Story Ideas
Quiet Beaches & Lake Michigan
See why the Indiana Dunes are Indiana's most visited state/national parks. Plenty of sun, sand and blue waters for everyone. Discover a sandy pathway into the dunes or challenge yourself to fresh water charter fishing. Lake Michigan also offers the opportunity to sail or dive one of Lake Michigan's ship wrecks. Sledding and cross-country skiing are popular activities when snow covers the dunes.
Historical Cities to Landmark Towns
Explore the remnants of the "company town," Marktown. Take a walking tour of historic downtown Crown Point including the many shops and restaurants that surround the old Lake County Courthouse.
Family Fun
Take the family to Albanese Candy Factory where award-winning gummies and chocolate are made. The factory is home to a large retail store where you can taste their products as well as shop a large variety of other candy brands. Visit Deep River Waterpark with tube and body slides, two lazy rivers, wacky courthouse and the world's only double dueling cannon bowl ride.
Dining along the South Shore
Award-winning restaurants are located throughout the area. A mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Sites in Crown Point is home to Lucrezia Ristorante. For some of the best Italian cuisine in the Midwest, look no further than Gamba's Restaurant in Merrillville. Exceptional atmosphere, full wine menu and chef's specials make this a local favorite.
Casinos! Casinos! Casinos!
The South Shore is home to four casinos; Horseshoe, Ameristar, Blue Chip and Hard Rock. Northwest Indiana casinos are open 24 hours a day and have thousands of slot machines, table games, video poker and keno. The action doesn't stop there; South Shore casinos feature upscale restaurants, live entertainment and special events year-round.
Famous Faces
An astronaut that holds the record for the most space walks, the famous foot doctor, the Jackson 5 and the writer of "A Christmas Story" have all called the South Shore home.
Harvest Season
The South Shore is home to numerous Agritourism opportunities. Harvest season is the time to visit County Line Orchard, the closest U-pick apple orchard to Chicago. County Line opens in September and closes at the end of October. The orchard also features special Halloween events and hay rides as well as a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Buckley Homestead, a living history farm in Lowell features hiking trails, a corn maze and guided tours. Located in Newton County, Fair Oaks Farms, offers young and old a place to learn about modern dairy farming, including the Birthing Barn where you can watch a baby calf be born. Tours are available. Visit the cheese shop and creamery for award winning cheeses, gifts and homemade ice cream.
Festivals
Nationally-known Pierogi Fest®, Valparaiso's Popcorn Festival and Indiana's oldest Labor Day Parade in Lowell are among the year-round celebrations.