So I don’t normally do this, but I thought it’d be nice to make a weekend itinerary (of sorts) for northern Indiana.
I grew up in central Indiana and up until going off to college, I had no IDEA how cool northern Indiana was/is! I had been to the dunes once, and that’s about all. Upon moving up here, I’ve discovered so many amazing places.
So here is a small guide for anyone seeking adventure on the south lake shore!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Alright, first things first, transportation!
Honestly, you can drive to all of the places listed. Indiana is the crossroads of America for a reason. However, I would highly recommend using the South Shore Line to get where you need to go.
The South Shore Line is a passenger train that runs all the way from Chicago to South Bend. Tickets can be a little pricey. A one way trip is $7 per person. So it’s understandable if you don’t want to use it exclusively. Though I do recommend using it at least once!
From my knowledge, it is one of the last few working passenger trains in the U.S. and it’s amazing! It’s clean, efficient, and public transport will always be more environmentally friendly than personal cars.
Indiana Dunes Parks
When you think of Northern Indiana, you probably think of the Dunes. Indiana Dunes National and State parks are wonderful. They’re unique and unlike any other park in the region.
I would say they’re similar to being on the ocean, except more hilly and the water doesn’t smell or taste like salt!
There are quite a few parks on the dunes (and I have not yet been to all of them!). But they’re all worth seeing.
I list below small descriptions of the ones I’ve been too and why they’re great!
- Main Park
The main park is the one google or whatever maps/gps you use will navigate you too. It’s the most popular and most visited. It’s name is unironically just “Indiana Dunes State Park.”
This park has an expansive beach front, loads of trails leading up and around the dunes, a main bathhouse/pavilion, and a number of food carts and opportunities.
This is a great stop for those who have never been to the dunes, but it is often overcrowded in the summer.
- West Beach
West Beach is one of my favorite spots along the dunes. It’s lesser known that the main park and offers more diverse trails. West Beach has a small bathhouse with concessions right by a stairway that leads down to the shore. The beach is pretty long and therefore, theres a lot of room to secure a small spot for you and your family away from everyone else.
My favorite park about West Beach are the trails, honestly. They go through the sandy dunes, into a small forest, around some evergreen trees, by small marshland, and back to the lakefront. There are also trails through a small prairie and then near a small pond/lake which is home to a beaver colony.
- Tolleston Dunes
Tolleston Dunes is minutes away from West Beach. It is an inland park with winding trails through marshland and sandy forests. Tolleston does not have a lakefront beach, but it is a wonderful hiking/walking path.
- Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
This is a smaller park close to an industrialized zone, which is perhaps it’s greatest downside. The lakefront here is meant more for boaters than it is for swimming. It’s a quiet park on the lake that most people don’t frequent.
There is a small pavilion and a few trails that lead into some tree covered dunes. Matt and I explored this park as much as we could during some colder months before anyone else visited.
This lakefront also has a small wooden boardwalk of sorts that follows a small river that boats use to get out into the lake. The scene is quaint and beautiful (aside from the nearby factories).
- The Bailly Homestead
I didn’t know this existed until a few days ago. Again, as i mentioned above, I have not yet visited all that the dunes have to offer. I am forever thankful, however, that I was able to explore the Bailly Homestead.
The Bailly Homestead is another small inland park. There is a long windy road that leads to some small parking areas as well as a small creek/river. This is a great place for kayaking or fishing and of course, hiking.
The Bailly Homestead is (more or less) a few historical buildings. The oldest are some log cabins dating back to the 1850’s when the Bailly’s became the first settlers of the region. There is also a large house (built in 1917) that was part of the Bailly family property. (Note: I’m not sure if these buildings are open to the public normally. The insides looked as if they had a staged setup, however, I visited during the pandemic and therefore, things were closed).
Beyond the homestead is Chellberg farm, which is an actual farm with pigs, cows, and sheep. I do think that normally there are staged events and performances when a pandemic is not in swing. On the way to the farm, for example, is a large maple syrup setup (which would be cool to visit).
There is also a Bailly family cemetery at the end of the trails through the woods. The whole experience is quite fascinating!
Michigan City
The South Shore Line goes straight to Michigan City. It’s a bit further from the dunes but can provide a whole day of adventure! Some things to see and do include: visiting the Washington Park Zoo, going to the marina, viewing lighthouses (this place is known for its lighthouses!), visiting the beach, seeing the Barker Mansion, and enjoying the town proper and all of the amazing eateries!
There are also a number of trails, boating activities, and casinos for some added fun. Definitely worth a stop if you’re visiting northern Indiana!
Whiting
I live in Whiting and I love it. It’s a super cute, small town on the left tip of northern indiana. Normally, Whiting has a number of events during the summer including: car shows, symphony at the park, the festival of the lakes, and the renowned Pierogi Fest. Many of these events have been cancelled during 2020 (which is extremely unfortunate). However, Whiting has a number of other gems!
Whihala beach, the Mascot Hall of Fame, the old theatre, and Wolf Lake are all wonderful attractions in Whiting. Not to mention, there are a number of cute restaurants and bars in town!
Albanese Candy Factory
If you’re coming to northern indiana from the south, you’ll want to stop by the Albanese Candy Factory. It’s off of I-65 and about thirty minutes from Whiting. The Albanese Candy Factory has some amazing and unique candies and a wonderful atmosphere for people of all ages!
Crown Point
Crown Point is worth a small stop if you’re visiting northern indiana. There are loads of shops and historical buildings to visit. There are also a few trails and campsites. One of the trails even has a covered bridge which makes for a great instagram backdrop!
I’m not going to lie though. I mostly come to Crown Point for the shops and the food!
Chicago (option)
If you have some extra time, you can always squeeze in a day trip to Chicago via the South Shore Line. The train will make it easier for you to commute to and from the city. Parking can be expensive and driving can be aggravating. When visiting Chicago, I highly recommend using public transport as much as you can!
Now there is A LOT to see and do in Chicago. Honestly, the city is meant for a trip all on it’s own. But if you want, you can spend a day here and then head back to indiana (where there are no parking fees and hotels are much cheaper!).
Portage
Portage is probably one of my favorite places up here in northern indiana. I love stopping in the town after a day at the dunes. As far as what there is to do in portage, I’m not entirely sure! I come here for the food!
My favorite places are the Porte Drive in and Dari-Dip ice cream. There are also so many great diners and drive in theatres here too!
Chesterton
Chesterton is one of those places that I visited once and realized I need to visit more often. It’s right by portage and has a beautiful town square with a number of historic buildings. There are some great family owned shops and eateries, a small park with a gazebo, and a cool strain car that’s great for photos or showing to the kids!
I hope this gives you a good idea of what to do when visiting northern indiana. I wish I had known about all of these unique places earlier! Still, there is much to see and do. A few other things to mention are places I have yet to visit but people have recommended:
- Ogden Dunes
- Valparaiso
- South Bend
- The wineries and Breweries
I have not yet visited these places but apparently, they are also great stops!
If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below:
Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what places in northern indiana interest you most!
You can also email me with questions or concerns you may have at info.amelia.wilson@gmail.com
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Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Thanks again