1. Bike Trails
The South Shore has hundreds of miles of bike trails, traveling along the lakeshore and through nature as well as paved paths through woods and downtowns.
Bark Side of the Dune - Trails at Gabis Arboretum
7. Art 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 Shrine of Christ's Passion in St. John, a half-mile walking path featuring life-size bronze statues.
11. Rotblatt-Amrany Trail
Follow the Rotblatt-Amrany Trail to see the studio's amazing bronze creations including "The Spirit" of Michael Jordan in Chicago and "Flick" stuck to a flagpole in Hammond, a character from the "A Christmas Story" movie.
12. "A Christmas Story" Comes Home
Get into the holiday spirit at the "A Christmas Story" Comes Home Exhibit, every November and December at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond.
14. Cabela’s
Check out the lifelike taxidermy, waterfall and local fish swimming in the aquarium at Cabela’s. The store also offers free seminars and events throughout the year.
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!
16. Beaches
Relax on the beaches from Whiting to Michigan City. Many of the beaches do not charge entry fees, including most of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore beaches. 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.
19. Shelf Ice
In the winter, discover the beautiful shelf ice on Lake Michigan, a natural occurrence that mimics the landscape of arctic regions. 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.
22. Events at the Indiana Dunes
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, playing according to rules written in 1858, when courtesy prevailed on and off the playing field.
25. Farmers’ Markets
Wander the local farmers’ markets all over Northwest Indiana. Plus many of the markets have live entertainment to enjoy.
26. First Friday Art Walk
Discover the shops and artwork in downtown Michigan City with their monthly First Friday Art Walk.
27. 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
28. Parades Throughout the Year
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.
29. Festivals with Free Admission
Many of the local festivals offer free admission to enjoy live entertainment, browsing the vendors, people watch and more.
30. Car Cruises Around the Region
Find a variety of classic beauties at the car cruise nights in downtown Crown Point and Whiting.
