South Shore Blog

Break out the sleeping bags, grab the marshmallows, pack your tent or hop in the RV, it’s camping season in northwest Indiana! It is time to get together with friends and family around the campfire, go on early morning trail walks, relax on the lake and roast some weenies. I know I’m excited for burnt marshmallows and lake days and have already started planning my camping trip. 

Here are a few campground options in northern Indiana to get your camping trip planning started, including two within the Indiana Dunes.

Looking for some summer fun? Mark these things to do in northwest Indiana this summer off your bucket list!

1. Learn how to be a mascot, practice shooting t-shirts into a crowd and try all the games and activities at Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting. 

Tucked within the northwest quadrant of America’s Hoosier State exists a terrific array of must-see attractions, everything from world-class art to adrenaline-inducing thrill to awe-inspiring natural majesty. From Jasper County to the borders of Lake Michigan, enjoy a portfolio of attractions that deservingly tugs on the heart of every true adventurer. Immerse yourself in authentic midwestern American culture, with an assemblage of location-specific sights and sounds you can only experience in Northwestern Indiana! 

On a lazy afternoon, I wandered down to Jeorse Park and Beach located on the shores of Lake Michigan in East Chicago. The City has been working diligently on a $15.5 million makeover to the Park and Marina and it’s absolutely amazing! I was greeted by colorful, painted murals lining the entrance to the Park, which sits next to Ameristar Casino. 

When I was little each summer we would always plan a fun family trip and more often than not, it would be a road trip. At the time, I was not the biggest fan of being in the car for hours, but today I appreciate the experience. I am excited to share the fun with my children! When we planned to visit Fort Wayne, Indiana this summer I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to plan some fun stops along the way.

Getting my crew outside and active is one of my goals every day of every trip. Indiana Dunes is breathtaking, really something to see. We visited Indiana Dunes West Beach trails as a part of a familiarization trip with Visit the South Shore.

Final preparations are being made for another busy beach season at Indiana Dunes National Park. Each

My discovery of Indiana Dunes National Park started with a tour by Ranger Jeff Manuszak who is an artist himself and knows what places to show other artists. He took me to see various beaches, trails, and dunes I might find interesting to paint. Here he is standing on Mount Baldy.

Did you know that the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore turns 50 this year? Talk about a fine wine. Special events are occurring along the lakeshore to commemorate Indiana’s favorite national park. We’ve put together five ways for you to celebrate the wonder of Lake Michigan. From Century of Progress Tours to a festival inspired by Johnny Appleseed, you’ll find fun for the whole family.

What better way to celebrate Indiana's Bicentennial than to explore the "nooks and crannies" of the