South Shore Showdown: A Family-Friendly Itinerary with a Competitive Twist

If your crew turns everything into a competition, take it up a notch and turn your family outing into a full-day, bragging-rights-on-the-line challenge. From racing up sand dunes to guessing animals at a drive-thru safari, you’ll find plenty of chances to outscore and out-fun each other. Just keep track as you go, and may the best player win…

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South Shore Hikes for Beginners

Lake Michigan’s South Shore is full of opportunities to get outside, especially if you’re just starting to explore the world of hiking. Local parks like Indiana Dunes National Park andState Park offer beginner-friendly trails that are easy to follow and rich in scenery. Below are a few solid picks for low-key, easy hikes in the region…

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"A Christmas Story" Comes Home Returns to Indiana Welcome Center

You know it’s the holiday season when it’s time to unwrap the"A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit, on display at Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. If you have never been to this spectacular display, then you don’t yet know what you’re missing! This exhibit is free to view and is open from November 15 - December 30, 2025.   This annual exhibit is centered on the popular movie - I am sure you have seen once, twice, or more than 20 times - “A Christmas Story.” The six Macy’s window displays showcase the fictional town of Hohman which is really, low and behold, the author (and movie narrator) Jean Shepherd’s hometown, Hammond, Indiana…

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FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!

There's nothing quite like the feeling of fall when you step outside on a cool, crisp morning and spot the first hints of orange and yellow leaves scattered among the green trees. Despite the chilly weather on the horizon, we can't help but love every aspect of autumn and everything it brings. We're ready for fresh apples and pumpkins,apple-cinnamon donuts, corn mazes, Oktoberfests, pumpkin beer, colorful trails, wildlife viewing, and more…

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