Home of Amish towns, lakeshore cities, picturesque landscapes and small-town charm, Northern Indiana has something for every type of traveler. Located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, this region of the state offers a wide range of activities from hiking to bird watching, shopping to boating. Visitors can arrive in the region from nearby airports in Chicago or Indianapolis. The region is also well connected by Interstates and major highways.
Home of the Indiana Dunes, Porter County offers visitors a small town experience and various outdoor activities. The area is dotted with several lakefront towns, including Portage at the heart of the American steel industry. Located at the tip of Lake Michigan, the town features a public marina for boating and fishing. The county also has many historical links, including being the home of a farm in Valparaiso where Orville Redenbacher launched his first gourmet popcorn product. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and bird watching in the Dunes Nature Preserve and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Located near South Bend in Northern Indiana, Elkhart County offers visitors charming small towns and family fun with scenic landscapes. Also known as Amish Country, because of the 20,000 Amish who live in the area, visitors can travel along the 90-mile Heritage Trail to experience the area's culture, history and major attractions. Families can also enjoy apple picking and arts and crafts in the region, as well as shop in unique artisan shops.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Gary, Indiana offers visitors a view of Chicago's skyline. Travelers to the city are a short drive from many attractions in Northern Indiana and Chicago. Visitors can enjoy a day at the beach, jet skiing on Lake Michigan, or shopping at boutiques and galleries at the Lake Street Shopping District. Visitors can also visit the casino at Buffington Harbor.
First settled in 1831, Steuben County is also known as Northern Indiana Lakes Country. The region is home to Indiana's third largest lake, Lake James. Visitors can enjoy boating, skiing and swimming in the region's numerous lakes. Ice fishing is also popular in the country in winter. Travelers can also visit Pokagon State Park, where they can enjoy cross country skiing and tobogganing in winter or enjoy a picnic and relax on the beach in the summer.
