20 Must-Do Experiences Along the South Shore

Looking for a list of can't-miss adventures when visiting the South Shore of Lake Michigan? We put together 20 fun things to do - from hiking at the Indiana Dunes National Park and chartering a fishing expedition to tasting the world's best gummies and cruising on a historic steamboat.
 

Explore Indiana’s Only National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is the crown jewel of outdoor activities, with miles of trails and Lake Michigan shoreline.
 

Travel Back to the Gilded Age

Built in 1857, The Barker Mansion is a monument to Gilded Age architecture with 38 rooms, a beautiful garden to explore and offers guided or self-guided tours.
 

Sample the World’s Best Gummies

Get your sweet fix with thousands of candy and chocolate options at the one and only Albanese Candy Factory, home of the famous “gummy with the A on the tummy” and countless other sweet creations.

Venture into the Wild

Walk or drive through Sandy Oak Ranch to see more than 100 exotic mammals and birds. Cuddle a goat or feed the animals at The Baby Ranch.
 

Spot Rare Birds

As a major migratory stopover, more than 350 bird species can be spotted throughout the area, including at the Indiana Dunes State Park's Bird Observatory. Find more places to go birding here.

Snap an Iconic Shot at the Lighthouse

For that perfect spot to take memorable photos, the lighthouse and pier in Michigan City's Washington Park won’t disappoint.
 

Stroll Through the Gardens

Take in hundreds of acres of peaceful trails, gardens and natural spaces at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest or Friendship Botanic Gardens.
 

Charter a Fishing Excursion

Join the droves who come to fish the southern shore of Lake Michigan by chartering a boat with a seasoned captain to guide the way.
 

Visit the Premier Agricultural Destination

Dig into modern farming at Fair Oaks Farms. where you can go on a pig tour, see calves being born, enjoy farm-to-table meals and more.

Conquer the Brewery Trail

Visit the local craft breweries on the South Shore Passport App and earn a bottle opener or t-shirt to prove you’re a true beer boss.
 

Bike from Chicago to New Buffalo

The monstrous Marquette Greenway Trail that travels between three states winds through diverse landscapes, including the Indiana Dunes.

Take a Spiritual Journey

At the Shrine of Christ's Passion, the Stations of the Cross come to life as you walk amongst the life-size bronze sculptures along the trail.
 

Cruise on a Historic Steamboat

Climb aboard to hear the Dewey Line crew tell stories of the region’s resort past as you cruise along on Cedar Lake.
 

Ride Steam-Powered Trains

Climb aboard and ride through history on vintage train cars at Hesston Steam Museum or Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.

Get Ready for Splashtastic Fun

Cool off with slides, wave pools and lazy rivers at Deep River Waterpark, one of the Midwest’s largest outdoor waterparks.
 

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Kids can build towers, battle pirates, become a vet, dig for dino bones and more at Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center.

Celebrate Tulip Tyme & More

Gaze at more than 300,000 tulips in full bloom as you wander through the fields during Tulip Tyme in spring, pick pumpkins in the fall or wander through the holiday lights in the winter at Harvest Tyme Family Farm.
 

Attend a Legendary Event

Watch the wacky, one-of-a-kind parade at Pierogi Fest® or enjoy free concerts at Festival of the Lakes in July. Take a ride on the ferris wheel and watch a horse show in August at the Lake County Fair or attend one of the other amazing events happening year-round.
 

Catch a Show, then Ante Up

Gaming, concerts, dining and nightlife are on tap at Horseshoe and Hard Rock casinos. 

WhoaZone at Whihala Beach

Bounce, climb and splash your way through a floating one-acre water park on Lake Michigan packed with monkey bars, slides, towers and jumping platforms (ages 7+).