With a little more than 1,000 visitors left before hitting a major milestone, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will be celebrating the three millionth visitor of the Indiana Welcome Center before the end of the week.

"The Indiana Welcome Center not only provides visitors a place to gather information on the South Shore, but it also serves as an attraction with the W.F. Wellman Exhibit Hall," explained Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore CVA. "That we've attracted three million visitors since opening our doors in 1999 is a huge accomplishment."

The W.F. Wellman Exhibit Hall features rotating exhibits throughout the year. Exhibits have included the South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail's "Region United, Nation Divided: The South Shore in the Civil War" exhibit, Trashion, as well as numerous art and photography exhibits. The current exhibit, "A Christmas Story" Comes Home, draws thousands of visitors each week due to the numerous events and activities planned in conjunction with the exhibit.

The three millionth visitor will receive a gift basket that includes items from partners of the South Shore CVA. Items include an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Schererville, candy from Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville, a gift certificate to El Taco Real in Hammond and more.

For more information on the South Shore CVA or the Indiana Welcome Center, visit www.alongthesouthshore.com or call 219-989-7770.