Winter Activities & Things to Do in Northwest Indiana

Don’t let the chilly air hold you hostage in your home! Get out and explore the South Shore’s outdoor adventures, culinary treats and winter activities. We’ve put together an A to Z list of things to do this winter.

Arboretum - The South Shore has its very own arboretum – Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest with walking trails, wetlands, woodlands, and formal gardens; a beautiful place to visit any time of year.
Brewery Trail - Visit one of the South Shore Brewery Trail stops for a new release, long-time favorite or award-winning beer this winter. Find a location near you, dining options and more by using the South Shore Passport App.
Create - Get creative with an art or painting class at Beale Pottery, Art Barn School of Art or South Shore Arts. Each offers unique workshops, gift galleries and art programs. Read our blog about art experiences in the region here.
Dining Outdoors - Don’t just dine out, dine outdoors in a private, heated igloo at Fair Oaks Farms' Farmhouse Restaurant, Four Corners Winery or Provecho. Reservations must be made in advance.
Events - Discover all kinds of events here, from holiday festivities like the "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit or the New Year's Eve Pierogi Drop, to paint nights, live concerts and kids' fun.

Fly Down a Snowy Hill - Sledding is a favorite pastime and a rite of passage growing up in the Midwest. Find your nearest sledding hill on our blog here.
Geocaching - Get out and play! The Indiana Dunes National Park hosts a number of Geocaches and EarthCaches for you to find. Learn more here.
Hiking - The Indiana Dunes and the surrounding areas offer hundreds of miles of trails that are beautiful covered in a blanket of white snow! If you’re up for a challenge, hike the 3 Dune Challenge at the Indiana Dunes State Park.
Ice Skating - Spend the afternoon showing off your skating skills at the rink at Crown Point's Bulldog Park, Valparaiso's Central Park Plaza or Deep River Waterpark, weather permitting. Skate rentals are available onsite.
Journey - Take a journey through Journeyman Distillery - The American Factory in Valparaiso. They offer tours & tastings, a delicious menu, an expansive gift shop, special events and more.
Kankakee Sands – More than 70 bison roam Kankakee Sands and graze on more than 1,100 acres of prairie. The bison viewing area is the best spot to learn more and see the bison herd. Walking paths are also available throughout the Kankakee Sands restoration area.
Lake Michigan Shelf Ice - The beach isn't just beautiful in the summer, but also in the winter. When the temperatures drop, shelf ice will form on the waves that crash into the floating ice, mimicking the landscape of arctic regions. *Beware if you venture out to see the shelf ice do NOT walk on the ice. It is extremely dangerous! Find safe viewing locations here.
Make a Bet – May the odds be in your favor when you visit one of the South Shore’s four casinos! Play a hand of poker, spin the roulette wheel or place a bet at one of the new sports betting locations within the casino. Good luck!

Nature - After a snowfall, you can spot animal tracks on a quiet walk along the South Shore. We recommend a trip to the Indiana Dunes or bird watching at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve in Hammond. Call ahead and reserve their Private Bird Room on select Wednesdays and Fridays.
Oink! - Visit Fair Oaks Farms for an adventure through modern-day farming including the Dairy, Pink and Crop Adventures.
Photo Opportunities - Whether it’s a snapshot of Lake Michigan, the lighthouse in Michigan City or larger-than-life murals along the RenArtWlk in Rensselaer, the South Shore’s photo ops are a great way to get out and explore.
Quick Sugar Rush - Make a stop at one of our local candy shops for a special treat or maybe to pick up that perfect holiday stocking stuffer or Valentine's Day gift! Visit places like Albanese Candy in Hobart, Tethan's Candy & Confections in Chesterton or Morkes Chocolates in Cedar Lake.
Relax - Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa day at Vanis Salon & Day Spa in Crown Point, Schererville or Valparaiso, or check out all the services at the Brewery Lodge Spa & Supper Club in Michigan City and plan an overnight stay! You can also reflect and unwind with a stroll along the prayer trail at the Shrine of Christ's Passion in St. John. The Shrine also has a massive Gift Shoppe with over 10,000 items.
Shopping - With all of the small shops throughout the South Shore, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift or even something for yourself! Visit our Shop Small blog to plan your day of shopping.
Theater - Enjoy a show at Hobart Art Theater, Memorial Opera House, Theatre at the Center, Chicago Street Theatre or Indiana Ballet Theatre.
Unique Stays - Make an escape right here in the South Shore at a private vacation rental by the beach, a room at the Brewery Lodge or a bed and breakfast! Find unique places to stay here.
Veterans Memorial - Walk the self-guided trail at Community Veterans Memorial at your own pace. More than six acres feature bronze and granite sculptures depicting major military conflicts that shaped the 20th Century.
Wineries - Whether you like deep reds or sparkling whites, you are sure to find your perfect blend along our South Shore Winery Trail.
X-County Skiing - Go no further than one of Lake County’s parks for cross-country skiing. Lemon Lake, Stoney Run and Oak Ridge Prairie County Parks all offer trails perfect for skiers. Oak Ridge and Stoney Run offer ski rentals - please check ahead for availability.
Young at Heart - Get in touch with your inner child (or let the kids tag along) with duck pin bowling at Public Bar & Rec, pinball machines at Bombers BBQ or jump the day away at Ninja Kidz Action Park.
Zap - Up Your Alley offers laser tag, cyber cars, arcades, axe throwing as well as bowling. Zap your opponent in laser tag, try to get a 300 score or jump in a cyber car to play Cyber Sport. Find more places to play indoors here.