXplore
Make it your goal to explore somewhere new or try an activity you’ve never done. We’ve given you A to Z examples of great things to explore this summer.
Yurt Rental
Camp in style at Caboose Lake Campground when you rent their waterfront yurts, single story units with a kitchen area, living area and a bedroom. It sleeps six with a microwave, full size refrigerator, air conditioning, gas grill, picnic table and fire ring.
In the "Zone"
WhoaZone at Whihala Beach in Whiting is one of the largest water playgrounds in the Midwest. Climb, slide and splash throughout the one acre floating water park on Lake Michigan.
