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Indiana Region Guide
Lake Michigan dunes, classic towns, Chicago at your back.
The Region is Indiana's northwest corner, where the state meets Lake Michigan and the Chicago line. The Indiana Dunes give you real beach and trail country, while Valparaiso, Crown Point, and Chesterton add walkable downtowns. It is a region that pairs a lakefront day with a classic Indiana main street.
Plan the Day
Indiana Dunes beaches and trails, the Crown Point courthouse, and the Michigan City lighthouse can each carry part of a day.
Find where cherry blossoms grow in Indiana, including Indianapolis and Carmel spots, peak bloom timing, and tips for catching the petals before they fall.
Where to Eat
Valparaiso and Crown Point hold the most walkable food scenes. The dune towns add casual stops best paired with a beach or trail day.
Taco Tia in Merrillville, Indiana serves Mexican food, big portions, and 81st Avenue local favorites. Here's what to know before you go.
Hidden Gems
Local stops, like the West Beach succession trail, the Albanese candy factory in Merrillville, and the boardwalks through Cowles Bog.
City West, Indiana was built near Lake Michigan to rival Chicago before the dunes swallowed it. Here's the story of the lost Indiana town.
Get hands-on with steam engines, historic trains, and vintage machines at Hesston Steam Museum. A must-visit for history buffs and curious minds.
Events
Dunes summer events, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, and Crown Point's square festivals fill the calendar. Beach weekends fill parking lots early.
Small Towns
Chesterton, Crown Point, and Michigan City each pair well with a dunes day, adding shops, squares, and lakefront character.
Whiting is a delightful little lakeside city—often called the “Little City on the Lake”—nestled on Lake Michigan’s southern shore. It has small-town vibes, rich history, and a few festivals in the area you simply can’t miss.
Kouts, Indiana is a Porter County town with small-town charm, local history, and Northwest Indiana roots. Here's what to know before you visit.
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Discover Fair Oaks Farms in Jasper County, Indiana — a hands-on agricultural adventure with cows, crops, pigs, and farm-to-table dining for the whole family.
Caribbean Roots is a locally owned shop that serves smoked BBQ meats with a Dominican twist. Discover this hidden gem and all of its authentic dishes in Gary, Indiana.