Relaxing on vacation has its place, but sometimes the best trips are ones that get your heart racing! In the South Shore, adventure shows up year-round, from frozen shelf ice in winter to floating obstacle courses in summer. The South Shore is where you can explore, play, and try something new, regardless of the season!
 

View from Mount Tom Indiana Dunes State Park

Spring

When the snow melts and the days start to warm up, the South Shore perks up fast! Trails reopen and wildlife reappears. It’s a great time to take on the 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park, a 1.5-mile hike that climbs three towering sand dunes and rewards you with impressive views of the lake. If you love a treasure hunt, geocaching at Indiana Dunes National Park is perfect; all you need is a phone and a sense of adventure (and maybe direction!)

Spring is also the perfect time to visit Sandy Oak Ranch in Lake Village, where you can drive through pastures full of bison, elk and camels, explore the walk-through area with donkeys and goats, or book their Baby Ranch Adventure to bottle-feed a baby animal.

If you’re craving some springtime color, head to Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, where the blooming trees and quiet trails offer a peaceful way to ease into the season.
 

Canoe in Marquette Park

Summer

During summer, it’s all about getting outside. One of the most unexpectedly fun experiences is WhoaZone at Whihala Beach in Whiting. This giant inflatable water park floats right on Lake Michigan and is packed with slides, climbing walls and obstacle courses. 

For something a little more peaceful, rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat for Miller Lagoon from J & M Excursions. It’s a great way to beat the heat and take in some amazing views. Learn more on kayaking and canoeing the region here.

And if you’ve never hiked the dunes at sunset, now’s the time. The golden hour views at Indiana Dunes National Park are hard to beat.


Harvest Tyme Sunflowers

Fall

Fall along the South Shore means warm colors, crisp air, changing leaves and events that celebrate the harvest.

Start with the Duneland Fall Festival at Chellberg Farm in Indiana Dunes National Park. Held in September, this celebration includes more than 70 activities, including hiking, paddling, biking, music, food and more. Likewise, don’t miss the Harvest Tyme Fall Festival in Lowell, held every weekend from late September through October, where you can pick pumpkins, make your way through corn mazes and enjoy hayrides.

And at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area, you can witness the migration of thousands of sandhill cranes every November. A magical sight to say the least!
 

Cross Country Skiing in Northwest Indiana

Winter

There’s no reason to stay cooped up all winter, not when there’s so much to do in South Shore. Here you’ll find snow-covered trails, ice skating, and plenty to explore once the temperatures drop. 

Local parks like Stoney Run and Oak Ridge Prairie open up for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and are ranked among the best winter trails in the region! Even familiar places like Indiana Dunes National Park take on a new look when dusted with snow. 

At Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, you can rent snowshoes at the Railway Depot and wander through more than 300 acres of trails. And if you’re bringing the kids, there’s even a self-guided Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt to keep things engaging. So grab your boots, layer up, and make some time to enjoy the season while it lasts.


Ready to plan your next adventure? Check out local hotels for great deals and easy access to South Shore fun—no matter the season.