2. Sledding
Sled down the hills at Lost Marsh Golf Course or Lake County Fairgrounds.
3. Parks
Exhaust the kids at the many city and county parks throughout the South Shore.
4. Skateboarding
Hone your skate boarding skills at the many skate parks in the area.
5. Kayaking
Launch your kayak on the waters of Wolf Lake in Hammond, along the Kankakee River or Lake Michigan.
6. Hiking
The South Shore is home to many hiking trails at the Indiana Dunes and throughout the many parks in the area.
Arts & Culture
7. Galleries and Exhibits
View the works of national and local artists at the galleries and exhibit halls, ranging from photography to paintings to sculpture.
8. The Shrine of Christ's Passion
Journey through the passion of Christ at The Shrine of Christ's Passion in St. John, a half-mile walking path featuring life-size bronze statues.
9. South Shore Civil War Memorial Trail
Follow Indiana’s role in the Civil War and honor those that made the sacrifice along northwest Indiana’s Civil War trail.
13. Albanese Candy
Entertain your sweet tooth with free tastings and a tour of the candy factory in Hobart.
14. Cabela’s
Check out the lifelike taxidermy, waterfall and local fish swimming in the aquarium at Cabela’s.
15. Wine Tastings
Stop in at Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington for a free wine tasting. When they're not too busy, they offer free tours as well!
Enjoy the Outdoors
16. Beaches
Relax on the beaches from Whiting to Michigan City, Ind. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
17. Fishing
Fish off the pier at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk or head out to LaSalle or Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Areas. See our top 10 fishing spots here.
18. Sandhill Cranes
Connect with nature watching the sandhill cranes fall migration every fall at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area.
19. Shelf Ice
In the winter, discover the beautiful shelf ice on Lake Michigan. Find safe locations to view here.
20. Birding
Watch for an amazing variety of birds at places like the Grand Kankakee Marsh, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and Lakefront Park and Bird Sanctuary.
21. Maple Syrup Time
Help tap the trees in early March during the maple syrup season at Deep River County Park and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Events
22. Indiana Dunes Events
Almost all of the events at the National Lakeshore and State Park are free. There is a small parking fee at the State Park.
23. Community Nights at RailCats
View the RailCats website for Community Night baseball games, when you can pick up free tickets at local businesses.
24. Vintage Baseball
Step back in time with a Deep River Grinders or Munster Centennials vintage baseball game.
25. Farmers’ Markets
Wander the local farmers’ markets and enjoy the live entertainment that some markets include.
26. First Friday Art Walk
Discover the shops and artwork in downtown Michigan City with their monthly First Friday Art Walk.
27. Parades
Parades are not just for the 4th of July. Find them on St. Patrick’s Day, Labor Day and at the annual Popcorn Festival and Pierogi Fest ®, too.
28. Festivals with Free Admission
Many of the local festivals offer free admission to enjoy live entertainment, browsing the vendors, people watch and more.
29. Car Cruises
Find a variety of classic beauties at the car cruise nights in downtown Crown Point and Whiting.
30. Summer Symphonies
Sit back and relax during the summer symphony performances.
- Summer Rhapsody Music Festival, Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso
- South Shore Summer Music Festival, throughout Northwest Indiana
- Summer with the Symphony, Lakefront Park, Whiting
