Visitors Guide

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Plan a South Shore Family Vacation

Home of the Indiana Dunes National Park

Let us help you plan a Midwest family getaway right here along Lake Michigan's South Shore.

In the summer, fly down the slides at Deep River Waterpark and splash on the beach. In the spring, hike the trails to see blooming flowers and explore the children's garden at Friendship Botanic Gardens or the Railway Garden at Gabis Arboretum. Visit the orchards and pumpkin patches and camp under the stars in the fall and ice skate, sled or view shelf ice in the winter.

Hop aboard the world of locomotions at one of our train museums, learn something new during a dairy or pig adventure at Fair Oaks Farms, let your little ones explore their imagination at Bellaboo's Play and Discover Center, taste candy fresh from the factory at Albanese, plus so many more attractions!

Grab your kids and start making memories with your family along the South Shore today!

Seasonal Getaways

Use the links below to plan an unforgettable adventure for your family, any season of the year!

Your Adventure Starts Here

Swipe through the topics below to begin planning your trip. You'll find links to great outdoor adventures, unique family attractions and kid-friendly events coming up.

Great Outdoors 15 days ago

Fall Fun Is Calling: Your Guide to Harvest Season at Fair Oaks

4 min read

There’s just something about fall at the farm. Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, apples ready for…

Great Outdoors a month ago

Family picking pumpkins at Fair Oaks Farms

FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!

5 min read

Fall arrives with a splash of color across Northwest Indiana, transforming trails, parks, and communities into…

Things to Do a month ago

Dewey Boat Rides at the Museum at Lassen's Resort

20 Must-Do Experiences Along the South Shore

4 min read

Looking for a list of can't-miss adventures when visiting the South Shore of Lake Michigan? We put…

Events a month ago

South Shore Fall Festival Preview

4 min read

Crisp air, colorful leaves and festival season are calling! From lively Oktoberfests and harvest celebrations…

Events 2 months ago

South Shore Summer Festival Preview

5 min read

From carnivals and cultural celebrations to art fairs and an air show, cities and towns across the South Shore…

Great Outdoors 3 months ago

Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Indiana

6 min read

Northwest Indiana encompasses significant territory, from Lake Michigan’s southern shore to the slow…

Restaurants 3 months ago

Delectable Sweets & Treats Along the South Shore

3 min read

Life is sweeter along the South Shore. Whether you're craving gourmet chocolates, colorful gummies…

Things to Do 3 months ago

Things to Do and Gift Ideas for Father’s Day in Northwest Indiana

4 min read

Father’s Day is almost here! Whether your dad is a grill master, sports fanatic, outdoor adventurer, or…

Events 5 months ago

Festival of the Lakes at Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana

Plan Your Trip Around Northwest Indiana’s Signature Summer Events

2 min read

Plan your trip around these can't-miss events, and turn your getaway into an adventure filled with live…

Things to Do 5 months ago

Find the Artist Within You - Northwest Indiana Art Classes and Workshops

4 min read

Art comes in all styles and colors, shapes and sizes, big and small. Check out these artsy places along the…

Finish Planning Your Trip

Does your family crave restaurants serving delicious foods like fried lake perch or steak fajitas? Looking for a hotel with a pool for the kids or free breakfast? Want to visit a family-friendly brewery, winery or distillery while you're here? Put the finishing touches on your trip with these links.