Winter Activities in the South Shore

Indiana’s South Shore is snow-packed with winter activities. The temperatures may be lower, but fear not! There are plenty of reasons to venture outdoors. From sledding to ice skating to winter events like holiday tree lightings, there are activities for the whole family.  

Sledding and Skiing in Northwest Indiana

On a crisp, snowy winter day, grab your sled and head to the “Devil’s Slide” at Indiana Dunes State Park. The whirlwind sled ride takes adventurous sledders down snow-covered sand dunes to the shores of Lake Michigan.  

Local sledders also enjoy the hills at Oak Ridge Prairie and Lemon Lake when an adequate snow pack allows. If you’re still looking to fill your sledding fix, head on over to Centennial Park in Munster, Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond, or Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point.  

If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is more your speed, there are plenty of locations to explore. Oak Ridge Prairie and Stoney Run Country Park both offer ski-rental services for those looking to dip their toes into the sport for the first time.  

Ice Skating 

For ice skating, head on over to Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point, where their seasonal Skate the Plaza rink runs through the colder months. Also in Crown Point, Bulldog Park offers ice skating in an NHL-sized ice rink during the winter. 

In Valparaiso, check out the colorful ice skating rink at Central Park Plaza. Ice skaters can enjoy their massive rink with a covered roof and a state-of-the-art sound system.  

Indoor Winter Activities 

When you’re ready to stay warm but still explore, Indiana’s South Shore has plenty of indoor options, too! Spend a slow afternoon in local cafés and coffee shops tucked into downtowns like Valparaiso, Hobart, and Michigan City, where you can warm up with a hot drink between stops. Browse independent galleries and shops, plan a museum day at spots like local history museums and children’s museums, or head to indoor recreation centers for bowling, arcade games, or mini golf. 

For the adult crowd, consider catching a live concert or testing your luck at one of the region’s casinos. The Hard Rock Casino in Gary hosts live music and comedy nearly every weekend. You can also catch shows at the Horseshoe Casino Hammond or just hit the tables at Ameristar Casino Hotel in East Chicago.