Northern Indiana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Studebaker National Museum featuring interior views and heritage elements
Explore Amish country, go barn dancing on a rural farm and trek around the shores of Lake Michigan in this Midwest region.

Northern Indiana is filled with fertile farm land and is connected to historic trade routes, so its rich agricultural heritage should come as no surprise. Visit the Amish region for fresh produce and quiet country escapes, or spend time in a bustling town bordering Lake Michigan.

Expect to find a strong sense of Midwestern hospitality when you arrive in the counties of Northern Indiana. It’s hard not to get swept up in the Midwestern spirit as locals share their stories and beautiful landscapes with you.

Start at the very north of the state at the Indiana Dunes. These sand dunes stretch along 15 miles (24 kilometers) of Lake Michigan coastline and offer plenty of inland trails to explore. Dip your toes in the water or stay on dry land and try hiking and birdwatching instead. In nearby Michigan City, experience the bright lights of the town’s casino and shop for bargains at the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets.

Head to South Bend to visit the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Marvel at the university’s stunning architecture and practice your swing on one of the golf courses. Time your trip to coincide with college football season to experience the tailgating and festive atmosphere of game nights.

One of the best ways to see the Amish region is to take a road trip along historic trails in Amish backcountry. Browse Amish farmers’ markets in Shipshewana and Bristol to taste fresh honey, admire handmade wooden furniture and sniff fragment essential oils. Quilt Gardens, a delightful stop along the Heritage Trail, is filled with colorful quilt-inspired garden patterns and vast wall murals.

Fly to South Bend International Airport and rent a car to travel around the region. Visit in July and August for the warmest weather and best chance of making the most of Lake Michigan’s watersports. Winter is also a great choice for those looking to go hiking through the snow by day and cozy up by roaring fires come evening.

Visit Northern Indiana to experience a welcoming farming region with a strong sense of cultural heritage and identity.

Where to stay in Northern Indiana

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Miller Beach

If you're spending some time in Miller Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan are top sights worth seeing.

Miller Beach
University of Notre Dame showing a garden, wild flowers and heritage architecture

Northeast South Bend

While visiting Northeast South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like East Race Waterway and Coquillard Park.

Northeast South Bend
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Porter Beach

While visiting Porter Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan.

Porter Beach
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Ogden Dunes

You'll enjoy the beaches and lake views in Ogden Dunes. You might want to make time for a stop at Indiana Dunes National Park or Lake Michigan.

Ogden Dunes
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Harters Heights

Harters Heights might not have many top sights, but Notre Dame Stadium and Basilica of the Sacred Heart are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Harters Heights
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Wooded Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Wooded Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Notre Dame Stadium and Compton Family Ice Arena.

Wooded Estates
Hyatt Place South Bend / Mishawaka
Hyatt Place South Bend / Mishawaka
3 out of 5
215 W Day Rd, Mishawaka, IN
The price is NZ$171 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
NZ$171
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mishawaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Excellent stay!!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Place South Bend / Mishawaka
Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
3.5 out of 5
777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, IN
The price is NZ$207 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$207
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Michigan City. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
Great beds, high water pressure.
"Very, very nice room. Clean, wonderful shower water pressure. Comfy bed. Fast elevators, quiet 6th floor. Pool was out of order, would of liked to know that early on. Staff friendly. Price for Friday and Saturday stay very competitive. Highly recommended we will be staying here aga"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
The Bradley Hotel
The Bradley Hotel
3.5 out of 5
204 W Main St, Fort Wayne, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$283 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$283
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Fort Wayne. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (429 reviews)
"The Bradley was fabulous from the beginning to the end of our stay. Wonderful staff and the food was delicious. We will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

The Bradley Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
VIP! LUXURY 4BD 5min to Lake Michigan beach Big Pool
VIP! LUXURY 4BD 5min to Lake Michigan beach Big Pool
Michigan City
Stay at this villa in Michigan City. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions Blue ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Super clean and comfortable
"Place was very clean, beds was very comfortable. we slepts like a baby and enjoy the house with the amenities. Great location walk distance from Michigan lake highly recommended! Thank you Hodi"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

VIP! LUXURY 4BD 5min to Lake Michigan beach Big Pool
Beautiful Family Cottage in Beachwalk *Grill *AC * Free Wifi*Kids Haven.
Beautiful Family Cottage in Beachwalk *Grill *AC * Free Wifi*Kids Haven.
Michigan City
Stay at this vacation home in Michigan City. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Stop 7 Beach and Stop 2 Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (167 reviews)
Super cute house in a great location
"This house is cute, clean, and very close (less than 10-minute walk) to Lake Michigan! Awesome amenities like aa pool, ping pong, pickle ball counts, and more."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2023

Beautiful Family Cottage in Beachwalk *Grill *AC * Free Wifi*Kids Haven.
cozy home with hot tub next to downtown Valparaiso
cozy home with hot tub next to downtown Valparaiso
Valparaiso
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Valparaiso. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Above and beyond
"Hosts met all our needs and even was above all our expectations. I would recommend this place to anyone looking."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

cozy home with hot tub next to downtown Valparaiso
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Northern Indiana